In keeping with the ‘Back to the 80’s’ movement, denim everything is back for Fall 2009. Just a few years ago, denim vests, shirts and even jackets were considered a bit rugged. Then, the only denim on the runways was jeans or shorts. Even denim skirts were less than desirable. But, the recent recession has made utilitarian fabrics and workwear-inspired clothing vogue.


Denim pieces are perfect for cold weather layers. More than one denim piece can be worn at the same time if you make sure the colors are drastically different. Wearing head-to-toe denim in the same shade will give you a cowgirl-on-her-way-to-the-rodeo look.


This season, denim hit the runway full force. Here are examples of each denim piece and some budget friendly versions you can wear right now.

Denim Vest

Shown: DSquared2, Forever 21 Denim Vest $22.80, Urban Outfitters Denim Vest $58.00, Nordstrom Braided Denim Vest $11.90


Denim vests are great pieces to have in your wardrobe because of their seasonal versatility. Denim vests can be worn over dresses in the Spring and Summer (they look especially great over floral sundresses) or layered under blazers or jackets in the Winter.

Denim Shirt

Shown: DSquared2, Alloy Denim Tunic $36.90, Urban Outfitters Denim Shirt $48.00, Nordstrom Pintuck Shirt $34.00


Denim shirts are just about the perfect layering piece. They can act as a jacket when a light layer is needed. Or, they can be worn under a jacket when it’s cooler. Denim shirts also look great worn on their own, sleeves rolled up with a full skirt or skinny jeans (in a different denim wash).

Denim Jacket

Shown: William Rast, JCrew Denim Jacket $98.00, Forever 21 Denim Jacket $27.80, Calvin Klein Denim Jacket $89.50


Denim jackets are classic. You probably have one hanging in the back of your closet. If you don’t, you can’t go wrong in purchasing one. Even when their not particularly trendy, denim jackets are timeless pieces that can be worn almost any time of year. Wear over a sundress in the Summer or under a leather jacket in the Winter. Denim jackets can be worn to tone down the girliness of a floral dress or soften the harshness of leather pants.

Denim Dress

Shown: Miss Sixty, Forever 21 Denim Dress $19.80, Urban Outfitters Denim Dress $29.99, Lauren Halter Dress $149.00


My favorite dress in the mid 90’s was a cute little denim button-up from Guess. It was super comfortable and appropriate for many occasions. The denim dress that’s popular this Fall is equally versatile. And, there are lots of different styles to choose from. For a rocker-chic look, find an acid wash dress like the Miss Sixty option shown here. There are also more feminine, conservative options like the Lauren halter dress from Nordstrom. Whatever your style, there’s a denim dress for you.

Your thoughts?

Are you a fan of the denim craze? Or, do you think it’s a bit too redneck?
Would you wear denim on denim?
Share your reactions in the comments (I don’t bite, I promise…).