Friday, July 24, 2009

The Jean Western Shirt: A Do or a Don't?




























I have such mixed feelings on this. Truthfully, this can be a super hot piece if done correctly. And oh God, it can be painful when done wrong. The problem is, it is SO easy to get this one wrong!

Over the years of working with private clients and digging into the deep, dark depths of many 'O closets, I have found lots of scary things. The jean shirt is definitely one of them. I will admit that in my day I have trashed quite a few and now, lo and behold, they are back on the trendy wagon. Even I can be wrong sometimes:)

The problem with this piece is that it can be so damn hick that unless you completely funkify it, it looks like you should be at a hoe down in the back woods of Alabama. Not that that is a bad place to be, but there is a very specific look that only works at such a soiree and will not fly anywhere else!
There should be a warning label when purchasing this shirt, "DO NOT EVER WEAR WITH JEANS". I think many manufacturers forget to attach that tag. How harmful for the very delicate eyes of so many people. It pains me to see the jean tuxedo done so deliberately.

Take a cue from Vanessa Hudgens, show off your sexy, funky, fun side when working the denim western shirt. By pairing it with short shorts and boots you are playing up the western element while touching upon a modern trend. How I do love a themed outfit, not like you are going to the hoedown, but maybe just merely passing by.... She even goes as far as to pull in some western styled jewelry with her cuff bracelet. And look at that fringe bag, LOVE the added effort Vanessa!

So pull out that jean western shirt and start styling. But, be wary and heed the lessons that I have so deliberately taught here. Walk on the right side of fashion and pull off this trend correctly.. Giddy up!

Topshop Bleach Denim Western Shirt: $55.00

Picture courtesy of AlmostAmanda.blogspot.com

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

i love vanessa, i think she's so cute. and i didn't know you could wear a jean shirt and still look good.

Anonymous said...

Amy ... !!! Could you list out like the top 10 or so fashion faux pas of all time? I think it would be so much fun and educational-ish fashion-wise.