CITYist

In the past, fashion underwent some minor denim therapy when cropped, flared and boyfriend jeans came onto the scene, but we have yet to witness an eye-catching transformation comparable to this season’s printed jeans trend. It’s no groundbreaking surprise that spring’s fashion agenda has always incorporated prints and florals. Instead, the surprise stems from its reinvention with denim, the clothing staple that too often hits the backburner when it comes to creativity. But for now, gone are the typical blue jeans to be replaced by next season’s statement jeans. We saw an introduction to brightly colored bottoms this past winter, and Spring 2012 takes it a step further by mixing in prints and patterns. Now at first glance, this trend may seem flattering only on certain women, but allow us to lend evidence to the universal qualities of printed jeans.

Exhibit A –Floral jeans pair well with the simple and classic pieces we already own. Take for example, music sensensation Lana Del Rey, who made a recent appearance on France’s Le Grand Journal wearing Citizens of Humanity’s Mandy High Waisted Slim Jeans. Paired with a simple trench coat, a sweater and flats, her floral jeans added the perfect touch of romance and vintage to her classic-yet-fresh ensemble, instantly transforming her from singer/performer to fashion’s newest icon.

Exhibit B –Various celebrities with different body types have been spotted in Current/Elliott’s Leopard Stiletto Jeans from Katie Holmes and Sarah Jessica Parker to Mandy Moore and Fergie. There’s something to be said about the versatility of printed jeans –stars have illustrated they’re comfortable enough to wear daily and stylish enough to make fashion headlines, not to mention they look great on all shapes and sizes. Win/Win/Win.

Lastly, Exhibit C –Warmer seasons call for spontaneity and adventure! Spring fashion never takes itself too seriously and neither should you. For the conservative shopper, look at printed jeans as a chance to reinvent your wardrobe. When paired with a simple button-up, classic white tee, chic blazer, or solid-colored sweater, jeans in a more muted tone with smaller prints can add interest to enliven your spring ensemble for that casual weekend out. If you’re a natural risk taker, here’s your chance to exercise your creativity. Mix and match different prints and patterns for an eclectic edgy vibe. The bigger the print and the bolder the color, the better! Spring break calls for a fashion repertoire that is all together daring and care-free, and we want you to get inspired. And of course, printed jeans can transition easily from spring to summer to ensure you get great use out of them season after season.

No matter your body type or style, we encourage you to shop around for denim of different fits and prints, ’cause if you’re looking to make heads turn this season, printed jeans are definitely the way to go. To get the ideas flowing and ball rolling, here’s a compilation of some of our favorite printed jeans.

Citizens of Humanity “Mandy” ($188), barneys.com

AG Adriano Goldschmied Stilt in Tye-Dye Coral ($159), agjeans.com

AG Adriano Goldschmied Stilt in Ikat Blue ($185), agjeans.com

Rag & Bone Jean Legging in Beachwood ($187), Barney’s New York

J Brand Mid-Rise Capri in Heaven ($169), jbrandjeans.com

Goldsign Virtual High Rise Skinny ($225), madisonlosangeles.com

Topshop Moto Baroque Printed Skinny Jeans ($80), topshop.com