September 20th, 2012 
In 1873, Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis invented a simple pair of blue jeans to meet the need for sturdy trousers amongst the growing working class, and just like that, an American icon was born.
And even over a century later, Strauss and Davis’ brainchild is still just as much a part of the fashion culture as ever. Year after year, designers reinvent the denim wheel; so it’s no surprise that this fall’s trends include technicolor, floral patterns and the leather-looking, coated variety. And while nothing will ever beat that pair of well-worn boot cuts you’ve housed in your closet for years, there’s nothing wrong with recruiting a few new players to add to your denim roster.
Technicolor denim – It’s easy to see that colored jeans are having the best year ever. From celebrities to fashion bloggers to your sorority sister and colleague, everywhere you turn, someone is sporting a pair of brightly hued jeans. And for good reason! Colored jeans are a great way to add a pop of color to any outfit, and with every shade of the rainbow at your fingertips, the hardest thing you’ll have to do is decide which color to purchase first!
These teal skinny jeans from Paige Denim would be a great color to sport with a pair of camel-colored boots and your favorite flannel at a football game:
Paige Denim Autumn Colors Skyline Skinny Jeans | $189 | Photo Credit: Piperlime
And if you’re partial to the fit of Joe’s Jeans, swap your traditional blue-wash for a pair of their brightly hued skinny jeans. In addition to the bright purple pictured below, the brand also offers a myriad of other colors:
Joe’s Jeans The Skinny Jeans | $189 | Photo Credit: Piperlime
Coated jeans – Just as the name implies, these jeans are literally “coated” with a waxy outer-layer giving the appearance of an edgy, leather look without the edgy leather-look price tag! Dress them up or dress them down, just be sure to pick up a pair for those days when you are feeling a bit more frisky with your fashion.
Available at Urban Outfitters, these emerald BDG Jeans would be the perfect date night ensemble if paired with a sky-high black pump and a simple white button-down:
BDG Coated Twig Mid-Rise Jean | $78 | Photo Credit: Urban Outfitters
And for more daring denim, take these coated snake-skin jeans for a test-drive on your next night out with girlfriends:
Goldsign Lure Lace Coated Skinny Leg Jeans | $278 | Photo Credit: Piperlime
Floral Denim – Don’t just stop and smell the roses, wear them, too! Every designer from Alice + Olivia to AG is offering denim in a variety of floral motifs this season. Pick a pattern and a color scheme and take the garden with you (floral scents not included).
The rich tones in these floral skinny jeans by 7 For All Mankind are Rachel Zoe’s pick on Piperlime.com and would be a great accompaniment to a mustard-colored sweater and ankle booties:
7 For All Mankind The Skinny Jeans | $189 | Photo Credit: Piperlime
And this pair by Dylan George is nothing less than a work of art with its watercolor-inspired design:
Dylan George Skinny Leg Jeans (Watercolor) | $189 | Photo Credit: Nordstrom
In addition to the introduction of some more “daring” denim trends this fall, a couple of old staples have made their way back onto the scene. Dust off your denim jacket of yore and pair it with your favorite maxi skirt or with one of the styles listed above. Denim on denim is certainly allowed as long as you aren’t too matchy matchy. If you’re looking to update your look, consider these options:
This sweater-sleeved denim jacket from Free People would add a fun vintage-feel to any outft:
Free People ‘Cypress’ Sweater Sleeve Denim Jacket | $198 | Photo Credit: Nordstrom
And classic cut from J Brand with button-closures would be great paired with colored denim and a scarf for those chilly fall evenings:
J Brand Denim Jacket (Universe) | $229 | (Photo Credit: Nordstrom)
Consider also adding a chambray shirt to your wardrobe this fall. Much like the denim jacket, it is equally as versatile and can be worn with your favorite tweed skirt, your classic black cropped pants, or even your worn-in boyfriend jeans.
J.Crew’s version is as timeless as the brand itself:
J.Crew Keeper Chambray Shirt | $78 | (Photo Credit: J.Crew)
Or for a bit more western-inspired, opt for this Mandarin-collared dark-wash version by Free People:
Free People Long-Sleeve Chambray Pleated Shirt | $118 | (Photo Credit: Macy’s)
If you’re looking for a way to make your denim purchases go to a good cause–other than simply the “good cause” of sprucing up your closet–consider contacting Charity Denim, a non-profit organization that offers men’s and women’s designer denim at discount prices for charity events. Since their foundation in 2004, they have raised over $100,000 for charities such as Susan G. Komen, Habitat for Humanity, St. Jude’s Hospital and the American Red Cross. If you are interested in hosting or attending a denim fund raiser, please visit the Charity Denim website for more details.
Denim, even after almost 140 years, is still a staple in wardrobes across the globe. So as you venture out to try a few of this season’s trends, be sure to thank Levi and Davis for their contribution to the fashion world.
I love all the photos.