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Denim has been a tried-and-true favorite of concertgoers for ages, from Woodstock all the way to Coachella. Though, in the thick of summer, the last thing you’ll probably think to wear is a pair of jeans (hence why cutoffs reign supreme this time of year). Even if, at first glance, 501s and the desert heat don’t exactly seem like an ideal pairing, Levi’s presence on the festival circuit proves that the brand’s bread and butter lends itself to a range of scenarios—and climates.
Year after year, Coachella after Coachella, some of the best festival style from Indio, California, comes out of the annual Levi’s poolside brunch, where celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Candice Huffine, Joan Smalls, and more come together to show off their best, most inventive denim styling.
“I remember how amazing the fit was on my first pair—they’ve been my favorite ever since,” said Bieber, the recently appointed first-ever face of the Levi’s 501 jean, at the event. She herself was wearing the high-waist style, cooly cuffed at the hem with a lingerie-inspired top. For fellow model Smalls, the key to making denim work for the summertime lies in juxtaposition: “Something oversize with something super-girly,” she told Glamour.
As temperatures start heating up, we’re taking cues from these denim-clad, always well-dressed celebrities we caught up with in Palm Springs for tips on how to style your jeans in the summer. Check out five formulas to copy from now until Labor Day, ahead.
With lingerie up top…
Balance out the coverage of a full-length jean with something a little bit more revealing up top. Take notes from Bieber and her lingerie-inspired styling from the first weekend of Coachella: a lacy bustier top is breathable, while also making your casual denim feel more sophisticated.
With a super-cropped top…
When thinking of ways to style your jeans in the summer, your first instinct might be to go for a shirt that’s way lighter—which will probably have you grabbing the nearest crop top. Instead of a frayed-hem vintage tee, consider going for a more polished, long-sleeve style. Emily Ratajowski, for instance, styled her white jeans with a leopard-print, front-tie blouse, an outfit that can definitely be replicated for a happy hour in July.
With your favorite throwback trend…
Let’s face it, The Parent Trap served some truly iconic fashion looks in 1998 that still hold up today. And with the themes of camp and nostalgia back in a very big way, tie-dye is truly hotter than ever. Model Candice Huffine took this to the max at the festival, with her cropped T-shirt and denim cutoffs—she even added a scrunchie for good measure.
With opposite fits…
This is pretty much the same idea as mixing denim with lingerie, but only with shapes: Pair a baggy, wide-leg bottom with something more fitted as a top—or, if you prefer skinny-fit jeans, go for a loose blouse. Amandla Stenberg’s double-denim look, of a corset with oversize flare, is a great example of how to make it work. “Looking effortless is actually the hardest thing—it requires the most effort,” the actor tells us.
With major pops of color…
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Another way to distinguish your fall denim #OOTD from your summer denim #OOTD? With the color story. For autumn, you might prefer to style your jeans with berry and navy hues. In the summer, though, you should go for a neon palette, like Smalls did at Coachella.
