Jeans are forever, we all know that. So, too, is the quest for the perfect pair. This season brings new styles in jeans - and styles that are so old we're happy to pretend they're new again.
The freshest look this season is dark, dark denim: Almost a relief, after years of stone-washed and pre-worn denim. Wear 'em low on your hips, super slim with boot-cut legs or with wide cuffs. Contrasting stitching is important, too.
Stripes, zipping down the side seams of jeans and denim shorts, are cool this spring and summer - and leave no doubts (as if there were any) about the strong influence of athletic gear on street fashion. Stripes say "track," and zippers or snaps say "hoops!"
The super-big jean, in-spired by the baggy hip-hop look, remains hot. But these days, the key to wearing pants with names like Levi's silverTab Massive Jeans is to make sure they fit at the waist - then go wildly baggy from there on down.
And if you prefer medium-width jeans, buy them too long in deep indigo-blue and cuff them.
Last but not least, retro-inspired looks remain strong. Designer Calvin Klein has reintroduced the '70s jean, complete with status label on the back pocket (available at Bloomingdale's). Or, if you aim to relive your youth - or just make your parents feel old - there are plenty of funky bell-bottoms to be had.
Pub Date: 4/26/98
