Don't Wait Until Spring—How I'm Embracing the Colorful Denim Trend Now

There’s something special about colorful denim. It got a big co-sign for Spring 2026 on the Versace runway under new creative director Dario Vitale, but I've loved the trend for years.

I've found that red jeans, specifically, while bold, can act as a neutral—a bright pop that somehow behaves like a classic. They add a jolt of energy to any outfit, and slot easily into your everyday wardrobe. I can attest to this: Over five days, I styled the same pair of red jeans (mine are from Pistola) in different ways, to showcase just how versatile they are. (It helps that they feel especially festive around the holiday season.)

Head-to-toe monochrome

I started with a monochromatic look: my red Pistola jeans paired with an Aritzia cashmere V-neck in a similarly bright shade. I love a V-neck sweater because it feels subtly sexy, with just a touch of skin showing; in red, it becomes an instant mood-booster. I finished it off with navy Larroudé ballet flats for a touch of contrast, and added a fancy gold necklace to make this everyday look a bit more special. (My heart pendant is from Retrouvai, a personal favorite brand.) The resulting outfit is confident, bright, and surprisingly effortless.

Leaning into prep

Next, I leaned into a preppy vibe. I styled the jeans with a navy-and-red cashmere striped sweater from Marc by Marc Jacobs and anchored the look with Larroudé Cyprus boat shoes in navy. Stripes and red denim have a natural chemistry — graphic, crisp, and very French-girl.

Another preppy, polished option: red jeans with a caramel cashmere bomber jacket from Polo Ralph Lauren. The warm caramel against the bright red feels modern and adds a cozy sophistication. It’s sporty, but elevated. I chose a Larroudé caramel loafer to round up the neutral tone.

Jeans-and-a-tee, remixed

For a look that always works, I went with a simple white T-shirt and a navy blazer. Mine is a cashmere version from French brand Officine Générale that I’ve had forever, but any navy blazer does the job. It’s the kind of outfit you can wear anywhere, from school drop-off to a meeting, and look instantly put-together. And I paired it with the same Larroudé Cyprus boat shoe.

Maximizing coziness

On days when I want to look like I made an effort—but don’t want to think too hard—I pair red denim with a black cashmere sweater. (Mine is Aritzia.) Add a long statement necklace, and the whole outfit feels intentional. It’s one of my favorite “I’m trying, but I’m not trying too hard” formulas.