Deepest Denim
Happy Wednesday, ladies. As the weather warms up, I love the casual vibe of lighter wash jeans. But when it’s cold, and the days are short, I’m most attracted to deeper wash denim and it doesn’t get darker than jet black.
I discovered that black denim is not for everyone and some women actively dislike it. One reader told me she thinks they look cheap. Okaay…luckily there are options for all of us and we should wear what makes us feel confident.
Some black denim begins to fade the first time you wash them and you end up with a softer, grayed version, which I like. These are new so I don’t know how they will retain their color. If you want yours to stay as black as the day you bought them, through repeated washing, I highly recommend this high-waist option by Talbots, which never fades. These never-fade black jeans are great and also available in tall. My jeans come in sizes 24-32, I am wearing a 27 so they run a bit large.
I topped my black jeans with this knit jacket that’s as cozy as can be. It’s a very soft oatmeal shade with a waterfall collar and front opening with turn-back cuffs. The collar and inside appear black, but it’s a very deep shade of charcoal. I love jackets like this because you can just fold the sleeves to the length you need. It’s available in regular and petite, sizes XS-XXL(16W), I am wearing a regular in small. I find Nic+Zoe tops run generously so you could size down.
The leopard print wrap blouse is pewter so it blends seamlessly with the jacket. I hate wrap tops that gape in front so was happy to find this has a snap in the center to maintain your modesty. It has a blousy shape with a high-low hem which is 23″ long in the front and 27″ long in the back so it looks like you’ve tucked the front in. It comes in sizes XXS-XXL, I am wearing a small.
These booties have gotten much more wear than I would have expected when I bought them a few years ago. They seem to go with everything because black with ivory/white appears gray. Gray is such an easy neutral for me so perhaps that’s why I’ve worn them so much. The heel is low and the toe box is wide so I can get a nice pair of socks in them without squishing my toes.
I could have added a necklace but decided earrings and my stack of bracelets were enough detail with the leopard blouse and snake print boots.
more black denim
Are you a fan of black jeans?
Love black jeans. I have an old Talbots pair (about 4-5 years old and unfortunately, they faded with the second wash (always cold water)) and a newer pair of Talbots (2-3 years old) that have not faded but I have them dry cleaned. Black jeans are just dressier (same as white jeans). As for looking cheap, I can understand because the non-denim black jeans do look and feel cheap – it’s the fabric. Would love the find good black jeans for my hubs; however, the black “denim” I’ve found is of that “cheap” variety and he is not wearing that. (Yes, I “dress” my hubby. 🙂 )
I “try” to dress my hubby too and his wardrobe has improved tremendously since I started 🙂
Jennifer, You always look stunning. An old tip my Mother used was to add 1 cup of White Vinegar to a load of Black, Denium, Red etc, clothing. It stabilizes the colors and prevents it from fading or bleeding. You might have to do the process twice, although, White Vinegar can also be used as a softener and cleaning agent in all of your laundry. Enjoy your posts! Have a great day!
Awesome, thanks for the tip, Kathy
Yes, do own black denim jeans however the style is more that of a jegging and not what I’d necessarily classify as classic in cut since has insets of pin-tucking in the area of the knees and read more on the sporty side. That said; considering their label (Joe Fresh whom your Canadian readers would know and not high end), they surprisingly hold their shape and are as black as the day purchased. (They are a few years old and I always wash inside out, cold water using Woolite for Dark color wash.) Love your outfit Jennifer as very chic and wish we had a Talbots here to experiment re their sizing. -Brenda-
Yes, love black jeans! Winter wardrobe would not be complete without them.
Always enjoy your posts Jennifer, thank you!
I really like my Target Universal Thread skinny black jeans. They have faded a bit but in a good way. I washed them separately the first few times and the color hasn’t bled at all since then.
I do like black jeans a lot. I even wear some in the summer. Black is just so easy to put together and accessorize. I turn mine inside out or dry clean to slow down the fading.
Here in Switzerland we have a product in the laundry aisle called Black Refresh. They look like color-capture sheets but are black. Wash all of your black items together and toss in one of these sheets, and see their color come out darker and less faded! It would be worth looking for something similar where you are.
That sounds like an amazing product!! I will have to see what I can find
I wear my black and charcoal jeans year round. I like the crisp look of black jeans. I love my charcoal because they just go with everything. Yesterday I wore them with a purple top. A wise blogger told me once to have your neutrals in a light and dark version of each one. Works for me.
I love the sound of purple with them
Love my black jeans and your wonderful outfit especially those booties.
I have stone washed black to jet black. My favorite are Walmart “Time and True”. They are leggings that look like jeans and never loose their shape or color. Love these, so comfortable.
I love the Time and True brand!
I love black jeans because they are so so versatile. If I had only one pair of pants I would choose a good fitting , high waisted, straight leg pair of black jeans. With the right accessories they can take me anywhere I need to go.
I agree!
I too, love black denim. You can wear black jeans with a dressy top and shoes and they look like dress pants. It’s so versatile. And I love Nic and Zoe too. I really enjoy seeing your posts and have been following you for awhile, but this is the first time I have commented. I think you must live near me (in the general area) because you’ve commented on certain shopping malls that I frequent as well. For example, the Ann Taylor store that is next to the Nordstrom that closed. 🙁. I have been hoping a Dillard’s would come in there.
Anyway, I really like this outfit. I’m short, so I would probably stick to shoes or boots that match my pants, just to have a longer column of color, but I do like those boots!
It was sad when the Nordstrom closed. I hope they replace it with something before the whole mall folds.
I love black jeans! I wear them all the time. I am interested in the no fade jeans because I do have that problem with many of mine. I just don’t know what size to order. I have been wearing an 8 lately but don’t know what size waist that is.
The measurements of jeans does vary tremendously in the same size so I suggest checking each website and phoning customer service for exact measurements.
I love black jeans. I usually have to order online because I need a 34” inseam. My frustration is the horrible smell that some black jeans have. Multiple washings with odor removers often don’t work. If I hang them in a closet with other clothes, everything else stinks, too. If I didn’t have such trouble with getting a good fit, I’d return them all, but sometimes a stinky pair is the only option.
I have heard of the oder problem with black jeans but not smelled it myself.
Like many of the other ladies, I too love black jeans. My favourite brand here in the UK is Olsen. I have 3 pairs of their jeans in navy and black, which have ‘jewel’ detail on the back pockets. They have been worn and washed for over 4 years now and still going strong! The colour hasn’t faded and the fit is perfect for me 😊
A funny black denim story. In other words be careful! My husband has a pair of very old Levi brand black denim jeans. Old as in more than ten yrs. I have very carefully washed them alone all this time, because they were the only pair of black jeans between us. Last month I put these very very faded jeans in a load with some oatmeal colored towels. Oops. My towels came out olive drab! I’ve washed them over and over with non-chlorine bleach and they are almost back to normal. So never never assume black cannot run. Here’s the rhyme and reason for this comment. I bought a pair of very dark blue Talbots high rise jeans last year. They’ve been carefully washed in cold with other denim. Monday I was cooking enchiladas and dropped some sour cream on my thigh. I took a damp paper towel to wipe it off and it turned blue! Rubbed the color off. These were supposed to be color fast. I’m surprised my couch isn’t blue!
I love black jeans and have several pairs. Unlike the lady who said they look cheap,
I think they are classier than blue (which I also wear) and can be dressed up. Put on a nice top that covers the pockets, add heels and jewelry, and they can take you almost anywhere.
I always wash my jeans inside out with mild detergent to maintain the dark hue.
Wow!! Blue? That just shouldn’t happen.
I have been wanting to order your travel bag, is the metallic color a warm or cool color. I am ready to order this bag, looks so nice with all your outfits. Can you please send me the link. Thank you…
It is a bronze tone that I find to be very neutral. It could lean warm or cool depending what you wear it with. The hardware is warm but not shiny.
The website has lots of closeups.
https://rstyle.me/cz-n/f5376739zw
I have a very old and a very new pair of Talbot’s black jeans. The old pair is still dark black, so I’m hoping the new pair will hold its color as well. I have two pairs of charcoal gray Talbot’s jeans as well and find this lighter shade can cross seasons. I wear the black ones only in the winter really. I love the boots but they are a little out of my comfort zone still. Maybe when I am able to get out and about more and in the city, I’ll manage to be comfortable with them.