DIRTY JEANS; NOT DIRT CHEAP

From chokers to bomber jackets, shoulder pads to capris, there are some fashion trends that are better left in the past where they belong – or at least in the clearance bin for the hipsters to find. Sure, we managed to revive cigarette pants, loafers and the occasional high-waisted pant, but that’s because those items are all about fit – the key to great style. But when one fashion revival proves successful, three more ( re) grow in its wake. Exhibit A: denim. The material has experienced countless horrific washes throughout the decades, but in the last 10 years it seemed to settle with a clean, classic look. Until last week, when Nordstrom added the PRPS Barracuda Straight Leg Jeans in “indigo” wash.

If we turn to Merriam-Webster, indigo can be defined as “a deep reddish blue,” perhaps with a “coppery lustre.” But this “luxury” denim brand took things a step further, using “indigo” to disguise the real look of the jeans: a muddy splatter, fading into a dry olive, which itself fades into a light denim wash, sort of aping camo- style, but with dirt. These jeans aim to look as though you’ve been off- roading through a scenic desert, but in reality, they make you look like you didn’t make it to the bathroom in time.

But what if they’re repackaged as a sexy “indigo” and stamped it with a $ 600 price tag? Still not for you? Don’t worry. Levi’s and Vetements’ new denim hot pants – available in an early ’ 90s acidwash with a fun zipper that goes around and up the crotch, and a square seam to frame your lower butt- cheeks – are on sale now for a mere $ 1,600!

If you happened to live through the ’ 50s, ’ 60s, ’ 70s, ’ 80s or ’ 90s, it may be a little unusual to see the styles you once purchased in three- for- one deals at Walmart now be found in luxury department stores, repackaged with supposedly high- brand material for top dollar. And then it’s a whole other trip seeing high- schoolers stomp through a mall or subway car wearing those newly resurrected trends as if they’re breaking barriers.

Those barriers were broken years ago for good reason. We moved forward with the understanding that less is more when it comes to fashion. Let’s not give up and turn back now.