By Elly Ayres
Spring is finally here, which means so are all the wonderful activities that come with it (think: afternoon concerts in the park, sunny weekend brunches, and — most importantly — coat-free commutes). Each one requires its own look, but what’s a style-conscious dresser to wear when transitional weather swings are in full effect? Denim is our favorite place to start, and JCPenney has us covered with spring-ready styles from their latest a.n.a collection. We asked five stylish Bustle women to show us how they put their spin on the spring-ready jeans.
What's your signature look?
In cliché New York fashion, I tend to stick to an all-black-everything uniform. I also wear a lot of vintage-inspired denim, booties, and easy layers.
What's your favorite thing about spring style?
Once March hits, I’m so over coats. I love switching my closet over for the new season and finally getting back into lighter pieces without the bulk.
How did you style your look?
A good high-waisted skinny jean can go with just about anything. I paired these with a chunky oxford, black tee, cropped gingham blazer, and my go-to gold jewelry.
How else might you wear these jeans?
I have a lot of cardigans-as-shirts in rotation, and could pair a more oversized version with these and a slip-on loafer or bootie. Depending on the textures paired with them, the right denim can go almost anywhere.
What's your signature look?
My favorite looks usually start with a soft vintage band tee, which I’ll pair with high-waisted jeans and an eye-catching boot to round out the look.
What's your favorite thing about spring style?
I love ditching the coats and jackets and focusing on the pieces hidden beneath all those winter layers. A colorful graphic tee gets to shine a little brighter, the cool fit on your jeans is more in focus, and you can put more time into the details that are sacrificed for warmth in colder months.
How did you style your look?
I wanted to spotlight the subtle flare in my jeans, so I kept the rest of the look simple but true to my style. A half-tucked Blondie tee lends fun throwback vibes (plus, Debbie Harry is always on-trend).
How else might you wear these jeans?
I’d dress these up for dinner and drinks by swapping the tee for a form-fitting bodysuit in a rich velvet, and then I’d top off the look with a shimmery crossbody bag.
What's your signature look?
My look definitely falls into the elevated basics/downtown-chic category. I stay in neutral color palettes and think my best look is a good pair of jeans and a classic top. My accents are always gold, and I think less is more.
What's your favorite thing about spring style?
Spring means fewer layers, which I love! I have never been good at styling more than two or three pieces at a time, so my "less is more" mantra really shines in the spring.
How did you style your look?
I paired my jeans with a satin black shirt and a layered gold necklace. It says fun-but-chic, and that's what I love about a good pair of jeans. They can really make the look.
How else might you wear these jeans?
I could rock a pair of pointed boots with this same top or a silky spaghetti strap blouse and keep the sandals, once it gets warmer. The wide-leg cut really helps carry the look.
What's your signature look?
I like to keep my style on-trend — with a dash of something unexpected. Whether I’m wearing a skirt, jeans, or a dress, I love pairing my looks with a clean pair of sneaks!
What's your favorite thing about spring style?
I love the vibrant colors that come out to play after the drab, muted tones of winter. Spring means new beginnings, so it’s also a great time to remix my wardrobe with anything that’s inspiring me.
How did you style your look?
I paired my jeans with a vibrant yellow-green turtleneck and my go-to white sneakers. It’s a laid-back look for days that I’m running errands or days when I’m in a rush but need to stay casual and collected.
How else might you wear these jeans?
I would match these with a fun blouse that I could tuck in to show the waist, a leather jacket, and boots for a night out.
What's your signature look?
My style is simple and rooted in basics: oversized button-ups, good tees and denim, loafers or sneakers, and understated jewelry. I rarely play with trends or statement pieces because I like to invest in items I’ll have forever.
What's your favorite thing about spring style?
Free ankles and trench coats!
How did you style your look?
I styled my jeans with a simple oversized button-up and a sage sweater tied over the shoulders. If you know me, you know this is a trick I use on repeat — especially during the cooler months. It keeps me warm, is a bit more visually interesting than a scarf, and doubles as an extra layer. I love that I can see myself wearing this exact same look 40 years from now.
How else might you wear these jeans?
Later in the year, I’d style these jeans with a ribbed tank, blazer, and sandals.
Photo: Stephanie Price; Art Direction: Julie Vaccaro/BDG ; Prop/Set Stylist: Sara Schipani; Hair: Akihisa Yamaguchi; Makeup: Ashleigh Ciucci; Branded Fashion Leads: Jenna Wexler & Elly Ayres/BDG