Not long ago, while checking out the racks at Intermix Bellevue in anticipation of several upcoming fashion events, I was introduced to the most amazing “jeans” by store manager Allison Becker. At a glance, I thought they were a cool boyfriend jean—but they were, in fact, rag & bone sweatpants that are digitally printed to look like distressed denim. Wait, what?
Before I convince you that that these rag & bone pants are not only cool as they are comfortable, here is some information about the artistic process of digitally printed fabrics.
Designs are created digitally using graphic design software. The inks used in digital printing are formulated specifically for each type of fibers like cotton, silk, or nylon. The printing process has the fabric fed through the printer using rollers and ink is applied to the surface in the form of thousands of tiny droplets. The fabric is then finished using heat and steam, or in some cases, washing and drying. Because this fairly new technology, the costs can be high, which gives somewhat of an explanation as to the cost of these types of pieces. Take a look at the versatility of the rag & bone Miramar Digital Print Sweatpant Jeans.
Booties are here to stay, which means you should get a pair that are stylish and work with a lot of pieces. Hogan has a pair of nubuck ankle boots that immediately elevate your look. Wear them with the classic cool, black-and-white layered Tyler 2 in 1 Combo Top, which consists of a high neck neoprene short sleeve tee over a sleeveless shirt. Since pearls still rage on as favorites in accessories, why not add a pearl ear clip by MEI to one ear as a bit of ladylike edge. Being a self-described handbag freak, it is always fun to discover new pieces. The Miranda handbag was designed in collaboration with the writer, director and artist Miranda July. I love its contemporary look, with its hard-sided edges and bright pink and red palette. Vintage cateye red sunglasses and pinky red lips keep you looking fab.
Leopard adds an air of downtown girl to any look, and this silk RED Valentino blouse gives attitude without being over the top. Swap a jacket for this more chic asymmetrical leather trim vest by Vince. Push the bottom of your pant legs above your ankles to show the great details of the elegant Aquazzura Belgravia Lace Up Ballerina Flat. Rock a couple of great statement accessories, like this Jules Smith Square Acrylic Ring and the Paige Novick Natalie Stingray Cuff in black. Finally—be still my heart—this bag is on my wish list for fall: the 3.1 Phillip Lim Ryder Fur Satchel. On one side it is luxurious leather, on the other side colored fur, and it can be carried by its short handle or worn as cross-body bag. It is a beautiful and original statement piece.
Oxblood has made a welcome return for fall. Its deep color makes it a gorgeous pairing with the greys, blacks, neutrals and even the patterns of fall color. Choose beautiful accessories in this color, like the classic Valentino double wrap Rockstud bracelet. The combination of the rich oxblood color and the esthetic of the pony hair give these Vince Skimmers an understated beauty perfect for our cool pants. AllSaints Vida Top is another combination of two great elements. The vivid color underneath a black sheer overlay is perfectly designed. And speaking of great elements, this gorgeous Nina Ricci bag is a patchwork of smooth leather, suede, snakeskin and calf hair. And it is on sale! Dior has several cool combinations of its wildly popular Dior Mise En Dior Pearl Tribal Earrings, so this time I chose the Dior Tee Shirt Earring in a combination of silver and gold. If it gets chilly, you can toss on this Rebecca Minkoff Wes Moto Jacket, another great piece that you can wear with everything this fall.
I found this rag & bone sweatpant jean to be comfortable but chic because they were not oversized or baggy, although you could size up if that is more your look. The distressed digital printing catches your eye, yet you basically have to touch the fabric to see that it is printed cotton, not denim. It is a no brainer to style these pants with a hip pair of sneakers for a great street-style casual look, but they are much more versatile than that. It is always refreshing to see a different approach to something as tried-and-true as our beloved denim, and you may be happily surprised to find these to be a new favorite.
