Denim Detox: The Maintenance Program

by Kena Paranjape on November 16, 2008

This is the second part to Michael's post Denim Detox: A Fashion Challenge

"But jeans are so universal"

"I'm way too casual to go without denim"

"No jeans for a week, are you crazy?"

These are just a few of the responses I received after my Denim Detox post a few weeks back. There was no shortage of opinions about the idea of cutting denim from my fashion diet. Let me start by saying that peoples' passion for jeans is definitely understandable. Jeans have been in mainstream fashion for 60 years now and over that time they have become a symbol of non-conformity, ease and individual style. They also match everything, are durable and comfortable. This is why, I think, we have such warm associations with our denim. Try saying the same thing about khakis or slacks...they simply don't have the same fashion personality.

So how did it go? Well, I expected the week of no jeans to be liberating. I was looking forward to writing this 2nd post with clever lessons to share with non-believing jean lovers. But, to be totally honest, my experience ranged from easy - to tricky - to down-right difficult.

When it was easy: Monday through Friday was relatively effortless - I work in a professional setting, so staying denim-free was a non-issue.

When it was a fun challenge: Going out in the evening posed an interesting test. I didn't want to look too dressed up, but I had to achieve a more casual look without wearing the universal symbol of casualness (jeans). To solve this challenge, I paired a pair of slacks (right) with a black v-neck t-shirt and accessorized with a scarf and cap. The t-shirt easily dressed down the look, while the accessories added a bit more personality.

When it was difficult: I found myself struggling to get dressed without denim for the weekend morning trip to get a newspaper and coffee. Jeans are such a reliable outfit. And relative to wearing leisure-wear (God help us) to Starbucks, I think jeans are a decent option.

In the end, I've decided that detoxes don't work and I've learned it's simply impractical to remove jeans completely from my wardrobe. Also, all this discussion has highlighted that jeans - once a symbol of non-conformity - are now, ironically, commonplace. Personally, I think it's time for a new pant to become the symbol of the anti-establishment. I suggest that next time you see someone looking smart in a pair of slacks, yell "Vive la révolution!".

You can reach Michael at michaeljdorr@gmail.com. He may or may not be wearing jeans.

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