guest SORTER dione davis
Our Guest Sorter today is stylist Dione Davis, former style director at Tibi. Previously a ballerina, she is always on point with her style, her humorous observations and her opinions. Even though we’ve only met once IRL, we’ve exchanged pep talks and career advice over a good old fashioned phone call a couple of times. This rapport of trust and generosity is rare in this line of work and I cherish it. I’m so happy and grateful she chose to do a denim edit for you because as an avoider of wearing or advising on conventional denim myself, Dione is probably the only person I’d listen to when it comes to selecting jeans. And you should, too.
Dione Davis is NYC based freelance stylist and content creator with a background in performing arts and creative writing. Previously employed in-house with Tibi since 2013, she combined the intersection of editorial and commercial styling through her role as styling director from 2015-2021.
Denim Edit by Dione Davis
Denim selection is one of the most taxing activities in normal times; however, a year with limited movements left me scratching my head as to what I really want out of my denim. After a year of soft and elegant clothing to wear for a semi remote schedule, the thought of denim felt about as foreign as getting on an airplane. Now, the challenge of wearing what you have can easily be remedied by the cultural reset that denim has undergone in the past year.
The landscape of denim is chaotic at best with highly polarizing trends that nod to the early aughts. Low rise jeans will always be triggering for those who remember the satisfaction of a completed Limewire download or slamming a flip phone closed for dramatic effect. Newness shouldn’t trigger memories of your high school bullies, it should make your wardrobe feel larger all of a sudden. Good, modern denim should solve many problems.
As an avid vintage collector, the recent introduction of sculptural denim assists me in avoiding the costume feel of previous decades. An abundance of 80’s and 90’s blouses paired back to classic black trousers feels corporate, but also looks dated with the high waist mom jean styles we are so accustomed to. Sculpted denim is the minimalist hero piece as it creates positive tension against your tried and true basics.
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This vintage Lasso jean from Bsides is a light wash jean for people who usually don’t gravitate toward them. Although the shape may seem forward, these hit on a midrise making them universally flattering. To take this to a low key dinner, pair back to a scoop back bodysuit and barely-there sandals on a balmy night in late summer.
For the diet version of the Lasso jean try the Plein relaxed straight leg jeans from the same designer that give just a hint of sculpture without a huge commitment to a new proportion.
The Tibi Brancusi denim in indigo features a lo-rise waistline and elegant curves at the calf. In Indigo denim, this silhouette takes an ultra feminine blouse down a notch for an interesting contrast. This shape can be utilized to breathe new life into your closet staples or what I like to call my “old friends.”
If you do want to dip your toes in unfamiliar waters, trying the low rise jean can be a nice wardrobe update within reason. Opting for clean lines and elegant washes will keep everything refined and less intimidating.
The Tibi Black Denim Sam Jean is the most welcoming version of the low slung jean trend as they sit low on the waist naturally, or can be worn high up in a smaller size. Sub your pleated trousers for this shape for an elegant take on denim that is reminiscent of the ease that comes with a wide leg trouser. Paired back to slim turtlenecks and flat slides, these are a transitional dream. Chic pairings with oversized sweaters in the winter with pointed patent leather boots are ideal for an understated wintertime look.
For a true 90’s slouch that is less raver and more refined, try the Raey Stride Wide Leg Jeans in the dark wash to add refinement to your fitted wardrobe staples. Wear these with sleek separates and flat sandals for summer, then a chic closed toe shearling slide once temperatures cool down.
For a more subtle curve, the Lemaire twisted Jean is a staple that is cut each season. The simplicity keeps larger proportioned tops in check while offering an interesting silhouette.
This concludes the modern denim edit. Whether you try out the sculpted or slouchy rise, be sure they are in a wash that is refined to keep them working extra hard in your wardrobe for an added dose of modernity.
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