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The Good Ick #23: Color is a Language

Ask Away, We Answer Here: Denim

Ask your questions about all things Denim—here.

August 25, 2026

Welcome to Ask & Answer: a series where we quite literally open a thread dedicated to tackling your questions, hearing your comments, and discussing all things fit, fabric, and function—think of it as our very own Reddit thread, right here on Substack. We’ve collected real DM’s that our team of stylists has received since Fall Denim launched for pre-order, and we’re going to dive into them for you here. Perhaps your questions will be answered here—and if you have questions of your own, write them in the comments section, and we’ll answer them for you there.

Q: “Does the Indigo Denim Apron Skirt stay closed when you sit down? I love the look of it but I’m confused on how to put it on without being too revealing. Is this adjustable?”

A [Amy]: I recently sat on a stage and gave a talk in this skirt. That’s the ultimate litmus test for me—full coverage, no problem. When you wear it, you definitely get skin when you take a big stride, and there will be days that I’ll be more than happy to be wearing navy tights with this skirt, as well.

Woman wearing a light blue top and navy skirt, with skirt displayed separately.
A [Keturah]: Yes! It’s a wrap skirt, so it will split slightly, but that’s the nature and design of wrap skirts. I suggest you sit carefully as you would with any skirt. The fit of the Double Apron Skirt is higher-waisted like our tailored skirts—think balloon or lantern skirt. The best way to put this skirt on is to put it on one piece at a time. Traci designed this to have tabs and buttons to secure your skirt in place, but you have options to use them or not use them. Put on the under part of the skirt first and then the top skirt. The belt of the top skirt should sit approximately 1-1.5” higher than the lower layer. This is what gives that tailored appearance and coverage.

 

Q: “I’m a C-Suite executive with flexibility in my schedule and dress code. What jean would be good for me to wear to work or to casual meetings when appropriate?”

A [Amy]: The new Pat Trouser Jean, hands down. Since we introduced this style I’ve done a few styling sessions with execs from Chicago to San Fran. This is the true workhorse because with a navy blazer in the office it’s super put together. You lawyers and consultants out there, that’s Friday attire to you. When you’ve got a work trip, where formality is relaxed and the guys are picking up their chinos and navy vests, this one plays chill but has everyone defaulting to you for the opinion that is pragmatic and creative at the same time. Bonus is that it’s the jean that works for dinner out, heels and a chic top—but cuffed with a sweatshirt and a pair of flip-flops or sneakers has you fitting in to your environment if it’s just the vegetable aisle or a sporting event. Well done here, Traci.

Person trying on three different colored sweaters in a clothing store.

Q: “I like the feeling of having a five-pocket pant, but really don’t have a need for denim in my lifestyle and company culture. Is there a pant you’d suggest as an alternative? I see you have the Alec, but is there a certain color that works best for professional spaces?”

A [Amy]: I think about it this way. A washed blue denim, in a five-pocket jean, is always going to read more casual. It’s when I lean into other items to give refinement—like blazers, a hard sole shoe (basically, not a trainer), or button-down shirts. But I find that the black Charlotte jeans with the lighter wash are toeing the fine line here. It doesn’t feel super casual—even though for all intents and purposes it should. Here’s how you can tell: when I put on the black wash jean with a more casual top, it makes the top more refined. It acts as a valve this way, it dials it up. If I wear with a super sharp blazer or chic top, like the flannel sleeveless number with the long flowing panel, it takes it down. But only a notch—it doesn’t insist that it meets the jean where it’s at. Conversely, a washed blue denim tends to dial in just one direction—downward. For me, I get tremendous use out of the black—it’s the first item in the bag when I’m packing and my go-to at night. Especially when I’m unsure of the vibe and what others will be wearing.

 
Person wearing a navy sweater and gray pants, posed from multiple angles.

Q: “I live in a super casual town that leans a bit more preppy, especially at social gatherings. We frequent local social events at the country club and cannot wear denim. I want to look chill, but not tropey or too uptight. Suggestions?”

A [Keturah]: Ugh, this is my pet peeve. Our local country club sends out a dress code with more jean regulations than what you’d be required to read to get your pilot’s license. It’s especially annoying because my clean chic denim is infinitely better than some of the khakis or “slacks” you’ll see perusing the club halls. My go-to here is anything in the sporty nylon. It gives the chill of denim but the refinement of a beautiful pant, and it doesn’t look like you’ve walked into the clubhouse straight from the tennis court (did I mention the rules about that?!?!).

Three outfits showcased on models in a clothing store.

Q: “My husband is a retired CFO and now is working as an advisor for a fintech company. Are there jeans that fit men in a way that reads casual but not sloppy?”

A [Keturah]: It’s the same thought process for how we choose the denim we wear. If I’m coming in with that mindset, I’m going for any of the raw denims or rich indigos—that rich, dark color exudes authority and refinement but takes the pomp out of the circumstance.

Two men in stylish outfits, posing outside buildings.

Q: “What’s the difference between the Stretch Selvage Denim Charlotte Jean and the Mou Denim Clift Jean?”

A [Keturah]: The Charlotte Jean is like our older Alec that had a dart at the back leg, but slightly slimmer in the thigh. In comparison to the Mou Denim Clift Jean, the Charlotte Jean is slimmer and sits about 34” higher on the waist. The Charlotte is closer to the medium-weight denim and the Mou is a bit lighter.

Various outfits featuring pants and tops on models.

Q: “Do the Black Denim Willem Jean and The Mou Denim Clift Jean have the same fit? Which should I buy if I live in a super hot and humid climate?”

A [Keturah]: The only difference between the Willem Jean and the Mou Clift Jean is the weight of the fabrication. The Mou Jean is a lighter-weight denim—almost like a black chambray. I highly recommend this for hot climates like Singapore or even Arizona. They have such a soft handfeel and ease that makes wearing denim feel like a win, no matter the temperature.

The Willem Jean is similar in weight to all our classic wash denim—it’s slightly more rigid but equally eased out and elevated.

Four outfits featuring casual tops and jeans in various colors.

Q: “Ok, what’s up with the denim with the flaps? I’m intrigued but also apprehensive. Is this like the Sid in fit? And how can someone that’s a bit more pragmatic than creative wear these on a regular basis?”

A [Keturah]: The Tencel Cotton Denim Aleda Jean is like the Sid in that it’s a new shape for us with curved side seams and a somewhat barrel-leg. I think if you look at this jean for its wash (dark indigo) and its shape (sculptural), while it feels forward it can absolutely be worn in very pragmatic ways.

I’d use CP principles like Big/Slim/Skin and pair it with a slimmer top, sweater, or jacket. Or add friction by wearing a more classic shirt, like the Charlie, to balance how pushed or new this may feel with something familiar.

Having the option to button the flaps individually, button both in the back, or let them drape at the sides is a good thing. Options are always good, and very pragmatic.

Four images of different outfits featuring baggy pants and various tops.

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