Summer Icons: BBQ, Beer and…Blue jeans?!?

While warm weather often invites fabrics like silk, seersucker and cotton to take center stage, this season denim is in demand. From country-casual dresses to '80s-style jackets, you’ll find a variety of influences behind these blue-based basics. Even jeans are getting an update, thanks to softer shades that range from retro to preppy. Bobbie Thomas, TODAY style editor and author of the Buzz for In Touch Weekly, highlights the best style for any "blue jean baby!"

No matter what kind of frock you choose to frolic in, one thing’s for sure – this season, you can’t go wrong with a denim design. While trendsetters are jumping into one-piece playsuits from Heartloom (Lexi Romper $155; singer22.com) and Betsey Johnson (Sailor Jumper $295; betseyjohnson.com), many more basic blues can help you with a stylish laid back look:

Baby blues
While the fashion-forward set is tearing up the denim trend with scissors and bleach, brighter and lighter shades of blue are offering a refreshing change from traditional dark denim. Victoria Secret’s Low Five Bootcut Jean in Hobo and Relaxed Boyfriend Jean in Sandblast are sweet styles perfect for some fun in the sun ($39.50-$49.99; victoriassecret.com). Celebrity favorite MiH’s Melody and Pond washes offer a retro feel ($139-219; mih-jeans.com), while reliable resources the Gap and Lucky Brand are stocking favorite cuts in a variety of super distressed fades.  

Jean jackets
When a summer night breeze calls for long sleeves, a jean jacket is the must-have layer you’ll want to reach for. Perfect for work or weekend, day or night, this versatile piece is back in a big way. It's the ideal extra to add a casual effortless appeal, and offers an easy, less serious layer to polished pants or feminine frills. If you don't already own one, this is great time to invest considering the plentiful supply available. Here a few that should stand the test of time: Women's Denim Jacket in Dark Worn, Medium Wash, or Vancouver Wash ($29.50; oldnavy.com), Nolita Denim Jacket ($98; JCrew.com), Levi’s  Eco Trucker Jacket  ($78; Levis.com), Dusted Blue Denim Jacket. ($69.50; express.com)

Denim dresses
While head to toe denim has been thought of as no-no, it's time think again. While trendsetters are mixing and matching washes, wearing both jackets and jeans together, a denim dress of a sophisticated spin on the trend. Jeanology offers a sharp sheath cut ($49; Newport-News.com), Lauren Jeans Company's “Dominique” Halter Dress ($149; Nordstroms ) and Tommy Hilfiger’s Classic Denim Dress ($89.50; Macys.com) both feature feminine full skirts, and ABS’ Ruffle-Neck Denim Dress  is polished even to even be put to work! ($185; saks.com)

Copyright MSNBC - MSNBC
Contact Us