Summer is practically upon us, and with it, comes the triumphant return of our favorite seasonal staples: cropped tops, colorful slides, and plenty of denim. But instead of swapping our go-to jeans for their much shorter counterparts, we're actually keeping our best full-length cuts this summer. How? With a little help from denim that actually feels light, despite soaring temperatures.
In partnership with Gap, we're leveling up to Wearlight Denim this year, styling our favorite washes and perennial cuts with our best summer pieces. Whether you're a menswear enthusiast, a minimalist, or you prefer retro-inspired pieces, there's a pair of jeans with your name on them. Ahead, five ways to sync up your look with your favorite full-length denim for style that leaves you cool, relaxed, and ready for summer.
Look 1: The Menswear Enthusiast
Michelle wears Gap's Wearlight Mid Rise True Skinny Ankle Jeans in distressed indigo.
Summer may have you ditching your oversized blazer, but that doesn't mean you have have to surrender all of your menswear ways. Keep that sharp style on track with a few key pieces that won't have you sweating later — like a boxy cropped oxford and crisp lightweight denim. Effortless mules keep lines clean from head to toe.
Look 2: The Vintage Lover
Zazoe wears Gap's Wearlight High Rise Wide-Leg Jeans with Button-Fly in light indigo.
If you're a retro style lover, you're no stranger to the wide-leg jean. Instead of waiting for cooler temps to pull on your favorite cut, opt for this button-fly version crafted from Wearlight Denim. Balance the look with a floaty white eyelet top and finish with chunky platforms that boast major '70s vibes — without losing that everyday feel.
Look 3: The All-Star
Michelle wears Gap's Wearlight Mid Rise True Skinny Ankle Jeans in medium indigo.
For on-the-go style setters, movement is key. If you lean into sportier looks once warm weather hits, keep comfort front and center with a mid-rise slim fit jean that follows your lead. Deconstruction at the knee and laid-back sneakers keep the look low-key, while a bright yellow bodysuit ensures the sunshine follows you wherever you go.
Look 4: The Creative
Zazoe wears Gap's Wearlight Mid Rise Best Girlfriend Jeans in medium destroy.
Whether you're gallery hopping or grabbing drinks with friends outdoors, there's no need to ditch your denim on account of the heat. Keep to your usual colorful palette via a breezy button-front top, then ground the look with a relaxed girlfriend jean and a cuff or two. Strappy slides in classic black add just the right amount of polish.
Look 5: The Minimalist
Michelle wears Gap's Wearlight Mid Rise Best Girlfriend Jeans in light indigo.
When you're a 'jeans and a T-shirt' dresser in the truest sense of the phrase, successful summer style comes down to easy, crisp pieces that require minimal fuss. A mid-rise jean in flexible Wearlight Denim gets a step up with a light aqua baby tee (bye, typical white), and yellow mules add a sunny pop of saturation.
This post is sponsored by GAP.
Images: Filippo Del Vita; Hair: Akihisa Yamaguchi; Makeup: Tiffany Patton; Stylist: Doria Santlofer; Art Direction: Molly Kugelmann; Senior Editor: Jenna Wexler
