Jessica Jung knows her denim. The K-pop star’s wardrobe has sparked trends and inspired fans, thanks in part to her love of classic blue jeans. Frequently showing off her unique collection on the street and on Instagram, Jung likes to mix vintage finds with pairs from her own denim line, Blanc & Eclare. Launched in 2014, the label delivers minimalist wardrobe essentials and expertly crafted premium denim to a cult following which appreciates its figure-accentuating fits and inseams that are made with petite customers in mind.
As a bonafide aficionado, Jung aimed to create the kinds of jeans she has searched for herself. “I’ve always wanted that perfect pair,” said Jung at Blanc & Eclare’s airy Soho flagship. “Something that was comfortable yet flattering and effortlessly stylish. I decided that I wanted to just make them because I owned so many pairs, but hadn’t found the one.” Taking matters into her own hands, Jung launched the collection with the basics: slim-cut white jeans, frayed pairs in a light wash, and A-line denim skirts. The collection was an instant success and since then, Jung has continued to evolve her look.
Expanding into of-the-moment fare like cutoffs with crochet accents, Jung embraces current styles without chasing every minor trend. “We have different shades and washes, plus the funky stuff, too,” says Jung. “It’s special because we have a little variety now—something for everyone.”
Considering how focused she is on denim, Jung has learned a few secrets about how to look flawless in blue jeans. She shares her tips below:
Rule 1: High heels aren’t always the right choice.
“Usually, what I do if I want to dress things up is, I don’t go for high heels, but I go for mid-heels instead. If I do that, I go for [jeans that are] very simple and classic, a pair without too much damage and nothing too distressed. Then I’d wear a ruffled top or an oversize blouse. ”
Rule 2: Embrace the Canadian Tuxedo
“Right now, I’m into head-to-toe denim, which used to be something that I found awkward. I was like, ‘Why is someone wearing different shades of denim, for like a whole look?’ But now, I think it’s quite cool. If you just do like tone-on-tone or even match the look with a different color belt. I think it looks very stylish.”
Rule 3: You can’t go wrong with classic muses.
“I really looked up to Grace Kelly when I was growing up. I thought she was just so beautiful and elegant. I wanted to grow up to be like her. On the other hand, I also thought Jane Birkin was effortless, so chic. She looks so comfortable yet put-together and everybody has those pieces in their wardrobe, but the way she puts everything together is perfect. She’s one of a kind.”
Rule 4: Less is more.
“Most of the time, I wear plain clothes or very simple, basic ones, and then I’ll have a statement earring or sunglasses. If I wore a lot of ruffles or something fancier, then I would have no earrings or jewelry. I wear denim almost every day—I’m not a skirt or dress person usually.”
Rule 5: Find the right accessories.
“I’m into earrings these days, and I’m into silk scarves. Before, I never shopped for scarves. I’d get one, and I’d say, ‘Mom, you can have it,’ but now, I always look for pretty scarves, [taking into consideration] what suits my skin tone. I think a perfect color scarf really brings out your whole skin tone, lip color, and everything else.”
Rule 6: Change with the seasons.
“When it’s warm I like to go flirtier and more feminine. I’ll go for ruffles on my blouses, A-line silhouette dresses, minidresses. I definitely will dress girlier and try to go for a fresher image. In the winter, I can still be girly, but then I would mix and match, throw on an oversize coat or a blazer with jeans, so you have added variety.”
