It should go without saying that we’re incredibly thankful that

denim

and the way we wear it have gone through a radical transformation over the past several decades. Once deemed as strictly utilitarian—acceptable for little else aside from laborious industrial work—it is now an everyday staple for millions of people around the world. And as denim’s popularity has grown, so have iterations of it—ones that we’ve embraced, retired, and then fallen in love with all over again: flared, patchwork and acid-washed, oversized, frayed, and skinny.

No matter how many washes, cuts, and silhouettes designers roll out, though, we all have our favorites. So as we pored over the latest denim trends of the season, we were compelled to try them on and compare them to the pieces we’ve long held dear. The setting? NYC’s Rockaway Beach. The vibe?

Big Little Lies

meets It girl off duty. The consensus? Keep reading.

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  • Cooper Wears:
  • Dress by Acne Studios
  • Shoes by Nike
  • Sunglasses by Chloé
  • Bag by Dior
  • Earrings by Fry Powers
  • Rings by Catherine Zoraida

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    Patchwork Denim Dress

    $250 at Anrdoezrs

    Air Force 1 Sage Low Platform Sneaker

    $100 at Rstyle

    Oblique Saddle Bag

    $2,950 at Dior

    Turquoise and Pearl Drop Earrings

    $235 at Frypowers

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  • Bair Wears:
  • Jacket by Ksenia Schneider
  • Top by 3x1
  • Shorts by 3x1
  • Shoes by Wandler
  • Sunglasses by DKNY
  • Earrings by Ashley Bergman
  • Necklace by Wolf Circus

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    Cropped Reworked Denim Jacket

    $660 at Kseniaschnaider

    Albany Denim Vest

    $198 at Rstyle

    Paros Short

    $198 at Rstyle

    Isa Denim and Patent-leather Mules

    $470 at Rstyle

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  • Combs Wears:
  • Jacket by Helmut Lang
  • T-shirt by Topshop
  • Pants by Mother
  • Skirt Wrap by Monse
  • Sunglasses by Chloé
  • Earrings by Anna Nina
  • Necklace by Fry Powers
  • Shoes by By Far

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    Femme Trucker Jean Jacket

    $435 at Rstyle

    The Mid Rise Dazzler Ankle

    $208 at Rstyle

    Rainbow Apron Shorts

    $756 at Rstyle

    White Nibble T-Shirt

    $18 at Rstyle

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  • Martinez-Gonzalez Wears:
  • Shirt by R13
  • Pants by Derek Lam 10 Crosby
  • Bag by Proenza Schouler
  • Shoes by Fila
  • Earrings by Fry Powers

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    Mila Mid-Rise Slim Girlfriend - Distressed

    $177 at Rstyle

    Atmosphere Long Sleeve T

    $295 at R13Denim

    Women’s Outdoor Slide

    $50 at Fila

    PS1 Micro

    $995 at Rstyle

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  • Guskind Wears:
  • Jacket by PSWL
  • Skirt by PSWL
  • Sunglasses by Dita
  • Socks by Mother
  • Boots by Pierre Hardy

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    D-Ring Belted Denim Jacket

    $550 at Rstyle

    Front Zip A-Line Denim Skirt

    $295 at Rstyle

    LSA-102 in White Gold-Land

    $399 at Dita

    Baby Steps Don’t Trip Tie Dye Socks

    $28 at Rstyle