Every fashion enthusiast knows that Fifth Avenue is one of the best places to go shopping. But here at The New School, Fifth Avenue is more than that — it’s a runway. From statement bags to standout shoes, Fashion on Fifth is here to give you front-row access to some of The New School’s chicest looks. Today, we’re focusing on denim.

Who doesn’t love denim? As we get ready for the warmer days ahead (according to my new favorite app — The Weather Channel), it’s officially time to pull out all the denim in your wardrobe. Whether it’s shorts, skirts, jackets, or even a one-piece, the new season is calling for warmth and fun.

For the past six months, it’s been all about jeans — and while they come in every cut, color, and wash, even denim needs an occasional refresh. Now that temperatures are finally rising to the 60s, the true versatility of denim is taking center stage. 

This week on Fashion on Fifth, we’re taking a look at how New School students are styling denim amid this long-overdue spring awakening. 

Hadley Rinaudo she/her — @hadleyrinaudoo

First-year Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts prospective creative writing student 

I saw Hadley walking outside of Alvin Johnson/J.M. Kaplan Hall and immediately felt her lively energy. It was finally hot enough to wear shorts, and you could tell the warmth made her day. Coming from Louisiana, she had to change her entire wardrobe to survive the New York City winter. And even though the calendar says it’s spring, the warm weather has felt long overdue. 

Although Hadley’s smile was contagious, she mentioned she actually prefers jeans over jorts. In fact, she said she was only wearing these Zara shorts because I “caught [her] on [her] off day.” But if this was truly her off day, I hope I see her on an on day. As we talked about denim, you could hear the enthusiasm in her voice. “It’s comfy, it can be stretchy, it’s timeless, and it’s my favorite color — blue,” she told me as she smiled ear-to-ear.

Sage Wolfson she/her — @sagewolfson_ 

Second-year Parsons School of Design photography student 

“I think it’s very Americana,” Sage said when asked what she loves about denim. Her skirt immediately caught my eye as she stood outside the University Center, leaning casually against the wall and chatting with her two friends. “I’m pretty excited about it,” she told me while mentioning that she picked up the skirt just yesterday at The Vintage Twin, a vintage store in the Lower East Side known for specializing in hand-picked, one-of-a-kind clothes. This piece definitely fits their vision perfectly. It wasn’t until I asked to take a photo of her outfit that she pulled out her denim jacket, tying the look all together. The combination of the denim skirt, denim jacket, white shirt, and green Mary Janes was the perfect spring outfit — and definitely gave off that Americana vibe.

Chase Cohen he/him — @jpmorganchasebankofficial 

Second-year Parsons photography student 

“They never left,” Chase remarked when we started talking about the apparent comeback of the infamous skinny jean. His amiable personality shone throughout the entire interview, and when paired with his nearly monochromatic outfit, it made for the perfect denim moment. When asked what he loves about denim, Chase said he appreciates how “warm and comfortable jeans become with time,” noting that he has a pair that “feel like sweatpants at this point.” 

His one tip for all denim wearers? Never wash them. 

While his outfit was undeniably fashionable, the piece that stood out to me most wasn’t part of his clothing at all; it was something much more personal. Attached to his bag, which was full of keychains, Chase pointed out two in particular. The first had his name on the front and a skyline photo of his hometown on the back. Toronto, Canada. The second was a keychain marking his birthday, “July 21,” paired with a miniature Mount Fuji — a souvenir he picked up when he visited the mountain. 

Towson Bearsan — he/him

Second-year Parsons integrated design student 

Towson’s jeans were the ultimate eye candy as I walked past the Parsons building. These patchwork jeans felt like they were truly one of a kind. He got them back home in Tokyo, Japan. When asked what he loves about denim, Towson said he “[doesn’t] usually wear colors … so it makes [his] outfits … lighter.” Even though these specific jeans are made from various washes, I couldn’t agree more. The juxtaposition of his black beanie, black long-sleeve, and black boots with the authentic patchwork jeans adds the perfect touch of lightness to his look. He also mentioned his love for texture, evident in denim like this. Although he loves the texture light denim brings to his wardrobe, he mentions “when it comes to washing, it’s … hard to … just put it in the laundry, [and] the dryer, so it’s kind of annoying.” 

Although denim is a year-round staple, spring is when its full potential really comes alive. From patchwork jeans to one-pieces, vintage skirts to light blue shorts, the students of Fifth Avenue are showing just how many ways there are to make denim uniquely yours. 

So, as the days get longer and the layers get lighter, spring into your closet and grab the denim that feels most you (maybe just skip the wash)!