Talking Classic Denim With the Creative Director of AGOLDE

Rip & Tan: What is it that makes a great pair of denim so quintessentially timeless in any wardrobe?

Karen Phelps: You can’t go wrong with a classic straight leg in the perfect shade of vintage blue. A truly timeless fit is easy to style and offers transitional wearability season to season. At AGOLDE, we are inspired by vintage classics and create our denim with a modern sensibility in mind.  Our denim fabrics molds to your body, cut to feel as if they were made just for you.  Lastly, comfort is crucial, any great pair offers all-day wearability.

Rip & Tan: We’d love to know a bit about your personal style philosophies. Do you have a go-to uniform?

Karen Phelps: My go-to uniform revolves around denim. Generally, I tend to gravitate toward a low-slung, classic stovepipe silhouette. At present, I find myself drawn to volume, seeking out wider, more experimental shapes. My overall wardrobe plays into a very simple color palette. I almost always style my denim with a classic t-shirt and tailored blazer or a voluminous blouse.

Rip & Tan: Whether you’re dressing them up or down, what are a few of your favorite ways to style the Riley Crop?

Karen Phelps: My favorite way to style the Riley differs from day to night. For an everyday look, a classic t-shirt and a relaxed blazer is perfect. For an evening out, I like pairing the Riley back to a black top and black shoe, styled with gold jewelry accents.

Rp & Tan: The perfect pair of jeans should offer endless versatility—do you have any tips for finding that staple pair we can keep in our closet for years?

Karen Phelps: My advice is having an open mind. Be open to exploring shape, there is always a resurgence trends or new style emerging that could become your new go-to. I know I have found a staple pair when I stop having to think about the jean. I can throw them on and they will go well with anything and everything, easily completing any look.

Rp & Tan: Do you have any advice for navigating denim trends? What are your general rules for experimenting versus keeping things classic?

Karen Phelps: For me personally, I tend to keep my jeans as the focal point of the outfit. While I gravitate toward classic, I am always open to exploring new shapes—there are so many opportunities in denim to elevate your everyday uniform and experiment with volume or trends. I tend to hold onto fits, knowing with confidence that trends are cyclical and they will find their way back into my wardrobe in years to come.

Rp & Tan: What are the essential denim styles everyone ought to have in their wardrobe?

Karen Phelps: Everyone should have styles that feel classic, styles that feel experimental, and a perfect jean short. Also, white denim is a must-have—it can be the perfect summer jean or the perfect monochromatic fit for cooler months.