Every Outfit Needs A Pair Of Jeans, According To Two Gen Z'ers

We can always count on denim to set the stage for personal style. Where one person might dress up a straight-leg cut with square-toe mules and a balloon-sleeve blouse, another will throw on chunky sneakers and a vintage band tee for a wildly different vibe. Jeans, you could say, are the sartorial starting point for self-expression. And it’s not just the final look that excites us but also the freedom to work without a formula — the endless iterations one single item can inspire.

It’s no surprise, then, that denim is a nonnegotiable in the wardrobes of the ever-evolving Generation Z, using style as a means to explore and extend a tangible sense of self. Take 20-year-old experimental artist Finn Barrett, for example, who rocks frayed denim and comfortable cuts while working in his L.A. studio. Or Miski Muse, a body-positive advocate who inspires women to feel confident with her authentic take on modest fashion. Jump ahead to get to know these creative up-and-comers as they show off H&M's fall denim collection — and pick up a new tip or two on how to up your own style game.

Welcome to MyIdentity. The road to owning your identity is rarely easy. In this yearlong program, we will celebrate that journey and explore how the choices we make on the outside reflect what we're feeling on the inside — and the important role fashion and beauty play in helping people find and express who they are.