Deep Dive into the Jean Pool
Got the blues this summer? Examine your jean pool and dive into some denim.
It’s trending, timeless and for summer 2026 on Long Beach Island, NJ, denim is true coastal style.
Just ask Katelyn Roth, the owner of Allie May Boutique in Beach Haven, NJ. Her store is filled with a unique array of denim pieces, in addition to ready to wear fashion and accessories.
Roth said embroidered denim, barrel shaped jeans and overalls are denim styles to pay attention to right now.
“Something to consider are washed denim baggy skater style jeans,” she said. “Beach Haven is very much into surf and skate.”
If surf and skate isn’t your style, don’t stress. Roth said Allie May Boutique caters to everyone by offering a wide range of denim cuts and washes.
“I try to have something for the whole family,” she said. “You can come in here as a teenager up until your 60’s and 70’s and find something. We have mothers, grandmas, daughters who come in. That’s how LBI is. It is generational.”
Roth said denim pieces earn their keep. “They are one of the hardest working wardrobe staples you can invest in,” she said.
White jeans for instance. “They work well for the summer because they are beachy looking.” she said. “But when you pair them with a big brown cable knit sweater or a boxy elbow length brown jacket those white jeans will take you straight from summer to fall.”
Of course, denim wouldn’t be denim if it didn’t come in a spectrum of styles, colors and patterns. Think faded, rinsed, acid washed, sun washed, earth tones, and indigo.
“Denim stands the test of time,” Roth said. “Best of all, it is effortless. That is important for us on the island because there’s a comfort and ease to the way we dress here on LBI.”
“No matter what wash or color denim you’re going for, ornamentation is what will elevate it,” Roth said. “Studded, embellished with embroidery or patch work. Of course, some of it’s more for special occasions.”
If a simple, tailored look is what you’re after, think straight leg, inky blue indigo jeans paired with a white cotton roll neck sweater. “Very CBK Love Story,” Roth said.
Denim miniskirts are another popular way to wear denim. “They can be sexy or preppy, depending on what you wear them with,” Roth said. She suggests topping them with a chambray shirt or a cropped button-down sweater for a preppy vibe. “A denim mini with boots. Super fun,” she said.
Long story short, consider a pair of denim skorts. “They are like shorts, but they look like a skirt,” Roth said.
Life is not one size fits all and neither is denim. Ill-fitting jeans are a textile torture chamber.
Roth to the rescue. “Tractr is my biggest brand of jeans that we carry, “said Roth. “People love them because they are not very rigid, they are super comfortable and stretchy.”
If you’re thinking of a beach picnic, an evening boat cruise or drinks on a roof top deck, Roth has you covered with her collection of denim jackets. They pair perfectly with one of the many full-length or floaty little cocktail dresses she has in stock.
“A lot of the activity that people do down here is go out to dinner, so they come in looking for nighttime outfits,” Roth said. “We’re also big on outfits for weddings, dresses for bachelorette parties, dresses for bridal showers, dresses for celebrations before or after the wedding, honeymoons, or graduations. As a buyer I try and buy things for ‘occasions’ so my customers know when they come here, they will always find something.”
Another thing you can always count on finding at Allie May Boutique is the perfect outfit combination. Roth said one of her favorite things to do is put together outfits for her customers. “I have a degree in fashion from the Fashion Institute of Technology,” she said. “I love styling.”
Stop into Allie May Boutique. Let her work her magic on you. And remember, you can never have too many pairs of jeans.
Contact Information
Allie May Boutique is located at 108 N Bay Ave, Beach Haven, NJ.
609-361-3362
For more information or to shop online visit the website at alliemayboutique.com
Instagram @alliemayboutique