Vroom Vroom: I Tried the Levi's x McLaren Racing Collection

Fast cars and (actually) comfortable denim? Sign me up.

Confession: I've never had a great relationship with jeans—not with the way the often stiff textile uncomfortably hugs my muscular thighs, nor with the Western, rugged aesthetic associated with denim closet staples. It's just not for me! Now in my 30s, I very much enjoy dressing in uniform; classically tailored, high-waisted, flared trousers styled with deliciously luxe cashmere turtlenecks are my jam. Patent leather Saint Laurent Chelsea boots and a ridiculously oversized, '80s-inspired blazer? Yes, please.

So when the lovely folks at Levi's invited me to Austin to watch the U.S. Grand Prix F1 race in celebration of the brand's second collection with McLaren, I hesitated. Jeans? In the South? To watch... race cars in October? Hm. But bless my heart because a couple of days in the Lone Star State changed my perspective on how to style (and feel good) in denim. Listening to Charli XCX's "Vroom Vroom" also helped.

The second Levi's x McLaren collection follows a debut drop in July timed to the British Grand Prix and boasts the same affordable pricing. A nod to racing jackets and the sport's high-octane culture, the collection (for men and women) includes reimagined Levi's staples like 501s, plus race day-appropriate bandanas, skin-tight long-sleeve tops, graphic tees, hoodies, and a racing track trucker jacket that felt like a second skin.

On day 1 of my F1 experience in Austin, the sun shone bright on the city's Circuit of the America race track, where the Everything's Bigger in Texas vibes dominated the mood and bolstered my (newfound) enthusiasm for fast cars and the dudes who drive them. Lewis Hamilton was there! Oh, and the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders performed their legendary dance to AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" (if you haven't watched their Netflix documentary, America's Sweethearts, do so immediately).

For the sporting event, I wore the Sports 501 Jeans (modeled after the '93 straight fit) that feature limited-edition McLaren Racing details plus a rubberized patch embroidered on the left leg. As I mentioned, jeans and I don't have the best history. But after going up a size and working closely with the Levi's team to discuss a proper fit for me, my 501s made me feel cute and confident, especially when styled with a women's cropped speed trucker jacket I paired with a newly-purchased Balenciaga mini-bag that received all the compliments.

Editors on press trips such as this one are often encouraged to wear the brand's items while traveling, so in addition to the Levi's x McLaren collection, I also rotated between unexpectedly preppy (for my taste) but super comfortable Levi's cardigans, super-soft monogrammed denim button-downs, and Levi's 559 dark-wash, relaxed fit jeans that I kid you not I haven't stopped wearing since. Denim? In October? In Texas? Well, yes!

As I learned on the grounds of the race track, cheering for team McLaren and finally understanding why Formula 1 is exhilarating, much of the Grand Prix experience is about luxury. We lounged in the Paddock Club, where we watched the mechanics from a well-ventilated private box while sipping Champagne and rotating between truffled ravioli and huge chunks of lobster. Sports, but make it very, very, very decadent.

Levi's, subsequently, makes perfect sense as a partner for one of F1's most celebrated teams. While my perception of jeans had previously been they were too casual, off-duty, and rugged for how I enjoy dressing, there's something about being in Texas, saddling up in a pair of Levi's, and watching race cars zip past 100 mph that feels... just right! If Beyoncé can reimagine how to wear jeans, why can't I?

The new Levi’s x McLaren Racing Collection is now available on Levi.com, ranging from $40-$160.