Fashion trends are cyclical, they go round and round and round, from nineties minimal to seventies glamour via sixties shapes and then back round again. However, there is a constant and that’s denim; all of us have at least five pair of jeans in our wardrobe depending on the season, the current denim trend and also our size and shape that for most of us may fluctuate over the year. Do you have that skinny pair that you hold onto just to torture yourself from time-to-time? Same. It’s a new month, a new year and feels like a wholly new season with sequins, festivities and what was a month fuelled by Berocca behind us. With this comes new ways to wear our perennial favourite, so how should we be wearing denim now?
In this week’s How to Style video I address a new year for denim with three fresh ways to wear it, whether you are looking for new ideas, need some tips on jeans or want to update how you style your old Levis.
S M A R T E R D E N I M
Denim can be smart and tailored which is why if you choose well, you’ll be able to get so much wear out of your jeans. Styling a well-cut pair of jeans with a fitted shirt (or simple white tee) and blazer is a sharp look that will effortlessly work for both day and night. The blazer is a key piece for this season, ideally wear yours oversized which mine isn’t, but you get the idea. These are my current favourite, these high-waisted cropped jeans from Cos: they pull in my bottom and thighs and fit really well with 1% elastane (not so much they feel like leggings, I like denim quite stiff) and they’re available in both dark blue (as seen) as well as black and other colours. In short, the darker the wash the more flattering the denim will be on your hips and bottom; I love white jeans but they can work against your shape. I would say that my shoe collection is predominantly black with pops of red and glossy patent finishes; these Cudworth Mules from Finery give the look a more polished edge and they’re not only comfortable but I can walk in them which is a plus (mules and I have a checkered past.)
D O U B L E D E N I M
Yes, really, I’m serious, double denim or the ‘Canadian tuxedo’ is back but this isn’t a retro throwback, this is modern and tailored, more Christian Dior S/S 18 than Madonna circa the 1980s. Working alongside spring’s suits and co-ordinating separates, when working double denim make sure you stay in the blue palette but choose contrasting tones; here I’m wearing my old Levis jacket with Cos skinny-fit cropped dark blue jeans. As a tailoring enthusiast (whether it is on-trend or not) I love any outfit that is even a distant relation to a great suit, of which double denim is. Wearing the same palette of colours head-to-toe continues to be a chic and smart way of dressing so why not wear denim with navy or the palest blue? Then add in a standout handbag or pair of shoes to mix in some contrasting colour and you’re set.
E V E R Y D A Y T U X E D O D E N I M
Because why should a tuxedo be exclusive to men or occasion wear? I like to mix evening wear pieces into my everyday dressing because, well, it gives me great joy and that is what fashion and style should give you. Mixing and matching pieces that should and shouldn’t go together is more interesting; a tuxedo with a baseball top and glitter stilettos? Yes! Wearing a straight-fit pair of jeans like these from Cos with heels works because the cropped length shows them off and highlights the slimmest part of your leg, the ankle, whilst the loose-fit makes the look more modern and less ‘I’m going out out.’ Pair a straight-leg or slouchy jean with more feminine and tailored pieces to get the balance right and not be too boyish. With it being January I’m wearing the sheerest pop socks under my jeans, to avoid frozen toe cramp (I know you know exactly what I mean.)
To see all of these looks in action, watch this week’s How to Style Denim for 2018 video and whilst you’re there, don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel where you’ll find more How to Style videos, vlogs and collaborations.