It’s no secret that I love denim, in all kinds of styles and all kinds of shades. Although I do think that skinny, distressed snow-wash jeans are probably best left in the past, along with those jeans that were so low-rise that you’d have to wear a special thong that showed over the top of the waistband. Why on earth did anyone think that was a good idea? The 90s were arguably the era that style forgot. But, saying that, my teenagers almost exclusively dress like they’re at a Stone Roses gig in 1995, and I’m kind of here for that. It reminds me of my misspent youth.
Barely a day goes by when I don’t wear something denim. Usually jeans, but see also shirts, jackets, shorts and jumpsuits. I reckon I have about 25 pairs of jeans, although, if I’m honest, I probably only wear about six pairs on repeat. But I’m always a bit loath to thin out my collection, as you never know when styles will come back in. Plus, you know, weight fluctuations. See this post for some style options, but currently I’m loving the Oasis cropped wide-leg jeans, the Paige Anessa crop jeans and the Levi’s pleated dad jeans. All at very different points of the price spectrum, but all exceedingly good.
Of course, it’s not all about the jeans, and denim is very versatile in all of its forms…
DOUBLE DENIM (BUT DIFFERENT COLOURS)
I love a bit of double denim, or the ‘Canadian tuxedo’, if you will. I’m allowed to say that as half my family are indeed Canadian, eh? Actually, I’ve never seen any of them wear double denim; they’re more into all-weather Rohan gear with a side order of baseball caps and Birkenstocks. But if the full DD look is too daunting for you, why not try different denim colours? Pair your white or cream jeans with a denim shirt.
- The Collaborative Store Aire textured knitted polo top
- Isabel Marant Yenky embroidered denim tote bag
- Muriel Witkin gold Flower of Life pendant necklace
- Jigsaw tyne wide leg crop off-white jeans
- Arket light blue denim shirt
- AND/OR woven leather sandals
THE DENIM SHIRT
An absolute wardrobe staple, this one – especially in the summer when you can wear your denim shirt as a jacket. It’s the perfect lightweight cover-up for this weather. Plus you can wear it in the winter, layered under a nice navy jumper. Basically, a ‘win win’, however you look at it.
- H&M ribbed vest top
- & Other Stories butterfly frame sunglasses
- Wrangler x La Redoute denim shirt
- Boden khaki linen wrap skirt
- Matalan black whipstitch gladiator sandals
- Loewe raffia and leather bag
THE DENIM JUMPSUIT
Haters gonna hate, but the players will be wearing a denim jumpsuit this summer, and those players will also be layering their long-sleeve T‑shirts underneath it in the autumn. Dress it up with a strappy heel if you’re that way inclined, or just go for a great pair of flat sandals. These from A. Emery have been stalking me all over the internet this past week. I may have crumbled and ordered them. You know, ‘just to see’…
- Mother denim pleated prep jumpsuit
- Monki recycled polyester bow hair slide
- Ba&sh Leslie black sunglasses
- & Other Stories crescent leather bag
- A. Emery leather strap sandals
THE SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT DENIM JACKET
As mentioned on the previous summer jacket blog. We all love a denim jacket during these warmer months, but some of us (me) are a bit tired of the standard ‘western’ style. In which case, look for something that’s a slightly different shape to perk up your jacket game. I think the dark denim of the Seventy + Mochi jacket will work just as well as we hit autumn too.
- Focalook gold plated letter necklace
- Seventy + Mochi Pablo dark denim jacket
- COS oversized organic cotton t shirt
- Gucci jumbo GG mini tote bag
- Jigsaw linen pleat front trousers
- Flattered Camilla leather Mary Jane shoes
THE DENIM WAISTCOAT
As my tattoo removal ‘journey’ is still ongoing (it’s more a transatlantic flight to Western Australia than a quick Eurostar to Paris), I would have to pop a white T‑shirt under a denim waistcoat, but I’ve seen many ladies going for the ‘nothing underneath’ look and I’m kind of into it. Yes, it could be a bit Suzi Quatro, but so long as you pair it with a more feminine shape on the bottom half and not a pair of leather lace-up pants then I think you can rock it. Pun definitely intended.
- River Island blue plait detail denim waistcoat
- Loel gold plated pukka shell hoop earrings
- Dolce & Gabbana square frame sunglasses
- Jigsaw cream gauze ruched skirt
- Marni tropical summer raffia tote bag
- AND/OR Lana leather flatform sandals
FOREVER IN BLUE JEANS
Finally, we had to have a jeans section. I’m really into the wide-leg look right now. My only advice for these if you’re a bit unsure of how to style them is to go more fitted on the top half: this will balance out the wideness of the jeans. Simple T‑shirts, vest tops and fitted shirts work perfectly here. Note about these Levi’s jeans: a) they’re on sale and b) they come up BIG, so go down at least one size. I got size 28” and I still have to wear them with a belt.
- Stella Nova colour block cotton cardigan
- Polaroid burgundy frame sunglasses
- Whistles crop rib vest top
- Levis folded pleated baggy Dad jeans
- Anna Pugh Adele black leather cross body bag
- Golden Goose superstar trainers
As Wimbledon has started – and you know I love a topical theme – I think next week we will look at all the summer whites.
K x
