The Power of Denim

Denim is one of the top, if not the top essential item for your spring/summer wardrobe that can be worn to easily update your outfits with a fresh and stylish perspective. Here are my TOP 5 denim must-have pieces and how to confidently nail your denim inspired looks this season.

I am a self-confessed denim addict!

Where do I begin with my love affair with denim? Having been on an undeniable quest over the last 20 years to find the ‘perfect’ pair of jeans, I believe I have subconsciously made it my goal to own every single style on the market from flares to dungarees to Levi’s Original 501s.

the five most common types of denim to wear

To me, denim has stood the test of time and is the wardrobe staple that will continue to reward you over and over again. By finding your two, possibly three investment pieces that can take you through from January to December, you will have a solid and sustainable wardrobe essential that you’ll most likely never part with. Narrow down the right wash, texture and style and it will not only be reworn and consciously repurposed but treated with care; it could be handed down to the next generation for extra cool points!

Denim is one of the top, if not the top essential item for your spring/summer wardrobe that can be worn to easily update your outfits with a fresh and stylish perspective.

Here are my TOP 5 denim must-have pieces and how to confidently nail your denim inspired looks this season…Enjoy!

The Jacket

The best denim jackets come in all shapes and sizes and when it comes to the jacket the real question is; to oversize or not to oversize? Well, I believe style is unequivocally individual and personal, so both styles have their benefits and here’s why.

The oversized jacket can really add an edgier dimension to your look, which can work particularly well when teamed with shorter styles such as summer dresses and playsuits or longer jumpsuits.

A more fitted style of jacket has been formidable in its ability to never date, becoming a firm favourite in an ideal capsule wardrobe. The great thing about this more versatile style of denim jacket is that it is a simple, yet effective way of downgrading a dressed up look to a low key look.

The Wash: Try to opt for a mid-wash denim which is always a popular choice. The fabric has been washed for a longer process, so the softer texture will work for comfort, especially around the arm and waist area – compared to a darker, raw wash denim which is stiffer due to being unwashed and unrefined.

Dani wearing denim jeans
The Power of Denim 1

The Shirt

I adore a denim shirt because it can really add a twist to your entire look. It can make your outfit sexy, playful, vintage-inspired or extremely chic. Another great quality is that this is the one piece where you can be really flexible with your choice of wash. You can easily make each type of wash work for you, with just a couple of pointers.

I’ve been known to wear a light wash denim shirt – which has been through a longer washing process – as I like the clash of it with my richer skin tone. The clash of tones add a contemporary edge to the look, especially when I style the shirt with bright pops of colour, bold prints or even a statement red lipstick.

The key with the shirt is, the more relaxed the texture, the easier it is to style. This allows you to tuck the shirt loosely into your skirt or trousers and also for you to be able to have a play with the neckline.

Style Tip: A casually, unbuttoned neckline can take your look from day to evening in a flash!

Double Denim

My top tip? Wear it with confidence and wear it well – don’t look back!

For many, it may seem a denim overload, but it really is an excellent way of having fun with your look and a great chance to let your style personality shine through.

The key to this look is tone and texture. Create dimension and shape by blending richer washes with cooler ones. If you’re generally blessed with a fuller bust, keep the darker denim on top, whether it be a shirt or a jacket. Equally, if you’d like to minimise the hip area and accentuate your lovely waist, wear the darker tone on your bottom half.

Double denim is probably my all time favourite denim look so… Mix it. Tuck it. Work it!

Style Tips: Shirts in a light wash denim have a great, light and summery look and work exceptionally well when tucked into a mid-wash skirt. Mid-wash denim has a cool and casual aesthetic – so perfect to team with a vibrant pair of pointed heels to easily elevate your outfit to casual chic. Break up your look with chunky jewellery or a skinny belt for additional style points!

Dani wearing denim shirt and denim skirt

The Skirt

The denim skirt is a key piece that can quickly determine whether you’re looking to achieve an understated, laid-back look or something more elegant – purely by it’s length.

The mini skirt with a frayed hem has a more relaxed, Californian style which is flighty and fun. However I suggest, to maximise the number of looks you can create and style with your existing wardrobe season to season – look at choosing a longer length, such as a knee length or a midi length. These are perfect for teaming with the staple oversized white shirt or for a slightly edgier look, a cool puff sleeved top or blouse.

Style Tip: Added little details can really make the look – studs on pockets or a buttoned down front can be particularly flattering.

The Flare

Don’t ignore the flare!

It’s a style that works for the majority of body shapes – and for me – the higher the waistline the better. Once you have an irreplaceable pair of flares in your capsule wardrobe, you’ll start to realise how functional they can be!

This style of jeans also work really well in less common washes such as white denim or the black and grey denim. But look toward a light or medium wash so that you can team with your pops of colour and an array of textures.

You may also consider denim styles which have a “whiskers” effect around the thighs. This can give the denim a slightly more relaxed and distressed look, great for those more casual, summer days.

Style Tips for The Flare

If you have….

An Apple shape (curvier around the middle and a less defined waist):
Make sure to choose a denim wash with a little bit of stretch to create a fabulous fit around your slender legs and opt for tops with fluidity that finish on the hip line.

A Pear shape (curvier around the hips, bottom and thighs than up top):
Team your flares with a top that has a flattering shoulder detail, like a puff sleeve. This will create a balanced silhouette by adding width to the shoulder line.

A Strawberry shape (fuller bust and narrow around the waistline, hips and bottom):
High waisted flares will work well, but if you have a shorter waist, opt for a low rise style instead, as this will help to elongate the middle.

Athletic or Hourglass shapes (generally balanced proportions on top and on bottom):
Tuck in those shirts, blouses or T-shirts to create shape and highlight your waist, respectively.

Denim Styling Ideas

For more daily style tips, please feel free to visit my Instagram page!

Happy Shopping

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