SUMMERS rich denim mix
Hot weather doesn’t mean you have to ditch your favourite pair of jeans. Fashion editor Grace Cahill discusses how to wear denim in the heat...
WHEN you think of summer dressing, do you imagine white cotton floatiness and a cascade of floral prints? Me too. That’s the overge riding message for dressing in this hot weather.
This season, though, there is a general shift towards ever more functional denim and it’s taking on a much fresher and lighter feel — the antithesis of dark, heavy, indigo denim reminiscent of winter.
Fabrics are lighter in weight, shades are brighter, and brands from the High Street
to high-end Gucci and J Brand, have experimented with cuts that let your legs breathe.
So, how to avoid swapping out your go-to jeans for much shorter counterparts — especially in this heat?
Fabrics don’t come much more resilient than denim, and the beauty of the fabric is that it varies in weight depending on the season. Go for a light, stretchy fabric that will move with you in cropped, colourful versions. If stark white isn’t your thing, opt for softer shades like buttermilk, blush pink or pistachio green.
For another cool approach, take a wider stance in low-waisted, loose-fitting boyfriend jeans, or upgrade your look with fitted denim shirts and dresses that are simultaneously sharp and flattering from Zara and Whistles.
At Marks and Spencer — which has made a name for itself by introducing a cool, lightweight range of denim — the Limited Edition peplum cloth skirt is a strong performer for all-day summer wear.