6STYLISH DENIM ...FROM A-Z
From all-in-ones to zebra print, this summer it’s all about fashion’s most hard-working fabric
WHEN Downton star Michelle Dockery stepped out in double denim this week we knew jeans had gone up in the world. And that’s not surprising when Dior, Hermes, Chloe and many others put it front and centre of their 2022 collections. Just like these big-name designers have done, it’s time to rethink your own denim. From pale stonewash to deep indigo, tailored jumpsuits to long floaty dresses, upcycled to recycled, here’s your A-Z guide to the hardest-working material in your wardrobe.
A is for All-in-one
DON’T be intimidated, allin-one jumpsuits are effortless and easy. For a flattering fit, go for something that is belted or pulls in slightly at the waist. Layer yours over a rollneck until the weather improves. Keep your eyes peeled for cropped culotte styles which look great over boots or with summer sandals.
B is for Bum-boosting
RIVER Island’s highwaisted, bum-sculpting flare (€55, riverisland.com) will do more for you than 100 squats a day ever could. They’re built to ‘define and enhance, for a contoured
I is for Indigo
THE deep inky blue wash was a hit at Hermes and Dior. Wear yours on straight-leg jeans or jackets as a smart alternative.
Left: dress, €64, and right: shirt, €58, monsoonlondon.com look’. And they’re made using responsibly sourced denim, too.
C is for Colourful
PASTEL colours have hijacked jackets, jeans and jumpsuits for spring and provide an easy way to inject some fun into your wardrobe. Mango has a fantastic selection in a variety of shapes and shades.
D is for Double
IF YOU thought double denim was a fashion faux-pas then think again — it has made a huge comeback, as Michelle Dockery (pictured, far right) proved this week. Vary the weight and shades of denim — try heavier jeans teamed with a lighter shirt, or mix stonewash with classic blue.
E is for Eco-conscious
PRODUCING one pair of jeans can require more than 8,000 litres of water, not to mention the use of harmful chemicals. The biggest labels, from Loewe to Levi’s, say they’re working hard to reduce their impact.
F is for Flare
IT’S time to peel yourself out of your skinnies. Alexander McQueen, Chloe and Alberta Ferretti all reintroduced bell-bottoms for 2022 and we couldn’t be happier as they’re considerably more flattering.
G is for Girlfriend jeans
WANT something slightly less scruffy than a boyfriend jean? Then you’ll love Boden’s new ‘Girlfriend’ style (€90, boden.eu). With a hint of stretch and a relaxed fit, they come in a variety of washes.
H is for High waisted
TREAT yourself to a pair of high-rise jeans, (Reiss, €195) to highlight your waist, not your hips, while lengthening your legs — what’s not to love?
J is for Jacket
A DENIM jacket is a wardrobe mainstay. This season Erdem, Dries van Noten and Victoria Beckham all sent them down the catwalk. Try yours in cream.
K is for Kneelength skirt
THE button-front, kneelength denim skirt is back. Tap into the season’s Western trend and wear with a simple white shirt and tan boots.
L is for La Redoute x Wrangler
THE French fashion catalogue has a supremely stylish collection in collaboration with US jeans giant Wrangler.
Skirt, €119.99, La Redoute x Wrangler at laredoute.com
M is for Magic jeans
CLEVER technology in Marks & Spencer’s Magic Jeans, €65, flattens your tummy and lifts your bum while a gap-proof waistband gives you a great fit. The straight leg are a favourite — and they’re also available in petite.
N is for Non-denim
CHAMBRAY is lighter and therefore more versatile, especially in summer, but has the same appearance as denim.
O is for Organic cotton
MAKE a sustainable choice and opt for a denim manufacturer that uses organic cotton to reduce the impact of your clothes on the environment.
T is for TAILORED
TURN to Saint Laurent’s Spring/ Summer ’22 show (pictured) for inspiration. Pop on a shirt with the indigo flared trousers and belted jacket and it wouldn’t look out of place in the office.
Inset: Rejina Pyo Spring/Summer 22 catwalk show
P is for Patchwork
WE HAVE Tom Ford to thank for propelling patchwork denim back on the agenda — now the high street has plenty, too. Whistles has this jacket, or check
out Arket’s circular collection, made using vintage fabrics.
Jacket, €129, whistles.com
Q is for Quilted
YES, a quilted denim jacket is the thing to be seen in this summer. If Rixo’s €290 design (rixo.co.uk) is out of your budget, turn to La Redoute which has a strikingly similar design for €74.
R is for Ribcage jeans
THESE are a Levi’s bestseller. Inspired by a pair of vintage 501 originals, Levi’s Ribcage jeans, €130, are the highest rise you can get. They’re absurdly flattering, especially if you’re petite.
S is for Shirt
THANKS to this season’s obsession with anything Western, you should be replacing your basic cotton shirt with chambray or denim.
U is for Upcycled
TAKING existing fabric and turning it into something new is no problem when it comes to durable denim. Elv Denim takes jeans destined for landfill and turns them into the most soughtafter styles.
V is for Very baggy
BAGGY jeans are big news; you’re looking for something oversized everywhere apart from the waist, New Look €39.99.
W is for Wonderfit at George at Asda
LOOKING for something flattering that doesn’t break the bank? Try George at Asda’s Wonderfit range — prices start at just €29.
X is for X-treme turn-ups
WITH Wyse London’s straight-leg Rebecca style (€190, wyselondon.com), the turn-up hems can be adjusted to suit any height — remember: the bigger the better.
Jeans, €190, wyselondon.com
Y is for Y2K
THAT means ‘the year 2000’ and covers anything you were wearing late 1990s to earlyto-mid 2000s; dig it all out of the back of your wardrobe as it’s the height of fashion.
Z is for Zebra print
TAKE a walk on the wild side with animal-print jeans. Ganni, Reformation, Jigsaw, River Island . . . there are plenty to choose from.
Jacket, €49.95, Mango at freemans.com