As a dedicated denim fan, I almost shed a tear placing my tried-and-true favourite jeans into storage (‘Until October,’ I whispered wistfully). Well, that was until I remembered that with it, summer brings all manner of new denim possibilities, not limited to but including white jeans, denim dresses, and jorts.
Speaking of jorts, I don’t know one fashion editor who doesn’t own at least one pair (I have three), and this is with good reason. They can be worn for too-hot-to-do-anything-meaningful days, with colour-pop flip flops and a tank; for occasions when you want to make a little more effort, with ballet flats and an oversized shirt; and even teamed with heels and a ‘nice top’ (something chiffon or sequinned – or ideally, both) for evening.
There is a denim dress for everyone, from collared styles to chambray maxis. If your summer evenings are packed to the brim, you may want to add something I’m calling the ‘dressed-up denim dress’ to your going-out wardrobe. See Schiaparelli’s SS25 show for the blueprint – waist-cinching, indigo-rinsed, and perfect in every way.
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Refuse to break up with your jeans, even when the weather warms? You don’t have to, dear reader, as you have the option of slipping into something a little more comfortable and a lot lighter weight, thanks to all of the linen and Lyocell blends out there. On the SS25 runway, Zimmermann paired some low-slung, light-wash jeans with a vintage-look shirt, and I suggest we all do the same. See too pastel and white jeans.
The classic denim skirt and jacket also make an appearance, but with some added zhuzhing – an asymmetric hem here, some ruffles there. I wouldn’t mind doing chores if I was wearing Chloé’s denim chore jacket, with its blouson sleeves and smock-like detailing, while 3.1 Phillip Lim’s ruffled mini skirt leans just the right side of 1980s.
Without further ado, here are 9 of the best ways to wear denim.
Jorts
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This hybrid garment is more versatile than you think. Sure, jorts look great with a vintage T-shirt and ballet flats, but they can also be styled for evening, with a chiffon top and strappy heels.
A Denim Shirt Dress
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When rendered in denim, the shirt dress sheds its starchiness and feels instantly cooler. 7 For All Mankind’s airy maxi can be styled as a dress or half-unbuttoned, with linen trousers peeking out from beneath.
White Jeans
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Stain remover at the ready; ‘tis the season of the white jean. What they lack in stain-resistance they make up for in style, freshening up an old tee and trainers in an instant. Opt for a wide-leg or baggy pair, letting them pool ballet flats, flip flops or Converse.
A Chambray Maxi
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When one thinks of summer denim, one thinks of chambray – its pale-blue shade and lightweight handle equip it perfectly for hotter climes. On holiday, you can’t go far wrong with a chambray maxi dress, especially when it’s accessorised with barely-there sandals and an anklet or two.
Pastel Denim
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Sorbet-hued denim is just the thing to sweeten summer outfits; if you need proof, see Chloé’s peach flares. Take cues from the brand’s SS25 catwalk and team pastel jeans with a beige utility jacket and plenty of chain necklaces, or style a lemon-yellow maxi with a fresh white tank and lipstick-red Mary Jane flats.
A Dressed-Up Denim Dress
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The corseted, indigo-rinse maxi at Schiaparelli’s SS25 show proved that the denim dress isn’t just for casual days; with the right silhouette and styling, it can be a sultry option for evening, too. Raw or dark-wash denim instantly feels smarter, and it also helps if it’s form-fitting and strapless (or strappy). Just added point-toe mules.
Lightweight Jeans
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You may find your favourite jeans are a little heavyweight for the heatwave. No matter – simply swap them out for a lighter-weight pair blended with Lyocell or linen. Citizens of Humanity’s Brynn trousers are blissfully breezy, and look great with an oversized shirt and jelly flip flops in a pastel colour.
An Everyday Denim Skirt
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An excellently cut denim skirt will be with you for years. Consider a classic column style, as seen at Patou, or something with alluring cutouts, as at Karoline Vitto. Or embrace the avant-garde with an asymmetric or fishtail shape; we’re currently trawling Vestiaire Collective and eBay for exactly that from the king of directional denim, Junya Watanabe.
A Girlish Denim Jacket
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On brisk summer evenings, eschew the classic denim jacket for one with frills or flounces or all of the above. High on our wish list is Chloé’s blouson-sleeved, chore–style jacket, which looks excellent with high-waist flares and platforms.
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