the denim edit

Rebecca Thomas
Mar 14, 2018
3 min read

Denim doesn’t just have to be jeans, although jeans are a great way to start building an outfit. Spring/Summer 2018 catwalk looks opened a space for experimentation of ways to wear denim. Here is the she steps edit of fun and wearable key looks from denim trends for the new season.

The reworked jacket

The denim jacket is a wardrobe staple to many at some point in life. It’s ability to save some warmth on a cool evening or act as the perfect layer on a mild day is second to none. Although the classic denim jacket is cool, the reworked jacket is cooler. Reworking can include cut-outs, fraying and contrast panels. There is a large selection, so choose something that is unique yet wearable with other wardrobe items.

Evidnt longline denim jacket, £80, asos.com

Skirt

The options are endless with this key item as there are so many different styles of denim skirt. Embellished, asymmetric, reworked. Play around with any denim skirts already in the wardrobe or opt to buy something new. The availability of lengths in denim skirts means there is something for every woman of every shape and height. There are also different denim washes including acid wash and coloured denim.

Patch pocket knee length skirt, £36, warehouse.co.uk

Contrast stitching

Denim with contrasting stitching has appeared in the shops and on the catwalk. It usually consists of a dark wash denim with a white or cream stitch. Contrast stitching allows for easy addition of other colours into the outfit. Play around with this one There is likely to be an influx of contrast stitching including brighter colours as the temperature rises.

Panel skirt in black, £40, weekday.com

Embellished

A.k.a dressy denim. ‘Jeans and a top’ never seemed so party ready. Embellished denim stretches from crystals to studs so there is choice for different tastes and requirements. Some denim items are fully loaded with embellishments but some have subtle features so it is possible to ease into uncharted waters without rushing into the embellishment trend.

Mokonoki pearl jeans in Blue, £50, monki.com

Co-ord

What easier way to create an outfit than to have matching denim? A co-ordinate, or co-ord for short, takes the stress out of deciding what to wear. Layer a denim jacket and matching jeans over a light knitted top, t-shirt or vest for an easy to wear look. Co-ords are not always a jacket and jeans, there are also skirts, shorts and denim t-shirts in the shops.

BDG contrast stitch workwear jacket and carpenter jeans, £104 for the set, urbanoutfitters.com

Elongated shorts

The Bermuda short has been featured on different runway shows. This style is simply an elongated short, or pair of jeans cut off above the knee. These shorts are a little more comfortable than denim hotpants or daisy dukes as they cover some more skin so they are great for everyone. Wear with a cotton t-shirt during the day or a silk camisole for nights out or dinner dates.

Bleach denim board shorts by Boutique, £39, topshop.com

Dungarees

This is an easy to wear trend with minimal effort required. For the daring, wear dungarees with a bandeau or crop underneath. Dungarees are often worn with a cotton long sleeve or t-shirt, but the runway has shown that they can also be worn with shirts underneath for a smarter look. New takes on dungarees include necklace style shoulder straps, contrast stitching and coloured denim washes. There are great maternity styles for dungarees, too.