Cool new summer blues: How to wear chambray dresses, cropped jeans, flirty skirts – and YES even double denim
- Jess Wood reveals how her denim collection has started to feel a smart option
- British style expert said it has the right amount of structure compared to cotton
- She said when it comes to skirts it’s time to get your knees out as mini is back
Once upon a time, I saw denim as a fashion version of a Charlie Bigham ready meal: great to have on standby, but only for when time — and creativity — were seriously short.
My most casual outfit, for days messing around at home, consisted of a Current/Elliott denim shirt, worn with Topshop boyfriend jeans. For a quiet office day I’d wear the same, but with heels. Heels! Remember those?
But recent events have seen me don an ever-comfier and sloppier selection of what you might politely call ‘leisure-wear’.
Tiered dress, £119; and trainers, £129, plumo.com. Jess Wood said her denim collection has surprisingly started to feel like a real step up in the smart stakes
And my denim collection has surprisingly started to feel like a real step up in the smart stakes.
It’s got just the right amount of structure to make a refreshing change from the cotton jersey I’ve been living in.
The other day, buttoning up my jeans, I felt as polished as I would if I’d been stepping into a designer trouser suit.
Blazer, £98; shirt, £40; jeans, £70; and shoes, now £48, boden.co.uk. Denim is the ideal trend to wean us off our leggings
You may think of sturdy denim as being best for winter. But the High Street has come up with a bumper summer crop of light weaves, pale washes and innovative styles.
Denim is the ideal trend to wean us off our leggings. Depending on how far you’ve sunk into the all-day-PJs habit, take baby steps.
First up, try a loose dress to wear with trainers — like this tiered Plumo one (far left) in chambray, or Cos’s smarter indigo smock (far right).
Top, £70; skirt, £80; bag, £65; and sandals, £40, anthropologie. com (left). Blazer, £98; shirt, now £36; jeans, £65; and shoes, £90, boden.co.uk (right)
Jumpsuit, £119; polo-neck top, £25; and ankle boots, £155, Label/Mix at next.co.uk
When it comes to skirts, it’s time to get your knees out, as the mini is back. Pair Anthropologie’s ruffled-hem style with a fitted vest to contrast the skirt’s swooshiness.
As for jeans, it’s all about a cropped ankle-length. Scandi brand Gestuz does a wide-legged pair with a flattering high waist.
And if you have a phobia of white jeans, think again. Worn with a sharp white shirt and patterned courts, they’re more Vogue Paris than The Only Way Is Essex.
If you’re feeling brave, try this belted boiler suit from Next’s designer collaboration brand Label Mix.
Shirt, £35.99; jeans, £35.99; and sandals, £59.99, mango.com (left). Dress, now £48.30; and trainers, £89, cos stores.com (right)
As for me? I’m an advocate of double denim, whether it’s in or out. Luckily, it’s in again, and the matchier the better.
I’ll be treating myself to this chic Mango shirt and ankle-flare outfit (above). I’m calling it my new trouser suit.