THE NEW SMART CASUAL
Denim — the most enduring of fabrics and trends — is the ultimate wardrobe staple. An excellent pair of jeans can be the basis for many outfits. And these days, they’re just as important when dressing up. Yes, smart jeans are no longer an oxymoron — as long as they’re beautifully tailored.
DESIGNER DENIM
Even the oddest brands are now focusing on sharp denim after the pandemic. Universal Standard and Erdem joined forces last year to produce a range of denim that featured a stunning boiler suit, frayed skirt, and straight-leg jeans.
Nadege vanhee-Cybulski was the creative director at Hermes. She opted to wear blanket coats as well as co-ords and dress all made from dark, tailored denim. Maria Grazia Chiuri from Dior was also part of the action and sent elegant front-pleat jeans down to the catwalk.
Dinah Van Tulleken offers advice on how to embrace this season’s casual, smart jeans style at all occasions. Pictured: Blazer, £227, maje.com; knit tank, £75, boden.co.uk; blue jeans, £49.95, gap.co.uk; loafers, £195, russellandbromley.co.uk
Do not be shy, but GO WIDE
Some simple rules: don’t go anywhere near skinny jeans — their time is up. You don’t want anything ripped (the 1990s are back and with them ripped denim — fine only for teens who don’t remember the last time around), loose or low-slung. A structured wide-leg is what you’re after, ideally with a high waist. Comfortable but secure and cool, but still grown up.
MADE FOR BLOZERS
When it comes to colour, anything goes as long as it’s blue. For the adventurous, try a stonewash, such as the Gap design I’m wearing here. Or you can’t go wrong with a deep indigo like The Outnet pair below. A blazer is a great finishing touch to the outfit.
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