Master the art of wearing denim for any occasion

Isabel Spearman
·3 min read
There are so many options available in different shapes and tones of denim at every price point - Andrew Crowley
There are so many options available in different shapes and tones of denim at every price point - Andrew Crowley

My love for a denim dress started only a few years ago when I fell in love with an Emilia Wickstead style that was cut so beautifully it looked like a couture piece. I suddenly realised that denim could look smart and it challenged me to try this with the ones I already owned. I had kept them for weekends and casual days, wearing them instead of jeans with Birkenstocks in the summer and trainers in the winter. I discovered by adding a blazer, a dash of lipstick, a good boot or heel that denim really is smart enough to wear to the office or for an occasion.

I have since become a guilty collector of these dresses as they are just so useful. I love the feel of the denim, the fabric has that little bit of structure but it is also supremely comfortable and doesn’t crease easily (perfect for work). I have long lusted over a friend’s denim dress from designer brand Co, with statement balloon sleeves, and she has worn it on repeat to parties and work events; it always looks appropriate but also fresh and modern. It is the one that got away for me and I still have an eBay alert for that style.

There are so many options available in different shapes and tones of denim at every price point. I find the darker hues are more forgiving and also look smarter and I skip black as it can look cheap. I’m always looking for a detail, whether it is a scallop trim or a yoke ruffle like the beautiful Daydress style I am wearing above.

You can wear literally any colour with denim; think of it as a neutral base as you do with your jeans. I believe they are real investment pieces as they transcend any trend and will be part of your wardrobe forever. Meanwhile, I’m still waiting for that eBay notification.

Top image: Isabel wears: Denim dress, £395, Daydress Dress down: Jessie boots, £235, Camilla Elphick

Denim style tips

  • Don’t be scared by a shoulder ruffle, it makes a great impact

  • Fastening the collar of your dress to the top can make you look more pulled together

  • Rolling your sleeves up instantly relaxes your look

  • Try to stick with bare legs for as long as possible. Keep moisturising!

  • A white boot is the perfect transitional footwear for autumn

Dress up

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1

From left to right: Maxi City coat, £365, Jigsaw; Stylist bag, £295, Strathberry; Panama Soho diary, £180, Smythson

Dress down

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2

From left to right: Garment dyed organic workwear jacket, £185, Toast; Turtle Bags striped tote, £25, Arket; crinkle patent leather courts, £259, LK Bennett

Best of the rest

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3

From left to right: Cadie organic dress, £159, Baukjen; Kristen embroidered denim dress, £150, Rixo; Diane denim shirt dress, £150, Rae Feather

How do you style denim? Join the conversation in the comments section below

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