Ah, denim. To paraphrase a nursery rhyme, when it’s good, it’s very, very good, and when it’s bad, it’s horrid… REALLY horrid (acid wash, anyone?). But whether it’s good or bad, most of us own at least one item of denim clothing, perhaps a jacket, but more likely jeans.
Originally created as durable workwear for miners, jeans now span the great divides of age, class, gender, race, and more recently, occasion. Is there any other piece of clothing more versatile? With a little thought, your favourite pair of jeans can take you from a brisk walk on the beach to a fancy dinner date. Teamed with a T-shirt and cardigan or hoodie, skinny jeans are the new classics as a casual get-up for both guys and girls, finished with flat shoes, boots, or sneakers (although leave the white Reeboks at home unless you’re a particular admirer of Seinfeld’s sartorial selections). Ladies can turn up the style volume for after-5 events by pulling on some high heels and bringing on the bling, while leather shoes or even classy trainers in a dark colour can give gents’ looks some evening elegance.
Tailored jackets and scarves tied loosely around the neck work well to polish the look for both, or why not add some cheeky chic by trying a bow tie?
So what are the “denim don’ts”*? The Texas Tuxedo (matchy-matchy top-to-toe denim) was once a no-no, but the latest catwalks at Chloe and other big-name brands were overrun with models in chambray shirts and patchy boyfriend jeans – and there have even been sightings of fringed denim platform shoes. As with any item of clothing, though, let common sense dictate when it comes to denim. There’s so many different styles of jeans that there is no need to bend to trends – if high-waist painted-on pants are not your thing, there’s always the more forgiving boyfriend style, classic straight leg, boot cut, or even bell bottoms, so summon up the jean genie and seek out the pair that’s perfect for you.
*For tips on what not to do, check out:
http://www.refinery29.com/denim-disasters-the-ugliest-jeans-ever.php
