How to Wear Summer Denim, According To A Fashion Insider
Digital creative and brand consultant LUCY WILLIAMS is something of a denim addict and expert. Here, she shares the pieces to invest in for this season and beyond – from wide-leg jeans to an oversized denim jacket – plus, how to style them… By GEORGIE LUCAS
“Denim is classic, nostalgic, versatile and comfortable,” says Lucy Williams, “all the things I like my wardrobe to be.” Williams has the enviable knack of styling everything, especially denim, with effortless ease. “Denim is such a great neutral,” she says, “and can often be the key ingredient to tie an outfit together. It easily dresses things down and makes everything a bit low-key.” She’s a particular fan of this season’s vintage references. “The ’70s and ’90s have always been my favorite decades, style-wise, so I think that has something to do with why I love denim so much – it was such a key fabric for both periods.”
These days, denim has transcended its utilitarian origins to become a closet staple, taking us from weekends to workdays, occasions to vacations, and everything in between. And never has denim’s star soared higher – from the perfect jeans to pair with a sleek ’90s tank, to an oversized denim shirt to layer over a one piece and cut-off shorts, denim is an easy summer favorite.
It needn’t be the preserve of your daytime closet, either. For evening, “I love a play on noughties style with the ‘jeans and a nice top’ trope,” Williams says. “A strapless bandeau, scarf top or a sheer camisole feels much more doable and laid-back when teamed with jeans.” Indeed, one of the joys of the fabric lies in its versatility. “It’s such a great staple for experimenting with new pieces,” agrees Williams. Read on to discover her insider tips for wearing denim this summer.
“Denim has transcended its utilitarian origins to become a closet staple, taking us from weekends to workdays, occasions to vacations, and everything in between
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Consider the wash
“I’m really into darker indigo washes, relaxed wide-leg jeans, and updates on the classic denim jacket. Chloé’s long denim trench coat is a dream piece for me, and I love all the oversized white, khaki and brown denim around now.”
The pieces to invest in
“Mid-length denim shorts work so well on vacation, as well as at home with oversized collared shirts or with a T-shirt and blazer – Agolde do my favorites, as they are just right in terms of length and wash. A boxy denim shirt is a great layering piece, too – I love the idea of wearing Slvrlake’s short-sleeved style over a fitted jersey mini dress or with belted tailored shorts for a city look. A denim mini dress is such a summer-specific piece that feels chic but a little playful, too; I love a really oversized, vintage men’s denim shirt belted to create a mini dress.”
Denim as eveningwear
“I love that designers are creating more statement, fun pieces with denim now, as well as the classics. Cormio’s wrap mini skirt is exactly the kind of new-wave denim made for having fun in. I’d keep everything else super-simple and pair it with a white tank top, chunky silver earrings and minimal sandals.”
Summer in the city
“A long, tailored denim skirt looks so chic with a fresh white T-shirt, chunky black loafers or ballet pumps, and great sunglasses. Or try denim shorts with a roomy, soft denim tunic – I love Tove and Nili Lotan – plus classic retro trainers for an easy but cool aesthetic. I always go back to dungarees in the summer, too. They feel really fun and cool, but I prefer mine over a tank than a T-shirt, which feels a little more grown-up.”
For vacation and beyond
“Wardrobe staples such as black tailored trousers can feel a bit severe in the summer, whereas denim always feels fresh. Plus, it just adds to that carefree, thrown-on look that I love. Practically speaking, it packs well, too: it’s lighter than leather for an extra layer in the evenings, and it goes with everything – the ideal suitcase addition for just about anywhere.”
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