Fashion’s influencers share their TOP TIPS on how to style denim in a GROWN-UP WAY, writes AISLINN COFFEY
1. SHOP LIKE A PRO
Laura Larbalestier, buying director at iconic fashion store Browns, shares her top denim tips exclusively with The Gloss.
The SS16 trends? “Cropped flares are making a comeback and look fresh with a block heel. Also, the “fashion” jean is having a real moment.”
Cool to customise: “Have fun with your denim; cuff your jeans; add patches; unpick the hems. Re/Done jeans repurposes vintage Levi’s – hand-cutting and resewing them based on the trends of the season. They retain the beauty of a vintage pair but have a modern fit.”
Off-duty denim: “I like the “high-low mix” – teaming a pair of relaxed jeans
with a statement top or this season’s must-have bomber jacket. Denim can look just as good with a pair of Stan Smith sneakers as it does with fancy flats.”
Denim by night: “Alessandra Rich, known for eveningwear, incorporated denim into her collection for the first time this season. Her denim jackets, body-conscious dresses and sleek jumpsuits are expertly cut. Fashion designers of the moment Vetements, Adam Selman and Marques Almeida have really reenergised this aesthetic.”
Chloe Lonsdale, founder and chief creative officer of MiH Jeans, is celebrating her tenth birthday in the business. She brings us up to date on the denim mood ...
Silhouette update: “There’s a real movement towards vintage fits in non- or low-stretch denim. They are worn by my most stylish friends.”
The fit: “A vintage fit works for all body types – it defines the waist and flattens the tummy. Cropped flares have the same proportion-balancing power as full-length flares. Pair with heeled ankle boots or sneakers depending on your height.”
Double denim? “I’ve always been an advocate. Triple denim can be harder to pull off but when done right – a pair of vintage-cut jeans, a washed-out denim shirt and a denim trench coat – it feels effortless.”
Styling tips “Play with proportions – wear cropped flares with mid-heel ankle boots. I love the contrast of the wide hem and the tight boot. Wear straight-leg jeans with a simple white cotton T-shirt tucked in and flat sandals. A flash of ankle is great.”
Anita Barr, Group Buying Director at Harvey Nichols, started her fashion career as the denim specialist at Harrods in the early 1990s.
“I have the great gift of looking at body shapes and knowing exactly what jeans will work,” she told us on a recent trip to Dublin.
Barr’s own styling tip: “Flared jeans with raised waistbands hold your stomach in beautifully. Wear with a long-line top and wedges so your proportions are balanced. Stella McCartney’s are really great. Don’t ever consider flats
with flares.”
Dressing for your age: “Embroidery, vintage treatments and patches on denim are huge this season: look out for LA label Sandrine Rose. After a certain age, these details are best avoided.”
New season updates: “Ankle-length culottes are key, worn with trainers or slides. Also, 1970s flares – to the floor – with wedges. Frayed hems are huge too. A white or light wash paired with a bohemian top is definitely the look of the season – check out Paige’s grey Hoxton studded-waistband jeans. A little stretch makes denim comfortable.”
2. DENIM AT EVERY AGE
Denim has no age limit. In fact, jeans are consistently named as a favourite item of clothing among those aged 50+. However, as you get older, quality and fit become more important. Jeans with stretch tend to be forgiving (your bottom may not be where it used to be) while a mid-rise is flattering on the midsection. Need some extra support? Spanx offers two styles of jeans – Boyfriend and Skinny Crop. Both are reassuringly figure-hugging due to their stretch and structure. J Brand is known for its inky dyes and lack of markings and logos. Keep it simple: avoid fancy stitching, bells and whistles on complicated embellishments. Marks & Spencer (Sculpt and Lift range, €47.50) and Boden (Eton wide cropped-leg denim trousers with soft pleated front, €79.50) offer a wide selection of affordable styles.
In your 60s – loosen up
Former fashion editor Linda Wright looks effortlessly cool in soft, wide-leg jeans.
In your 50s – suit your silhouette
Cindy Crawford knows what looks good on her and sticks to two flattering shapes: skinny and flared-leg.
In your 40s – invest in quality
Sofia Coppola favours Charvet shirts and lady-like flats with jeans. Wear with classic accessories.
In your 30s – just add accessories
Petite fashion poster girl Miroslava Duma pairs her jeans with seasonal
must-haves.
In your 20s – anything goes
Experiment with fit, colour and wash. Mom jeans, as seen here on Leandra Medine, are key for SS16.
3. THREE WAYS TO WEAR IT
Architectural
An asymmetric-cut jacket will hug the slimmest part of your waist. Peplum styles work particularly well over jeans.
Statement Piece
Military and bomber jackets are officially the jackets of
the season.
Vested Interest
A well-tailored sleeveless jacket instantly smartens up any look.
Aislinn Coffey
This article appeared in a previous issue, for more features like this, don’t miss our June issue, out Thursday June 2.
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The post Here’s How To Style Denim At Any Age appeared first on The Gloss Magazine.