Denim 2.0: How to wear denim for summer 2018

No idea what to wear for the heatwave? Give your wardrobe a denim makeover, for an androgynous summer look

(Image credit: Marv Martin)

No idea what to wear for the heatwave? Give your wardrobe a denim makeover, for an androgynous summer look

Styling and words by Bemi Shaw

Wearing denim as an adult is tricky territory. Jeans are a staple in everyone's wardrobe but would you try a denim coat, a co-ord, or even a denim dress? Luckily for us, denim has moved far beyond it's 90's boy band roots and grown into a solo stand out. Wearing head to toe denim doesn't need to look like Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears at the 2001 American Music Awards.

We scoured the high street and designers to bring you the key pieces to add to your outfit rotations. Live out your denim dreams with this season's must-have jackets and jeans, giving your summer wardrobe a cowboy twist.

Opt for patterns and stripes

Necklace, £210, alighieri.co.uk, Jacket, £1080, and trousers, £585 both Sonia Rykiel, Blazer, £1,145, Off-White from Net-a-porter, Slingback heels, £56, Topshop

If you want to make a statement this season choose bold pieces that aren't one colour.

Unusual details

Hoop, £130, Moya Jewellery, Shirt, £29.99, Zara, Jacket, £350, APC Whether extra wide legs or exaggerated collars you can find pieces that stray from the norm.

Wear a wide leg

Hoop, £130, Moya Jewellery, Top, POR, Mimi Wade, Jeans, £365, MM6, Shoes, £310, Joseph

Wide leg jeans are all over the high street, you can wear them with a shirt for a more formal look or casual with a statement top. Just remember you might need a heel so you don't look swamped.

The Trusty co-ord

Jacket, £130 and skirt £110 both Calvin Klein Jeans, Boots, £450, MM6

Go full on 90s boy band (but chic) with a denim co-ord. It's best to mix-match or wear colourful pieces to avoid looking too blocky.

Denim for the evening

Hoops, £130 and Drop earrings, £165, both Moya Jewellery, Dress, £600, Marques'Almeida

There are enough denim dresses with elegant detailing to turn them into evening attire. Take this Marques'Almeida number for example.

The new uniform

Dress, £495, Joseph, Trousers, £400, Max Mara, Boots, £870, and shopper bag, £1,690, Fendi

Denim is no longer just for casual wear. You can find key pieces on the high street that easily fit into your day to day work outfits.

Oversized is in

Jacket, £585 and jeans, £420, Y/Project at Net-a-porter, Top, £395, Jacquemus at Browns

Oversized jackets are a great cover up for summer months. Don't let the look drown you make sure you get the right size (this sometimes means a size down).

Denim doesn't have to be blue

Jacket, £220, and trousers, £190 7forallmankind.co.uk, boots, POA, pacorabanne.com

Red, green, pink and white, denim comes in all colours. Try a new colour this season especially in the summer months to brighten up your wardrobe.

Photography: Marv Martin Stylist: Bemi Shaw Film by: Black Dots Video Hair and makeup: Veronica Peters using Photographer’s assistant: Louis Mire Stylist assistant: Bella Ludlam Model: Atikah and M+P

The leading destination for fashion, beauty, shopping and finger-on-the-pulse views on the latest issues. Marie Claire's travel content helps you delight in discovering new destinations around the globe, offering a unique – and sometimes unchartered – travel experience. From new hotel openings to the destinations tipped to take over our travel calendars, this iconic name has it covered.