If you're not a jeans kind of gal, now's the time you can get a bit of denim in your life
Who doesn’t own a pair of jeans? Actually, let me rephrase: who doesn’t own hundreds of pairs of jeans?
Denim jeans used to be aimed at the working market because of their durability and toughness, then James Dean wore some in 50s hit movie Rebel Without A Cause and the humble work trouser was an instant fashion hit. It has been a style mainstay ever since.
Sixty years on, so many more items are made of denim, from bags to shoes to dresses. This fabulous fabric is now a serious multitasker, especially for SS15.
If you’re not a jeans kind of gal, now’s the time you can get a bit of denim in your life.
A denim jacket is a highly versatile piece that you’ll be able to recycle year after year. Although we’re loving eye-catching shades like pastel pink at the moment, a classic blue is just as chic. Throw over a feminine summer dress for smart-casual styling, or pair with a printed maxi skirt and cami.
Hot news for this season, culottes are also on our denim lust list right now. Yes, they very specifically go on your legs but they are certainly not jeans. Team with a 70s-inspired peasant blouse and supersized round-framed sunglasses for an effortlessly cool throwback vibe.
We’re really into denim shoes right now and can totally imagine wandering through the streets of Paris in the Next slip-ons that we’ve found. The handmade Manebi espadrilles are another sophisticated option and will be a perfect edition to your summer holiday suitcase.
Anyone who likes to follow what’s happening on the catwalk will be well aware that dungarees are back in a big way right now. The worn-in set from Jack Wills have a distinctive surfy vibe and are ideal for wearing over a bikini at the beach.
Best Denim Pieces That Aren’t Jeans
Keep reading to see what other alternative denim pieces that aren't jeans we're loving this season
Simone Rocha X J Brand, £375
Fashion editors' favourite Simone Rocha has collaborated with J Brand and ooh, the outcome is divine. We love the ruffles on this jacket, and denim doesn't have to be blue: pastels ahoy.
Topshop, £38
These are not jeans. Yes, they go very specifically on your legs, but they are culottes, another major summer trend. Denim and culottes, you'll be way ahead of the game.
Saint Laurent
The dream. These SHORTS. OMG. Stars and denim really do go together. Just look...
Prism Bikini, £192 for the set
We've only gone and found a denim bikini. Stretchy fabric in a denim finish, that's good enough for us...
Prism
....and the bottoms are called 'Formentera' and we want to be there. RIGHT.NOW.
Next, £34
These are the perfect example of a super-chic little shoe, we can imagine wandering the streets of Paris in these beauties. Oui, oui!
New Look, £19.99
This New Look bag is a little bit Chanel, a little bit skater cool and a lot denim. Race you to the shops.
H&M, £29.99
Part of H&M's Conscious Collection, this dress will easily take you from day to night. Team with brogues and satchel for day, zipped ankle boots and leather cuffs for night.
Jack Wills, £59.50
To reiterate: you MUST get some dungarees in your life. This set is surfy and cool with a worn-in, hippyish appeal.
Izzue, £85
Printed denim is cool way of keeping denim fresh, and we love the dinky little stars on this shirt. We'll be teaming ours with a full pastel skirt and block-heel sandals.
Michael Michael Kors, £150
Another massive nod to the 70s here, with this gorgeous chambray denim jumpsuit. Playful yet grown-up. We need.
Marios Schwab, £821
A little treat piece here. We're majorly crushing on the raw edging and love the juxtaposition of lace. A fabulous alternative piece to wear to a city wedding. Add killer heels and a statement clutch and you're good to go.
Manebi, £45
We are in love with these denim espadrilles from Manebi, handmade in Spain by a group of friends that wanted to make the perfect vacation shoe. We think they've succeded.
Meli Melo, £575
The grown-up denim bag, in fabulous denim camo. What's not to like? We think it's the perfect holdall, quite frankly.
John Rochas at Debenhams, £45
This button-through skirt is so 70s, so Charlie's Angels. So going to buy it.
Comptoir Des Cotonniers, £125
Denim dungarees are a total must in your SS15 wardrobe, both long and short versions. They are going to be the hit of the summer. This is our favourite short pair from super-chic French brand Comptoir.
Current Elliot, £390
And representing the long camp are these beauties. Could they get any nicer? They truly make our hearts skip a beat. Cute zip pockets, tick. Cropped ankles, tick. Bronze buttons and old-skool fastenings, tick, tick, tick!
Closet London, £38
How smart is this top? It's denim gone all grown-up. This is the way to be able to wear denim to the office. Perfect with a wide-leg trouser suit.
Christian Louboutin, £545
These are what we'll be wearing to LA this summer with a little white sundress. Daydream done.
ASOS, £30
And another dungaree option here in the shape of a minidress. We love. Will be teaming ours with stripy tees and Vans. Quite simply love how plain and, well, simple it is.
Marques Almeida at Matches, £305
The king and queen of 'alternative' denim, they are a champion of a raw edge and denim everything that is not a regular pair of jeans. Huge favourite among the Fash Pack. This shirt is a must.
