Denim is a fabric that gets along with everyone. It passes no unflattering or creasing judgements, acts as promiscuous seasonal love affairs in the wave of trends, but once you've found the ultimate timeless pair of jeans, they'll be your loyal companion for life. Unlike other fabrics, wear will only make them better, and despite originating purely as a utilitarian fabric with function trumping its form, denim has since proven to be the very boss of fabrics, mastering the epic skills of being both reliable, versatile and genderless.
The day I sewed flower patches on my flares to go with my pig-tails and white Buffalos as a child, was the beginning of a beautiful relationship. The versatility of denim means that it has taken me through every moment of my life right up until present moment, when I'm sitting in a pair of blue normal-waist straight jeans.
As a teenager, I'd at times layer anything that looked eye-catching enough and wait for something exciting to happen. "All dressed up and nowhere to go" would be the reaction I got from my father. I like a garment that doesn't limit what I can do in it, and denim is exactly that. In a good pair of jeans, you can find yourself dancing in a club in London or on your couch watching Netflix. This is my guide to wearing denim.
Sarah Mikaela is a fashion blogger who runs Framboise Fashion. Follow her on Instagram.
Find Your Fit
The best thing about women is that we come in all shapes and sizes. Fashion is a democratic language unique to the individual, so make sure your denim makes you feel and look good. If you haven't found that magic pair, bring a friend who will be honest with you and invest some time in finding a good pair. They'll last you a lifetime.
Dare To Flare
Flares are fantastic but can be difficult as we all have different leg lengths. About 92% of us will find ourselves in the category of a) exposing your ankles or b) the flare doesn't start until your ankles and will inevitably drag.
The trick to flares and the key rule to the look is that they should start either a millimetre above ground level or folding on the floor. Don't be scared to let nature do its thing and rip the bottom of the jeans or make friends with rainwater – it's all a part of the flare love affair!
Boyfriend Jeans
I will never stop raving about this particular silhouette. As a true addict of this fit, I start craving the air space boyfriend jeans leave for my legs. Go all tomboy by pairing them with a classic white shirt and a scarf tied around your wrist or push all the gender buttons by adding a feminine slip top under a blazer and pair with heels. No boyfriend necessary.
Go Classic
Since iconic male figures such as James Dean trotted around in the 501's followed by leading ladies like Julia Roberts and Drew Barrymore also rocking the style, a classic straight jean is holy in a denim lover's dictionary. Pair it with a buttoned down silk shirt and delicate jewellery for a nonchalant look or dress it up by combining it with a kimono of any length.
Double Up
The Canadian tuxedo is one of fashion's underrated outfit combos. Justin and Britney were onto something, although there are simple ways of upgrading it for a more contemporary take on that look. Experiment with layering denim on denim, but try to avoid a slim fit all over. Layer a denim jacket over a denim shirt leaving the sleeves unbuttoned, and pair with a contrasting neckerchief for an updated look.
The Little Denim Dress
A fun take on denim is the denim dress introduced to fashion in the 1970s. Today our best representatives for empowering womenswear such as Stella McCartney, Isabel Marant and Sonia Rykiel have all incorporated denim dresses in their latest collections, and with the high-street offering brilliant options, chances are you'll land in the best dressed section sporting a denim dress and ankle boots.
Honey, I Blew Up The Jeans
Don't be afraid to size up. Take the best of the 70s for a bolder denim look, and style it with an attitude of the 90s. Keep the look in control with a minimal top like a black silk shirt or a slim fitted breton shirt. These were named my big boy pants, and every time I wear them, I feel like I have tents around my legs.
Mix Materials
Lots of brands are starting to see the fun in material mixing with denim; be it lace or leather, this is a look that should make heads turn. How about a sleeveless denim jacket with a different fabric for the back or a skirt with woven details? Whatever you do, rock that denim!
R.I.P.
The most fabulous thing about denim is the fact that even when they're ruined, they're not ruined. Robust and reliable, that ketchup stain is probably just adding character and that time you fell on your bike and one side of your jeans has now turned into shorts, is really just cutting you out as a trendsetter. As they say, every pair of jeans tells a story. So don't worry about rips, spills or discolouring – given the fact that you even wash them in the first place – these bad boys are immortal.
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