denim Archives

If you’ve been shopping, you’ll have noticed new colours and styles for spring and summer. We just need the weather!

Whilst I shared this trend during my live workshop in April, One trend I wanted to spotlight this spring is denim and how to wear it.

Firstly, think beyond jeans! One of the biggest complaints I get from clients is how fed up they are of wearing jeans! This year, denim has been reinvented! Skirts, dresses, jackets, shirts and more. Different styles, cuts, patterns and washes. Try something different – like a denim dress!

In this video, I’m sharing a denim dress which totally ticks the spring 2023 trend:

Watch it here on YouTube.

Would it surprise you to learn that this was a charity shop find? (Wakefield Hospice, The Ridings Shopping Centre, Wakefield).

It’s totally ‘on trend’ right??

Which proves the point I’m always making. Trends come and go. Be sure to check your wardrobe for something similar to the latest trends (in which case; get it worn!). Charity shops can be a great place to shop!

Here’s three considerations when shopping for denim:

1. Think about your style personality

Naturals like me, can be drawn to the ease and simplicity of denim. But, do think outside the box and try it on for ease of movement. Denim nowadays is more modern and there are different weights of denim fabric too. The dress I’ve highlighted is a much lighter weight fabric and it has pockets! Go for something that works for your style personality. For example, romantics will be drawn to embroidery, lace or jewel embellishment details. The Classics will prefer a plain item so try something like a smart denim jacket. There’s coloured and traditional denim in the shops in abundance too.

2. Think about your colouring

The lighter wash of the denim dress mans it’s perfect for lights and softs. It will work for warms (you’re best ‘warming up’ your denim and neutrals or look for a colour such as a khaki denim jacket which will give you versatility). Cools, clears and deeps will be better suited to a darker wash.

3. Think about your body shape

Denim is a structured fabric and has a tendency to sit off curves. This dress has a waistband sewn in to provide some shape and darts to create shape. Plus the material is a much lighter weight version so it’s got more movement than a traditional, heavier weight denim. This can be a great option for straight body shapes. However, if you are curvier, look for styles that follow your shape (ie. go in at the waist). Some give will be best so make sure you have some elastane and stretch in your denim or a chambray style of fabric. You could even opt for a belted shacket-style with a soft belt.

Staying up to date

As I said, trends come and go. Just because something is fashion or on trend, does not mean it will work for you. Learn what does suit you and you’ll look and feel great!

If you missed my spring/summer update, the guide featured in the video, the E-book and my recorded video masterclass are all available online until 30 September. These show you some of the colours and styles that you can find to help give you some guidance this spring/summer. Visit my shop online here.

The next live group workshop takes place on 7 October for autumn/winter. Reserve your spot here

Watch the video here

If you’ve found yourself wearing more denim lately, you’re not alone!

You could argue that Jeans are the most basic of clothing items. A wardrobe staple, but they can also be difficult to get the right fit and style too.

Here’s my guide to denim.

Fit and style

Like most items of clothing, finding the right fit and style for you is a must.

We are all different after all, which is why there’s so many different styles out there. But, having choice doesn’t always make it easier to find a pair which works for you. I always say that size doesn’t matter but shape does. It’s really important to remember this, as there is no uniform guide to clothing sizes. It’s not just your waist size but also think about your inside leg length and the rise (from the waistband to the crotch).

Skinny

The skinny jean is made with stretchy denim so they have a fitted shape which stretches and finishes on the ankle. Also available in super skinny which has much more stretch and a much closer fit. Can be dressed up with heels or down with trainers.

Slim

This style can flatter the hips and thighs and they are fitted, with a straight, clean cut through leg and a looser ankle. Sits between a skinny and a straight jeans style.

Jeggings and leggings

Jeggings are leggings made of denim and are an alternative to skinny jeans as they tend to be less rigid than traditional denim jeans but more comfortable to wear. Designed with an elasticated waistband and are stretchy so they are fitted through the leg, with a skinny ankle and sewn-down pockets so they also avoid bulk at the hip. The more curvy you are, the more stretch you’ll need! Jeggings tend to have lots of stretch so give them a try as they’ll skim your curves rather than constrict them.

Bootcut

Designed to elongate the leg, fitted through the hips and thigh with a subtle kick at the knee so they are slightly wider at the ankle. Designed to fit over a pair of boots and so have extra width in the calf and ankle to accommodate the boot. If you’re more petite and want to appear taller, a boot cut or flare that skims the floor will do wonders.

Flare

Mention flares and everyone thinks of the 70s! They have a slim fit around the hips and thighs and flow into a wider hem below the knee.

Wide leg and culottes

These fit at the hips but fall down in a straight and loose style and fit. Much wider in the leg from the hips down the leg. Could be cropped in length like culottes or fall to the ankle.

Mom

Tend to be higher waisted with a slim fit through the leg. Relaxed, slouch and loose fitting. Like you borrowed them from your mum. Apparently.

Straight

A traditional style which has a simple straight cut with no stretch in the fabric. The width is the same for the length of the leg so they’ll fit more at your thighs than they do the ankle and calf.

Boyfriend

Named assuming you’d borrowed your jeans from the boys; this fit is loose and slouchy for a more relaxed style. Tend to be low rise so they sit on the hips.

Girlfriend

Another straight leg style but with a more relaxed fit. The girlfriend jeans have some stretch in them (unlike the straight styles) so they are fitted on the waist but relaxed fit in the leg.

The rise

This is the measurement from the waistband down to the crotch. Essentially, it’s how it will sit on your waist and hips. Not everyone is equal and balanced in their body proportions. Go for a rise which works for your shape and proportions so think where your waist needs to be visually in order to balance you out, if needed.

High rise or high waisted

Sits higher in your waist area. Typically, worn up to or above the belly button. If you’re long in the waist area, this style will trick you into thinking your waist is higher than it actually is. Might help you hide a tummy too. If your jeans gape at the bag, the fit and rise is too high, so try a lower rise style.

Mid rise or regular

This style sits on the belly button or slightly below.

Low rise

Will sit lower on the waist and hips and below the navel, often sitting on the hips.

Fit tips

If you happen to be conscious of your bottom and don’t like to highlight it, stay away from jeans with detailing such as contrasting yellow thread detailing the pockets. Instead look for a tonal blue or black trim. Detailing on any garment on an area you don’t want to highlight will have the opposite effect.

Pockets. Traditionally, jeans do have pockets but if you have wide hips that you wish to minimise, don’t opt for hip and coin pockets. A plain front will work so much better for you. Also check the placement of the pockets (the nearer together, the slimmer you’ll look).

If you need more help dressing your shape, why not book a style and shape session (also available online), so you can learn the tips and tricks for dressing your shape.

denim

Spring 2023 Spotlight trend: denim and how to wear it