A Girl's Best Friend: Denim

2 June 2011

Denim is a loyal fashion friend. It has been with us through thick and thin, helped us through the decades and evolved to our every need. So what it is about this loveable fabric that keeps us all happy and remain a staple in the essential fashion wardrobe?

Everything from the denim skirt to the denim jacket, there are traditional pieces that would not be the same without that versatile material. You may well think that it is past its best, but take a moment...jeans, jeggings, skirts - you probably owe denim a lot more than you think.

If you're getting bored with the traditional look then there are plenty of ways to liven up denim and bring it into this trendy season. The trick is using it in a different way, or reminding yourself with little bits and pieces why its a fashion constant.

Wearing a traditional garment with a twist, such as this firetrap maxi from Republic, is a good way to keep denim fresh. This is a good quality dress £89.99 and can be worn for many things. The ruffling at the bottom is very trendy and the top will be fitted and shape to your body.

This cropped jacket is a great summer item. It's casual trendy and great for wearing with leggings or skirts for festival goers. Either wear on its own or as a jacket over the top of a t-shirt and leave open for the light layers look.

Who said you had to wear denim clothes to keep in trend? Accessorising is also very cool and this Valentino bag from Debenhams has bold patent leather straps too for great effect. It's stylish shape and material make it a winner this summer. Available for £65.

This is a lovely dolly dress that is perfect for keeping denim in your summer wardrobe. It could be worn on its own with sandles or even bring it into autumn to be worn with leggings, a long sleeve underneath and a knitwear item on top. V trendy.

At the risk of turning yourself into something of a 1990's pop band reject, there is such a thing as too much denim. Adding this little headband to jumpsuit or maxi dress is stylish but doesn't go OTT. Available from River Island for £5.99.