Honestly, there is no such a thing as proper rules when it comes to denim. A good pair of jeans can be recycled from casual Fridays to Sunday brunch, while a sturdy denim jacket can elevate a simple outfit. This versatile material can go with anything — mix and match with whatever’s in your closet (or even with each other) to build an endless array of ensembles that will keep your look fresh.
One tip to take note though: avoid coloured denim or those with fancy details such as embellishments, patchwork or fringes. These tricked-out pieces are much harder to match, and will end up being reserved for special occasions or tossed to a corner in your wardrobe after they go out of style.
Here are our top picks for the best denim essentials to own.
Outerwear:
Look sharp at work with this denim blazer that comes in a darker and more formal colour. Complete it with a pair of black tailored trousers and loafers.
Outerwear:
Want to recreate the Canadian Tuxedo but don’t want to look like Justin Timberlake/Britney Spears in 2001? Change it up by coordinating this white denim jacket with a pair of white denim jeans. Make sure you elevate the look with statement heels and a red lippie.
Outerwear:
This oversized jacket with a long-line hem can keep you warm from top-to-toe. To avoid looking dwarfed, wear this with a flowy mini skirt and a pair of heeled booties.
Outerwear:
Flaunt your waistline with this one that comes with a belt. Wear it as a top and don a sleek satin midi skirt for contrast.
Shirts:
An oversized denim shirt can double up as a dress — talk about two for the price of one.
Shirts:
Black will never go out of trend. Spice up this classic by tucking it into a black leather skirt. Finish off the look with some black booties.
Shirts:
Channel the Western vibe with this western denim shirt. Go all out and pair it with a denim skirt and a pair of cowboy boots.
Shirts:
Emanate effortless chic with this chambray white shirt by pairing it with dark skinny jeans and a pair of brown leather sandals.
Jeans:
The classic pair of denim jeans gets an update by Victoria, Victoria Beckham. By using colour blocks from the same family of blue, it adds interesting detail while ensuring it will not go out of style.
Jeans:
Instead of a basic pair of black jeans, go for something a little more unique, like this layered bootcut pair that will make you look edgy.
Jeans:
Pair these washed-out denim jeans with an off-shoulder crop top for a laidback yet feminine feel.
Jeans:
Nab your boyfriend’s denim jeans for an oversized, baggy look. Or go for this pair by Acne Studios which are reminiscent of the ’90s dad jeans.
Shorts & Skirts:
Sporting a high slit and an A-line frame, it’s a quirky piece that adds dimension to your overall outfit. You can pair it with a black collared shirt on Friday at work, or choose to go bold with a bandeau top for the weekends.
Shorts & Skirts:
Rock this distressed denim mini skirt that oozes with personality. Pair it with a white T-shirt, leather jacket and black boots to complete the rebel look.
Shorts & Skirts:
Not all denim shorts are boring. Just look at these high-waist ones that have interesting cut-outs on the sides.
Shorts & Skirts:
Light denim is generally more casual than dark. Don this pair with frayed hem when you’re heading out for a leisurely brunch with your girlfriends. Wear it with a button-down maxi dress and leave it unbuttoned from waist down to show off your shorts and legs.
One-piece:
Glam up this number the way fashion entrepreneur, Leandra Medine of the Man Repeller, did hers by pairing it with a white shirt and a black bow. Seal the look with gold-tone accessories and a pair of gold pumps.
One-piece:
Take a leaf from French style star Jeanne Damas‘ book and go for a chic denim jumpsuit. Like her, all you need to round up the look is a simple pair of black heels and a clutch. So effortless.
One-piece:
Project youthful vibrancy with this short playsuit. Add a touch of sass by donning a pair of red sneakers and a straw hat.
One-piece:
Toughen up this classic button-down denim dress by matching it with pair of combat booties and a belt bag.