New ways to wear denim: 10 street style-inspired takes on the go-to fabric

by Jessica Flower May 16, 2016

For a relatively simple fabric, denim sure does have a lot of connotations. While ripped and safety pinned jean jackets recall the punk era, the Canadian tuxedo brings to mind early ought mishaps á la Justin and Britney. Flares? Seventies. Boyfriend jeans? Wholly modern.

Anna Wintour’s first Vogue cover back in 1988 catapulted denim out of the drawers of the working class and the rebellious youth and into the finely curated walk-in closets of even the most discerning of fashion plates. Since then, and thanks to the likes of J.Crew in more recent years, denim has become acceptable for almost every occasion (weddings, funerals and court dates not included).

Whichever style you prefer, the question remains: how do you refresh denim so it remains a mainstay for yet another season?

For those wishing to go beyond the oft over-played hand of high-low mix, we’d like to offer up some new ways to wear denim. For a fashion-forward look, think about bold pieces, like a denim military jacket or denim cocktail dress in denim. And if our street style shots are right in terms of upcoming trends (and they always are) patchwork denim is destined to become the new distressed denim. You can thank us later.

See more ways to wear denim in our ultimate denim guide »

Photography by Peter Stigter

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Ways To Wear Denim

The Canadian Tuxedo a.k.a all over denim is often done in the pant and shirt format, but we’re loving this midi denim skirt with a clever colour-blocked shirt in different shades of blue. A feminine twist without being too girlie.

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Ways To Wear Denim

If you’re looking for a quick DIY project this is for you. An ombré-d denim jacket is easily achievable with a plain vintage jacket and some bleach. For full instructions head over here.

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Ways To Wear Denim

If bold cotton or leather patches aren’t your scene, this two tone denim patchwork is just as stylish.

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Ways To Wear Denim

Denim dresses like this one here are a perfect option for summertime cocktail parties or even a laid back summer wedding.

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Ways To Wear Denim

A completely modern minimalist silhouette is a sure fire way to update the all-American fabric. The clean lines of this boxy two-piece combo are edgy without being unapproachable, thanks to the casual fabric.

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Ways To Wear Denim

If you’re on a budget and need to work with what you got, but still want maximum impact, why not try getting creative with the jean jacket you already own. Try going bass-ackwards for a completely new look.

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Ways To Wear Denim

Lovers of comfort everywhere rejoice! Not only are overalls super comfortable but they are perhaps the easiest outfit to put together with a simple or cropped blouse underneath.

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Ways To Wear Denim

If you’re not ready to dive back into overalls, try a denim onesies. Just be sure to go for a fit-n-flare silhouette or a super fitted cut to avoid the ‘80s baggy boiler suit look.

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Ways To Wear Denim

This denim tunic is a nice change from the belted chambray dresses you see everywhere. The unusual rounded cut of the dress is very modern and an unusual sighting for denim and we love it! The jean material and cuffed sleeves save it from being too formal.

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Ways To Wear Denim

These loose jeans are super soft and worn in to make the jean relaxed and drapey. Hanging like linen or silk, these wide legged slacks are a new spin on our go-to denim trousers.

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