INTO THE FRAY
CUTTING EDGE NEW DENIM
So long skinnies and muffin tops. And whilst I’m at it, low waists and exposed underwear, and worse still, cheeks! This season, jeans are all about comfort and customisation. Boyfriend fits with a rolled hem are still de rigueur, whilst distressed cuffs and step hemlines on a cropped leg plus re-constructed denim à la patchwork technique are right on target. Just bear in mind that with generous new jean shapes and a higher waistline comes a new silhouette: a baggier jean often requires a top that will tuck in or sit just above your hips.
Here are some looks to consider this season:
01 . PATCHWORK
Multi-toned denim hit the streets after Demna Vsalia sent them down his Vetements SS ’16 runway. Characterised by cutting two pairs of jeans, he reshuffled the back pockets creating a cool new pair of straight leg jeans. Ever since, denim houses have been going to town with all sorts of reconstructing techniques.
Tip: make sure the patches are strikingly different denim washes and if they’re in vertical panels, a darker tone down the inner seam shaves off a multiple of Winter indulgences. You can't go past the brand that got it all started for elevated style, but plenty of brands are replicating this two-toned effect for a more budget-conscious spin on the trend.
02 . ANKLE GRAZERS
The best way to show off a block or kitten heel mule or sling-back is to opt for jeans that sit an inch above your ankle bone with a slight kick flare or baggy straight leg (the tapered in stiletto cut is out). Longer than traditional crops that end just below the calf muscle, ankle-grazing denim makes you look taller and your calves slimmer as they sit further down at the narrower end of your leg. A decent tan is your best friend with this option too.
03 . FRAYED
Distressed hems were all the rage on international fashion bloggers during the show seasons this year. The strongest denim trend was the step-hem – jeans with raw edges that are shorter in the front and longer in the back with wispy stray threads dangling down as proof of their destruction (like a delicious fashion mullet). The look is a continuation of the Vetements-led DIY-inspired movement. The clever step hem is a flattering cut, showing a flash of skin whilst elongating the leg thanks to the extra fabric behind. If you can’t fathom dropping over $1000 for one of their customised pairs (seriously!), grab an old straight leg style and sharp scissors and step it up with this DIY video.
04 . FLARED
Ground-breaking? No, but on trend right now? Absolutely. Say goodbye to the boho hippie vibe of seasons past worn with cork wedges and diaphanous blouses. Right now flared jeans are best worn tailored and with heels or platforms plus a tucked in top instead of flowing numbers. The new take on this style is also the cropped flare instead of ground-skimming. The look is better suited to rectangle shapes (the long, lean types).
05 . EMBELLISHED
Once the domain of t'weens and queens, it's no secret, embroidered jeans are enjoying a new type of ironic cool. But this season, designers are taking things one step further with sequins and badges of either the sew-on or pin-it kind. The humble blue denim's had a fancy threaded make-over, as spied on the runways of Gucci and Marc Jacobs.
My tip: hit your local markets and purchase some iron-ons and go to town with an old pair of jeans. Or raid your mum’s or grandmother’s jewellery box and fasten some brooches together in a cluster on one front pocket.
Images: Pinterest
