So long, skinny jeans: new ways to wear denim

By Katie Wright

In yet another example of how the pandemic has transformed our wardrobes and fashion choices – besides making loungewear our daily uniform and rendering bras almost obsolete – denim has been put on the sartorial backburner of late.

With working from home now the norm for millions of people, the hardwearing fabric, and jeans in particular, have been swapped out in favour of slouchy sweatpants and comfy hoodies.

That doesn’t mean you should cast denim aside completely, though. In fact, we predict there’s going to be a major resurgence of the trusty textile once lockdown restrictions are eased and life picks up again, and you’ll want to get in on the action.

How to do denim in 2021? Here are three denim trends that are going to be huge this year…

Jeans

If the thought of squeezing your thighs into a pair of skinny jeans is about as appealing as an up-the-nose Covid test right now, we don’t blame you.

The good news is, baggy jeans are back and there’s a pair to suit every body – from ankle-length straight-leg styles, to super-wide trousers and retro-inspired ‘balloon leg’ jeans.

Patchwork denim

Giving classic blue denim a fashion-forward edge, patchwork pieces make more of a statement. But they’re still easy to style through the seasons, with chunky knits now and floaty blouses in spring.

Look out, too, for sustainable fashion collections crafted from recycled denim off-cuts.

Denim dresses

An easy-to-wear alternative to the floral midi dresses that have dominated for the last few summers, a denim dress will work hard in your wardrobe.

A denim shirtdress is an ideal transitional piece. Wear yours layered over a roll-neck top and tights on cooler days, or with bare legs and sandals come summer.