DENIM FEVER IS TAKING OVER

Word by Jamal Grootboom | Images: Getty Images/Supplied

A staple in many wardrobes, denim is a forever constant in society. Once only fashioned for French railway workers in the 1800s, denim has gone on to have unmatched versatility.

Silhouettes from the late ‘90s and early 2000s have been dominating the runways and streetstyle, with denim on denim becoming one of the biggest movements. More silhouettes from those eras have also seen a resurgence, with one-piece jumpsuits, boilersuits, overalls, white denim, trucker jackets, overshirt and maxi skirts taking the prime position.

Whether you’re revisiting these iconic periods for fashion or wanting to add modernised versions to your closet, we’ve got you covered on how to incorporate them into your wardrobe.

The denim maxi skirt is one of the biggest trends to make its way back into the fashion zeitgeist. Appearing on the runway shows of Balenciaga, Coach, Diesel and Loewe, the maxi skirt is a surefire must-have piece going into the new season. While the micro mini skirt catered to a specific body type, the maxi skirt is far more wearable for various body shapes. Rock it with a corset or crop top to show some skin or go for a flowy blouse to really feel your 'I’m Like a Bird' fantasy. You can also pair it with white sneakers or your choice of sandals depending on the vibe you’re going for.

Clothes specifically made for labour workers have a long history of moving from only being utilised for doing a specific job to the general population adopting it. Boiler suits, jumpsuits and overalls are prime examples of this. While all of them have a practical reason for their creation, they’ve been adapted over the years to be fashionable and versatile.

The boiler suit and jumpsuit is an easy one-stop-shop that can be accessorised with a belt for a nipped-in waist and a pair of heels to give it some edge. Go the casual route by pairing it with some sneakers and a bucket hat, or pair it with heels and a glam handbag for a date night look. Overalls are great for the daytime and can be worn alone or with a t-shirt and jacket to give it some extra oomph.

An underrated shade for jeans, white denim is in fact a chic colourway that can be worn in a myriad of ways and offers an alternative to light and dark-wash denim. You can go the monochromatic route by pairing it with a classic white t-shirt or collared shirt. Give it a more sexy approach with a pair of strappy heels and a bodysuit for a body-hugging fit. Throw on a blazer or jacket too, and you're ready to take on the day feeling classy, bougie and a bit of a savage.

Overshirts and trucker jackets have been having their moment in the sun, and are a popular choice as outerwear for cool kids and those wanting to stay on the pulse of fashion trends. Both are ideal for rocking the denim-on-denim look due to them being available in various treatments, from distressed to two-tone variations. They can also be styled with baggy trousers, mini skirts, maxi skirts and wide-leg pants as rugged additions to your look.