1
Bleached Ra Ra Skirt
Price: £35
Stockist: Warehouse www.warehouse.co.uk
If you’ve been watching the runways for your summer fashion tips, you’ll know that the new denim has taken a drastic turn from that old faithful, the indigo jean. The new denim is soft and pale – and it isn’t confined to jeans any more either. Give a nod to the 80s (think Agyness Deyn for your inspiration) with this ra-ra style made from perfectly vintage-looking bleached denim.
2
Christopher Kane Skirt
Price: £575
Stockist: Browns www.brownsfashion.com
Brit boy, Christopher Kane, was leading the pack in the spring catwalk denim-fest, with his new and ultra-modern take on the blue stuff. Kane told reporters at his show, ‘I wanted to create a new feeling with denim – very distressed, in light blue…These pieces feel so young and modern for now.’ Looks like he’s achieved his aim – the collection was a melange of ripped hems and youthful, punky vibes, just like this complicated looking skirt.
3
Denim Bag
Price: 90€
Stockist: A.P.C www.apc.fr
If we could shop at one shop for the rest of our lives, APC would come high up on the list of contenders. The French brand reeks of hip, laid-back styles – no wonder it’s a favourite of uber-presenter and current girl-of-the-moment Alexa Chung. This bag in stonewashed denim and with an extra-long strap might look like something you’d have worn as a teenager, but don’t you think that’s part of the reason it’s so darn cool?
4
By Malene Birger Dress
Price: £150
Stockist: Net-A-Porter www.net-a-porter.com
Straddling a similar kind of appeal as APC, Malene Birger’s designs are of the type which might not hold an instant appeal in an obvious, feminine kind of way – in fact they can sometimes look quite bland. But once they’re on, Birger’s clothes will instantly make you look and feel fabulous. Take our advice and match this shirt dress with your tan-coloured bag for a colour-by-numbers route to summer super-style.
5
Peter Jensen Shirt
Price: £135
Stockist: b Store www.bstorelondon.com
While a denim shirt might be difficult to wear - what the hell are you supposed to pair it with? - we hear you cry, it’s definitely becoming one of those reinvented classics you can’t quite avoid. If you want our advice, have a go at matching a cowboy-inspired version (with the sleeves insouciantly rolled-up, naturellement) like this one with a non-denim mini skirt and simple sandals for a recipe with summer chic.
7
See by Chloe Dress
Price: £155
Stockist: Net-A-Porter www.net-a-porter.com
While this dress could send utilitarian, practical overall signals out, thanks to its pockets and stitching, the puffy shoulders and girly belt (thankfully) take it into more playful territory. Gladiator sandals, some massive sunnies and a great tan are all you need to make it work for you.
8
Acid Wash Ra Ra Dress
Price: £40
Stockist: Miss Selfridge www.missselfridge.com
The best thing about the current new direction in denim – 80s rock references, skinny shapes, acid washes and so on – is how they can transform an otherwise bog standard outfit into one of youthful, so-hot-right-now beauty. This ra-ra prom dress is the kind of thing Molly Ringwald would wear if she was at a Black Sabbath concert.
9
Sleeveless Denim Jacket
Price: £30
Stockist: Topshop www.topshop.com
Call us crazy (and we know this style isn’t exactly going to go down well with everyone) but we’re thinking this acid-wash, sleeveless, Axl Rose-inspired denim jacket is just about the best thing we’ve seen all year. So it might not be practical, so you might only pluck up the courage to wear it at a fancy dress party, but for those willing to take a risk, this will put you at the forefront of fashion’s premiere league.
10
Wide Leg Jeans
Price: £24.99
Stockist: Uniqlo www.uniqlo.co.uk
A staple in any style-conscious lady’s wardrobe, the wide leg jean – in a lightweight, pale denim for this season if you please – is a cure-all solution to any day you wake up feeling like your legs are the bane of your life. Easy and breezy, this pair from Uniqlo would work wonders with a pair of peep-toe wedges and a summery t-shirt, don’t you think?