CARPE DENIM

Everyone loves denim, and the hardworking fabric is everywhere this spring. From how to wear it to how to care for it, this is the only primer you need.

BY JULIA MCEWEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARLYLE ROUTH

HAIR BY KRISTJAN HAYDEN/ AVEDA/PLUTINO GROUP MAKEUP BY SHERI STROH/ BITE BEAUTY/PLUTINO GROUP

Shirt, $125, liujo.com. Jeans, $22, walmart.ca. Earrings, bananarepublic.ca. Bracelet, thomassabo.com. Shoes, joefresh.com.

Forget about saving denim for casual Fridays; this versatile fabric goes far beyond basic jeans. Look chic, elegant and professional in a light-washed chambray button-down, a flirty denim circle skirt or tailored dark-washed trousers. If jeans are your jam, good news: Modern office settings are starting to embrace the one-time “workman- only” slacks. Jason Trotzuk, founder and creative director of Fidelity Denim, notes, though, that not all jeans are acceptable in office environments. “The colour of the denim is really going to set the tone,” he says. Choose a dark wash in a skinny, straight-leg or trouser silhouette and save your distressed, faded blue or slouchy boyfriend jeans for the weekend.

Left: Blazer, $80, hm.com/ca. Jones New York blouse, $79, thebay.com. Jeans, $178, fidelitydenim.com. Necklace, jenny-bird.com. Belt, anntaylor.com. Ring, lechateau.com. Shoes, hm.com/ca. Centre: Cardigan, $210, liujo.com. Shirt, $110, bananarepublic.ca. Skirt, $40, winners.ca. Necklace and shoes, michaelkors.com. Belt and bag, tedbaker.com. Right: Shirt, $180, fidelitydenim.com. Skirt, $60, and shoes, lechateau.com. Necklace and cuff, bananarepublic.ca. Ring, stelladot.com.

A chambray shirt tucked into a striped pencil skirt looks fresh and modern.

Dress up your favourite dark skinnies with a tailored blazer.

A waist-cinching belt adds femininity to this denim skirt.

Move denim into pretty territory with a flirty circle skirt embellished with decorative fraying. Whoever said you can’t wear denim on denim didn’t have their jeans on right. Fashion rules were meant to be broken. “Mixing denim can be exciting because it has endless possibilities,” says Trotzuk. The trick to making the “Canadian tuxedo” fresh, he says, is mixing up the weight of the denim, wearing conflicting washes and never trying too hard. Just remember: Too many denim elements in your outfit can sabotage your efforts. In other words, twice is nice but never thrice. When in doubt, a lightweight shirt in a denim-like fabric like chambray paired with a dark pair of skinnies always works, as it’s both casual and sophisticated.

Left: Shirt, $28, oldnavy.ca. Skirt, $165, michaelkors.com. Earrings, stelladot.com. Bag, roots.com. Bracelet, bananarepublic.ca. Shoes, hm.com/ca. Right: Jacket, $150, rw-co.com. Shirt, $55, gapcanada.ca. Jeans, $210, liujo.com. Earrings and belt, hm.com/ca. Necklace, jenny-bird.com. Ring, stelladot.com. Shoes, bananarepublic.ca.

Patchwork denim is a major trend this spring, but if it feels too junior for you, try these subtle star patches instead.

DENIM ON 34

“Believe it or not, a denim jacket has more versatility in a woman’s wardrobe than jeans.”

— Fidelity Denim founder Jason Trotzuk

Try pairing a wax-coated denim jacket with a printed chambray frock; the different tones and textures give your denim a whole new feel. Waxed-denim jacket, $160, and earrings, bananarepublic.ca. Dress, $80, gapcanada.ca. Ring, thomassabo.com.

DENIM DECODED What You Need to Know About Denim

Get comfortable with spandex Like it or not, spandex is now a crucial component of your trusty blue jeans. With the added give, many brands can stretch up to a full size over the first 20 wears. “Size down when you buy fast-fashion [cheaper] denim, and buy true-to-fit when you’re investing in a reputable denim brand—they won’t bag out,” says Trotzuk.

Length is everything The most flattering length for skinny jeans is when the hem hits the top of your foot. “For average height and leg length, the sweet spot is a 29-inch inseam; it’s the most flattering silhouette and length because it’s fitted to the body,” says Trotzuk.

When to wash and how to dry Once the backs of the knees start to bunch and the seat gets saggy, it’s cleaning time. Aim for three to five wears before machine-washing in cold or warm water. “These days, most jeans have a polyurethane or polyester-like elastin that breaks down when exposed to heat,” says Trotzuk. Hanging to dry will leave you with a stiff garment, so he suggests tumbling dry on low heat.

The white way If white jeans are on your must-try list, look for a pair that fits snug and looks simple. Steer clear of too many embellishments; clean lines will help make your legs appear longer and minimize your assets.

Keep the hemlines long on your wide-legged jeans and pair with sturdy platform sandals. Your legs will look like they go on forever! Jeans, $30, hm.com/ca. Shoes, $100, lechateau.com.

We love the simplicity of pairing skinnies with a classic pair of ballet flats. Animal print and a bright hit of yellow add flair to an uncomplicated shoe. Jeans, $45, oldnavy.ca. Shoes, $55, gapcanada.ca. Wear more sophisticated loafers or oxfords with a rolled-up hem. The juxtaposition of a formal shoe with a casual pant works! Jeans, $39, joefresh.com. Shoes, $128, bananarepublic.ca.

MATES

Every pair of jeans needs a fabulous shoe to finish the look. Here are your best bets for spring.

For a fair-weather day, cropped white jeans with a textured trim play nice with leopard-print sandals. Jeans, $165, michael kors.com. Sandals, $70, aldoshoes.com.

CURVY? PETITE? ATHLETIC? FIND THE RIGHT JEANS FOR YOUR BODY AT canadianliving.com/ goodjeans.

Elevate your menswear-inspired jeans with a polished pair of pumps. The structured shoe balances out baggy denim trousers. Jeans, $80, gapcanada.ca. Shoes, $60, lechateau.com. Wear your boot-cut jeans with high- heeled booties in a similar colour. Ideally, the hem should hit the toe cap to show just the right amount of heel. Jeans, $188, fidelitydenim.com. Booties, $60, callitspring.com.