Im not sure that there is a huge amount for me to say about denim that has not been said before. Denim has been around since 1873. It was used as the material to make jeans, a garment devised by Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss as hard-wearing workwear. The evolution of jeans has obviously been a colourful one since its days as a purely functional item of clothing. The most expensive pair of jeans to date sold for $250,000. Two hundred and fifty THOUSAND dollars. I mean really. But although denim and ‘jeans’ have been reimagined in a myriad of crazy and bonkers ways, here I am, in 2018, sitting in a pair of denim overalls -perhaps not as hard-wearing as those of 1873 but probably not dissimilar in style…

I think that there is a tendency for women to believe that denim is a ‘young person’s’ fabric . If you’re over 45 then its ok for doing practical things in but that’s it. Well I COMPLETELY disagree. It’s a youthful fabric for sure but it looks great on all ages in my opinion. Why? Because there is such a fantastic offering out there now, that it is possible for all women of all ages and sizes to find a pair that look good. This does require work though. I HATE shopping for jeans, and maybe that’s what puts lots of other people off. Squeezing and twisting and wrestling into stiff denim can be a depressing and exhausting task. HOWEVER, if you persevere and find that one pair that fit beautifully, I promise, you won’t look back.

Jeans can have some pretty hefty pricetags these days but I truly believe that if you find the perfect pair, they are worth investing in. Your cost per wear will make it worth the initial spend. If you live in London, or find yourself in London, then go to Trilogy. They specialise in jeans and will be able to help you with your exact requirements, the staff are also lovely and will bring you as many pairs as you can bear to try on - and not even look pissed off when you can’t see the floor in your changing room for swathes of discarded denim. Selfridges also have a great denim studio.

Oh and one other thing, don’t rely on asking other people about which are the best brands and fit - what suits one person, may not suit you. Im afraid that finding the perfect pair of jeans is a solo task ladies.

DISCLAIMER ALERT- it’s a lie, it’s all a lie! This jumpsuit that I am wearing is not infact denim. It is 100% Lyocell (a man made fabric but using natural materials) pretending to be denim. But hey, it looks like denim so i’m taking it.

Jumpsuits, or in this case boilersuits, are the most comfortable garments you are ever likely to treat your body to. I realise that a boliersuit is not necessarily for everyone, but I do urge you to try (if you have not already) a jumpsuit. Chosen right, I believe them to be one of the most flattering items of clothing that you can wear. The trick is in the fit and the quality. Most people will find that a tailored version is best - something that is full or 3/4 length and comes in at the waist. This style is gorgeous (here) but for more simple then this one is perfect (here). If you wanted something that you could wear in the day and the evening then this would be lovely (here).

I think that what it boils down to, as with most things in life, is just to try. If you haven’t worn denim in a long time then go to the shops and try a new pair of jeans, or see how a denim jacket looks. If you’ve never thought of wearing a jumpsuit then get online an order a few to try - see how they fit. And if you like what you see then wear it - go for it. And DON’T worry about what other people will think. That is literally the last thing that you should do. I can guarantee that the most stylish ladies that you know don’t worry about what other people are going to think, they just decide whether they like it, and go for it. Yes!!

SUE

Shirt, Toast. Jumper, Topshop (old) . Jeans, Toast . Belt (old) . Trainers, Veja . Earrings, & Other Stories .

HANNAH

Boilersuit, Zara . T-Shirt, & Other Stories . Jacket, Topshop . Shirt, Toast . Trainers, Converse.

Photography and artwork by Alexandra Mooney