HOW TO STYLE DENIM: YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED BY A PRO

Long story short: absolutely. ‘If you didn’t get the double-denim outfit debrief last year, worry not – this trend has room to grow,' says Zara. 'It’s all about matching your washes – which looks ‘styled’ but is so easy to pull off.' The Canadian Tuxedo is at the peak of its popularity right now, and there’s something so crisp and cohesive about a good denim shirt or jacket styled with a pair of jeans. Zara's advice? 'Try an oversized jacket with matching straight-leg jeans, or a mini skirt or jacket co-ord with a shirt and tie.’

GET THE LOOK:
Topshop denim cinched shirt with seam detail in mid blue, £48
Motel low rise twisted seam jeans in rinse, £59
& Other Stories Gio mid waist relaxed wide leg jeans in beige overdye, £97
Levi's Iconic western studded denim shirt in washed black, £80

Different denim results in different feels. For example, baggy jeans are inherently lax and casual, while sculptural barrel-leg jeans look more clean cut, perfect for special occasions. When in need of that hit of elevation – say you’ve got an engagement party or equivalent RSVP in the cal – boots are your best friend. 'A heeled boot and a sweatshirt will ensure a polished-but-casual feel,' recommends Zara. And to finish off the look, rely on classics like the trench coat for extra refinement.

GET THE LOOK:
COLLUSION asymmetric hem fitted shirt in white, £26.99
Mango Capsule 100% wool premium trench coat in grey, £199.99
ASOS DESIGN slim barrel jeans in light midwash, £34
Tony Bianco Dusty block heeled ankle boots in shiny brown, £195

Sure, we’re besotted with boots, but denim is quite the Casanova when it comes to footwear. Another perfect partner is low-pro trainers – paired with any denim shape, they form perhaps the most iconic outfit foundation of the 2020s. From PUMA Speedcats to adidas Originals anything, this duo embodies ease and comfort. For something more summer-ready, team ecru or light-wash loose jeans with fisherman sandals and flip-flops.

GET THE LOOK:
Levi's 501 90's jeans in ecru, £100
Bershka Petite low waist bootcut jeans in denim blue, £29.99
adidas Originals Samba OG crochet trainers is cream and brown, £95
Havaianas square toe flip flops in crocus rose, £30

While we wouldn’t say different denim shades are exclusive to specific occasions, the right palette matters. For example, pastels and light washes are a harmonious pairing ideal for every day, but a statement combo like tomato red and indigo can demand the attention of a room – consider that for any important office meetings. Wondering what denim wash is 'the one' right now? Zara's got your answer. ‘Dark denim made a resurgence last year and is here to stay – it just feels so fresh. It makes your whites look super-crisp, and makes everything else in your outfit pop. Try wearing it head-to-toe tonal with a navy top and one of this season’s great belts. And any 80s-inspired sports jackets are also indigo’s friend.’

GET THE LOOK:
Calvin Klein Jeans signature 90s straight jeans, £85
ASOS DESIGN Curve ankle grazer comfort stretch straight leg jeans, £30
ASOS DESIGN comfort stretch straight leg jeans in bright blue, £30
ASOS DESIGN low rise baggy jeans in washed black, £36

Denim isn’t dubbed a season-proof staple for no reason. Jeans have seen us through the seasons since their inception – they’re just that adaptable. Winter’s signature look was 2010s grunge: grey or black skinny jeans, off-the-shoulder silhouettes and plenty of eyeliner. But for spring and summer, don’t pledge allegiance to jeans alone. Add denim mini skirts to your roster and blend them with basics for effortless outfit wins every time.

GET THE LOOK:
ASOS DESIGN top with cinch waist detail in black, £18
ASOS DESIGN Curve skinny jeans in clean black, £20
Cotton On micro mini denim skirt in laurel blue, £29
Cotton On Ryan henley long sleeve in blue, £19

There are endless ways to keep your denim up to speed. A perfect example is Rihanna, who makes a case for baggy denim 24/7. From striped tees to fur coats, she styles her infinite jean collection with anything and everything. But if minimalism is more your thing, and with Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s name being revived in fashion circles, classic 90s straight-legs and transitional layers are what you should reach for. 'They look great with flats or low heels and a crisp white tee – but it doesn’t have to be pure preppy. Try a modern windbreaker or a cinched, bold-shoulder blazer on top’, says Zara.

GET THE LOOK:
COLLUSION X007 XL baggy adjustable low rise jean in dirty blue, £39.99
Motel Kumiko long sleeve boat neck striped top in yellow, £42
ASOS DESIGN 90s straight jeans in vintage wash, £30
Topshop faux leather bubble boxy zip through pocket bomber jacket in red, £75

‘Jeans and a nice top’ is the quintessential outfit combo, but what does ‘a nice top’ actually mean? When it comes to partywear, this enigmatic phrase often indicates anything that’s a little too statement for supermarket trips or post office visits – think lacy, sheer or bardot-neck tops. But we find basic tops to be just as good when paired with denim. Look out for subtle details like a panel of buttons or embellishments that can take your look up a notch.

GET THE LOOK:
ASOS DESIGN boat neck tank with buttons in cream, £12
Levi's loose bootcut jeans in washed black, £100
ASOS DESIGN wide leg palazzo jean in dark mid blue, £40
Topshop one sleeve slash neck top in check print, £38