Denim for days: four clever updates to make your style staple work harder

If there’s one key clothing item to invest in season after season, it’s denim. Whether it's a pair of wear-on-repeat jeans, a casual pinafore mini or a dress-up-or-down jumpsuit, denim is the wardrobe gift that keeps on giving. These new-in styles make it easy to mix and match versatile looks, layering up or down depending on the weather, and accessorising to suit the look. Want to bring your blue jean obsession into the new season? Denim outfit-building starts here.

Model in a blue denim jumpsuit with snakeskin shoes, a red bag and silver earrings

Top to toe

We all know how versatile jumpsuits can be, offering a one-and-done outfit alternative to your trusty jeans-and-top combo. ‘For 2025 keep your accessories clean and reminiscent of the trending 90s. Extra style points for adding a quilted bag with a juicy colour pop for a textured, contrasting finish,’ says OB Fashion Stylist Lynda Bell.

Uptown downtown

Move over boyfriend jeans, this season sees our trusted true blues get wider, baggier and slouchier. ‘The key to this look is to get the hems to ‘’puddle’’,’ says Lynda. ‘That’s fashion speak for when your jeans are long enough to slouch in a nonchalantly stylish way at the hem around your feet.’ When it comes to accessorising, this year's quickest styling update, she assures, is a baseball cap. ‘Less sporty and more relaxed, pair yours with a casual outfit for weekend downtime or use it to add contrast to a more pulled-together look for effortless polish.’

Stylist tip

‘The key to this look is to get the hems to ‘’puddle’’ - that’s fashion speak for when your jeans are long enough to slouch in a nonchalantly stylish way at the hem around your feet.’

– LYNDA BELL, FASHION STYLIST

Model in a denim pinafore mini dress with a floral print knit and green bag

Dress the part

Don’t reserve your denim for jeans only – denim pinafore dresses and minis are having a moment. ‘We loved styling this dress down for our spring campaign shoot,’ says Lynda. 'Paired with bright red trainers, a padded overnight bag and knitted bomber, it hits peak weekend outfitting.’

The utility styling details - multiple pockets, buttons - would also juxtapose well against more feminine accessories (hello, jumbo bows). ‘I love contrasting more structured fabrics with pretty, delicate finishes,’ says Lynda. ‘Mary Jane shoes are going to be big for spring and we’ve got all the bases covered, from printed and embellished designs to striking metallic and mood-boosting shades.’

Seeing stripes

Stripes will never be out of fashion and deciding between horizontal and vertical can change the whole tone of your look. ‘Whether you’re going for a nautical Breton-style horizontal stripe or a fresh preppy look, think more is more and really commit to it, working with the direction of the stripe to add movement and length,’ encourages Lynda.

‘Stripe detailing has also reached our denims, and we’re seeing both fine micro stripes and also these more tailored wider-set stripes. Keep it relaxed with an oversized sweatshirt, casually tied neckerchief and a pair of statement trainers for a stylish off-duty look. Or create an easy work outfit with a crisp shirt, block heels and a fresh neutral-toned bag.’