When looking through the latest batch of street style imagery, I find that I’m drawn to outfits that look like something I would wear for a coffee in the park or to meet friends for lunch, instead of anything too “fashion”. Rather than an overly considered “look”, these outfits are centred around elevated basics and, almost always, include denim as the base.
There is a definite feeling of nostalgia when it comes to denim trends this year, with a return to ’70s flares and denim maxi skirts from the ’90s. Nothing is too fitted or close to the body – jeans all have slouch and a baggy silhouette and denim skirts have an A-line silhouette that skim the hips. It’s no coincidence that one of the most hyped catwalk images of the spring/summer 2023 season was Kate Moss at Bottega Veneta wearing a pair of “anti-fit” jeans, with a checked shirt and tank top. This simple approach to styling is certainly having a moment.
When it comes to styling ideas, there’s been lots of bomber jackets, leather moto jackets and trench coats at fashion month. What the seven looks below all have in common is a sense of ease and comfort. One of my favourite looks was stylist Shiona Turini wearing denim cargo pants with a cropped white turtleneck and checked coat. Lucy Williams, meanwhile, dressed up her baggy jeans and chunky loafers with an impeccable ivory textured coat by London label Tove – the jeans were the perfect counterpoint to the more formal structure of the coat.
In need of some new every day outfit ideas? See below for fresh ways to wear in denim in 2023.
Double denim
Phil Oh
