1. Key Keywords for Spring/Summer Denim
- Stiff, heavy-weight denim: High-ounce fabric woven on traditional shuttle looms, with reinforced selvage edges, durable and with a natural drape, no longer the soft, casual feel of the past.
- Sculptural silhouette: The trousers have a defined structure from the waist and hips, whether straight-leg, wide-leg, or slightly flared, emphasizing lines rather than loose volume.
- Selvedge denim returns: Classic selvedge denim, mainly in dark blue or raw denim, with visible colored stitching at the hem, representing durability and craftsmanship.
2. Five Denim Styles on the Runways
1. Stiff Wide-Leg Pants: Elegant Volume
- From Givenchy to Khaite, wide-leg pants feature high waists and stiff fabrics, with straight legs that fall smoothly downwards, unlike the easily sagging loose styles of the past.
- Paired with tucked-in tops or cropped designs, they create a clear silhouette, suitable for everything from street style to semi-formal occasions.
2. Straight-Leg Pants: The Neat and Versatile Choice
- Brands like Dior and Valentino are promoting straight-leg cuts, with consistent width from hip to ankle, in dark wash or raw denim, flattering and versatile.
- Looser than skinny jeans, more refined than wide-leg pants, they can be easily paired with trench coats, shirts, or jackets.
3. Flared and Bootcut Pants: Low-Waist Retro Style
- McQueen brings back extremely low-waist flared pants, widening below the knee, inspired by bumster styles; Levi’s and others are promoting bootcut styles, suitable for platform boots or high heels.
- This style emphasizes a rock and roll attitude, perfect with cropped tops or leather jackets for a full street style look.
4. Skinny Jeans Return: The Secret Weapon for Long Legs
- Celine, Gucci, and other shows are heavily featuring skinny jeans again, with high-waist designs to lengthen the legs, balanced with oversized tops or jackets. – No longer the style of the early 2000s, but rather more fitted, modern “cigarette” slim-leg trousers.
5. Mixing and Matching and Special Treatments: Variations on Denim
- Area and Dior’s frayed-edge skirt-pants, Loewe’s multi-textured layering, oil-stained “dirty jeans” with a rock and roll feel, selvedge edges and multi-colored stitching add details.
- These styles transform denim from monotonous trousers into pieces with a story.
3. How to Wear Runway Denim in Everyday Life
1. Stiff, Wide-Leg Street Style
- Choose dark blue, heavy-weight wide-leg trousers, tuck in a white T-shirt or short-sleeved shirt, and pair with sneakers or loafers for an easy transition from office to weekend.
- A belt or short jacket can help maintain proportions and prevent looking bulky.
2. Straight-Leg Commuting Formula
- Raw denim straight-leg trousers + button-down shirt + trench coat or ankle boots, neat and effortless, suitable for the spring/summer transition season.
- Rolling up the cuffs to expose the ankles adds a sense of airiness.
3. Flared Jeans for a Rock and Roll Day
- Low-waist flared jeans + leather jacket + platform boots, paired with a mesh top or short T-shirt, perfect for weekend parties or concerts.
4. Skinny Jeans Modern Mix and Match
- High-waist skinny jeans + oversized sweater or jacket + pointed-toe shoes, elongating the legs while balancing the upper body volume.
5. Dirty Jeans and Patchwork Styles: Expressing Individuality
- Oil-stained wide-leg trousers + simple T-shirt + canvas shoes, with a touch of rebelliousness; patchwork skirt-pants with sandals, perfect for a vacation look.
4. Color and Fabric Upgrade Guide
1. Dark Blue and Raw Denim: Mainstream and Safe Choices
- Dark indigo or navy wash, slimming and stain-resistant, selvedge edges are a guarantee of quality.
- Avoid excessive bleaching or light gray; prioritize raw denim with a strong three-dimensional feel.
2. Multi-Textures and Treatments: Adding Interest
- Patchwork, frayed edges, oil stains, or three-dimensional pleats transform ordinary denim into statement pieces. – High-quality, thick fabric is essential; the stiffer the fabric, the better the fit and style.
5. Body Shape and Occasion Matching Suggestions
| Pant Style | Suitable Body Shape | Best Occasion | Styling Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stiff Wide-Leg | Pear shape, H-shape | Commuting, Weekend | High-waisted with tucked-in top, cropped top |
| Straight Leg | Suitable for all body types | Everyday, Office | Trench coat, shirt |
| Flared/Bootcut | Straight legs | Street style, Party | Short jacket, thick boots |
| Skinny | Slim legs | Modern mix-and-match | Oversized top |
| Distressed Patchwork | Individualistic | Vacation, Casual | Simple T-shirt, sneakers |
