Denims are the one classic wardrobe style that never loses its fashionable edge. Whether it’s cut-offs, skirts or classic bootlegs, denims are the constant wardrobe staple. As we all know, though, denims come in such a wide variety of styles that picking one or two can be confusing. Anything from the fit, trim, colour and pockets can be hard to keep track of. We break down the top new trends in denims, for a new take on this classic summer piece.

Slim sophisticate
Skinny denims are a must-have style for this season. The silhouette is flattering, feminine and versatile – pair your skinnies with heels and a shimmering vest, or pull on a pair of ballet pumps and a T-shirt for when you’re just looking to chill out.

Retro flare
Wide leg denims combine 70s bell-bottom style with vintage 50s flair for a flared style from the hip all the way down. This look may have retro roots, but it’s given a modern twist with faded blue styles and metallic trim. Wide-leg denims are perfect for wearing with wedges and long, flowing style tops and if you have long legs, they’re a particularly flattering style.

Seeing stars
Prints are a seasonal phenomenon that has hit denims in a big way and one of the hottest is star printed denims. This print is typically created with bleached star-shaped stamps in classic denim and is subtle but adds a little something extra to classic blue denims.

DIY Tip: You can revamp an old pair of bootleg denims by stuffing it with newspaper, making a star stamp out of a potato (or buying an actual stamp), dipping them in bleach and stamping them on your denims. You’ll be wearing the style that’s being rocked all over Hollywood this season. 

Day glow
Colour is an essential part of denims this season, so make sure you add at least one brightly coloured pair to your wardrobe this season. Fluorescent neon shades are the latest update in coloured denims and go perfectly with the hot neon trend this summer. Perfect for colour-blocking or pairing with black, this style has urban edge written all over it.

Image credit: Simon Deiner Photography/SDR Photo/Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town/Black Coal