Contributors:

• PHOTOGRAPHER: JESSICA LACEY |
• STYLING: BARBORA KASPAROVA

If there's one staple that earns its place in our wardrobe, it's denim. Its appeal is plain to see, and its history proves it: endlessly adaptable, endlessly reinvented. It started out as 19th century American workwear at the height of the gold rush. By the ‘50s, it was the ultimate provocation: a symbol of teenage rebellion that had mothers clutching their pearls. Cut to the ‘80s, jeans were status symbols: if you had a pair of Levi’s 501s you were cool. Today, it’s an everyday essential that can sharpen even the most casual look.

It is so much more than jeans, though. Denim jackets are the perfect balance of warmth without adding uncomfortable bulk. Denim shirts are an easy way to add texture to your edit. And denim bags are as sturdy as they are striking. You can dress denim up, dress it down and even layer it over itself (though maybe not like Justin and Britney did back in ’01).

But what’s the trick to elevating denim?

This is FLANNELS 3-WAYS: your styling BFF. We’re walking you through three ways to wear denim, for three very different moods. Whether it’s for the 9-to-5, evening plans or something for the weekend, we’ve got you covered.

Consider this Denim 101, c/o FLANNELS.

Formal dressing for the office? It’s overrated. We’re in a post-lockdown world where comfort is non-negotiable and boardroom dressing has a new rulebook. Think ‘sharp, but relaxed’. Untuck the shirt and reach for those looser fits. That doesn’t mean throw something on and hope for the best. Instead, dress with intention and go for a pair of jeans.

Start with Saint Laurent. Its V-Waist Long Baggy Jeans are our pick for work-appropriate jeans. In black, and cut high on the waist, they still read smart. But the baggier fit through the legs dials the look down. The classic five-pocket design ensures your phone and earbuds are close for the commute.

Smarten up the rest. Up top, Miu Miu’s Poplin Blouson Jacket in vanilla adds a hit of colour and the preppy ‘50s styling keeps the look polished. Pair with the house’s Striped Poplin Shirt. Stripes are a corporate go-to, so lean in, but keep it untucked for a contemporary twist. When it comes to your work shoes, stick with Miu Miu. Its Bow Slingback Pumps quietly elevate the look, but the low stilettos mean you’ll be stepping out fine at 5pm - not wishing for a pair of flats.

When it comes to accessories, pare them back. Let Bottega Veneta’s Small Hop do the talking. The label’s signature Intrecciato weave looks sleek in grey suede, and there’s plenty of room inside for your work laptop or tablet. Finish up with Gucci’s GG Pattern Tie for a tailored twist that doesn’t overpower.

Five o’clock hits and you’re out of the office. You brave the commute home and get through your front door. First order of business? Switch out your look. Tempting as it might be to slip into pyjamas, the day doesn’t end when you get home. It just changes tack. If you’re anything like us, you’ll change and then head back out. Maybe it’s book club or a street food market; whatever your plans, double down on denim.

Build your look around your jeans. Ganni’s Agni Jeans have caught our eye this season. That dark indigo rinse and tobacco topstitching. The clean, straight cut. Those two cargo pockets on the legs. The rigid denim will mould to your shape over time. And the fading that will follow? Entirely your own.

Denim on denim might get a bad rap, but we think it’s unearned. Just make it an unexpected pairing. Like a bag.

Stick with the Scandi energy and go for Acne Studios. Its Denim Print Tote lands every time. The mid blue tone is the perfect counterpoint to the jeans, and the 3D-effect print nods to the enduring fascination with distressed denim. The best bit? It’s big enough to hold your book club recommendations or those two boxes of pastel del natas from the market.

Elsewhere, Casablanca’s Monogram Shirt continues the ode to blue. It brings a hit of texture to the look with the all-over embossed logos but doesn’t overwhelm. Keep it open to keep the off-duty mood going. Underneath, layer the house’s Ribbed Tank over Jacquemus’ Gros Grain T-Shirt. The neutral tones will stop the edit from looking busy.

Finally, accessories. New Balance's 1906 Loafers blend the label's sporty aesthetic with heritage nods and offer a fresh take on the classic shoe. Circle back to Miu Miu for the finishing touches. Its varsity-themed baseball cap looks sharp in pink, and you can't go wrong with Ganni's striped scarf for those cooler spring evenings.

You’ve made it through the weekly grind, and the weekend comes into view. It’s time to slow the pace and recharge your energy, even if your social calendar remains busy. Maybe you’re booked in for brunch with friends, or stepping out for dinner with your loved one. Maybe it’s a family birthday party where attendance is mandatory. Whatever your plans, you can still incorporate denim into your weekend without dialling down the rest of your look. Here’s how.

Keep your denim dark and opt for Versace. In stonewashed black, its Embellished High-Rise Jeans are quietly dressy. An alternating row of crystal and gold-toned studs channel the house’s high-octane glamour without overdoing it. They’re cut close at the thighs but loosen up at the knees, flattering your figure without being restrictive.

Next, it’s the nice top. Look no further than Magda Butrym. Her Open-Back Blouse is a firm FLANNELS favourite. The soft, pastel colouring. The loose, fluid silk that catches the light. The delicate lace edges. But it’s the hero detail that seals it. That floral brooch is a moment that deserves to be seen. It works for those dressier moments. And if plans are more relaxed, you can take it off to dial down the look without sacrificing the glam.

For the rest of the look, keep things simple. Go for Saint Laurent’s Icare Hobo Bag in brown suede to keep your on-the-go essentials close. It’s a statement that doesn’t pull focus. For your feet, Magda Butrym’s Wedge Mules are our pick. The gold studs team with those on your jeans, pulling the look together. And for jewellery: stick with gold and keep it simple. Lie Studios have this down: a bracelet, a ring and hoop earrings. Simple. Effective. Perfect.