I am what I like to call a Denim Devotee, if there ever was such a thing. My irrevocable love only grew stronger when I quit the corporate world and started freelancing; suddenly, I was left to my own dressing devices, and I had the freedom to wear jeans every damn day. Like literally, every. day. I can’t remember the last time I wore — oh, I don’t know — anything resembling a dress or skirt. Probably this post, here (and let’s be honest, that was mostly fashion shooting). Let alone trousers that aren’t made of denim. What’s the point when you have jeans?
However, I’ve noticed recently that I’m ever more attracted to other materials, especially in trousers. Linen ones. Joggers. Flowing high-waisted and wide-legged numbers (I may or may not be forever inspired by Marion in Raiders of the Lost Ark).
There’s something about non-denim materials that, even in trousers, brings a certain elegance, femininity and put-togetherness that denim just can’t do. Effortless, and chic, in a way that says to the world, “Where I really belong is on a yacht in the French Rivera, even when I’m just hanging out in this rainy corner of East London.”
This is particularly true with linen: the most humbled of materials, one that I distinctly remember seeming frumpy and old fashioned, enough that I once made fun of Stag for owning a linen blazer. (“What are you, 80?! Thanks grandpa.”). And suddenly, like magic, linen is my love affair. That’s right people. I’m cheating on jeans with linen. And I’d do it again.
I think part of this linen love came from osmosis, seeing my fashion heroes Lucy Williams and Vikki Pearson make linen look so effortless and cool. Further cemented when Sheerluxe released this post on striped trousers. Dug into the ground when I bought these Kirei trousers and fell. in. love. (not technically linen, but close enough).
There’s something about non-denim materials that, even in trousers, brings a certain elegance, femininity and put-togetherness that denim just can’t do.
The other unequivocal truth I’ve discovered in analysing my Denim Devotion: it has made me sartorially lazy.
Like clockwork, every morning, I yawn and stretch, yanking open my jeans drawer and pull on whatever soft-and-not-constricting pair is on top, without a conscious thought. Next, the closet, hands grasping the first breton or comfy sweater they come across. Boot-slippers put onto the feet. Coffee placed in hand by Stag. The end. Morning routine over, and I haven’t even woke my brain up yet.
Yes, I’m winking at you. Espadrilles: Soludos.
Don’t get me wrong: I still pretty much wear my jeans-and-top combo 90% of the time. But once in a while, we need to push ourselves out of our fashion ruts. It’s good for our confidence, and good for the soul.
Maybe a bit bad for our wallets….
OUTFIT DETAILS
LINEN TROUSERS | MUJI (BOUGHT IN STORE)
TOP | H&M (SIMILAR)
ESPADRILLES | SOLUDOS
JACKET | DOROTHY PERKINS (OLD)
NECKLACE | MISSOMA X LUCY WILLIAMS
SUNGLASSES | RAY BAN