As the temperatures mount, there is nothing better than having a few key pieces in your arsenal, ready to pop out at a moment’s notice. Think a camp-collar shirt, a fresh pair of plimsolls, the sort of garments that scream sunny Sunday in the park. And there is no better-suited piece for the summer months than a pair of light denim jeans. A few shades brighter than your go-to daily jeans, light blue denim (or even white if you’re feeling bold) brings that characteristically fun aspect of dressing for summer, without the risk of getting cold the moment a cloud rolls over you. The best part about light denim is that it is incredibly easy to dress. So we’ve done the hard work for you, and highlighted seven different items you’re gonna want to unlock a truly slammin’ fit. We’ve even given a less expensive option for each because we’re nice like that.
THE DAD-APPROVED BLAZER
I can’t think of a more dangerous combo than blue denim and a blazer. If done right, you have the suave debonair of a 90s ‘it’ New Yorker. But, the fit and colours need to be near-perfect, otherwise, you quickly turn from Gigi Hadid into Larry David. To avoid an accidental Seinfeld reunion with your outfit, make sure the sizing is similar; slim begets slim and baggy begets baggy etc. Pair with loafers and a billowy white shirt for maximum summer vibez.
CELINE RECTANGLE JACKET WITH TENNIS STRIPE NAVY, US$2850 / £1950
BEAMS PLUS NAVY UNSTRUCTURED SEERSUCKER BLAZER, US$430 / £330
THE RETRO CAP
Continuing with the retro 90s look, few things suit a pair of light denim better than a retro cap. It has that air of gracefully ageing celebrity at a movie premiere. It keeps things casual even if you’ve paired it with a shirt or the aforementioned blazer. If your outfit is quiet, the cap is the perfect piece to add “a little bit of spice” to it.
MUSEUM OF PEACE & QUIET SSENSE EXCLUSIVE NAVY MINI WOODMARK CAP, US$55 / £45
AMI NAVY CORD HAT, US$125 / £80
THE ‘TOO WHITE’ SNEAKERS
I don’t think much needs to be said about this pairing. We all know that light denim and white sneakers are a match made in Heaven, whether it be the ‘ugly dad sneaker’ like these New Balance’s or a pair of strong and sturdy Air Force 1’s. You will look great in them, no doubt about it. The only responsibility I leave to you is the question, ‘to cuff or not to cuff’.
NEW BALANCE ML2002RI LOW TOP SNEAKERS, US$185 / £168
NIKE AIR FORCE 1, US$119 / £89.99
THE TIMELESS BOMBER
Renton from Trainspotting, James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause, De Niro in Taxi Driver. Yes these films are older than you but they are countless examples of why a bomber jacket looks good with light denim. Don’t listen to me, listen to the stars.
WALES BONNER ISAACS PANELLED BOMBER JACKET, US$1,206 / £795
BORAMY VIGUIER VICTORIAN BOMBER JACKET, US$315 / £265
THE PERFECT SILVER NECKLACE
Connell in Normal People, that’s all I have to say on the matter. If you need more, silver is a great material for summer, relatively easy to clean and can hold its own against the sun’s heat and your sweat. And again, Connell in Normal People.
LE GRAMME ENTRELACS LE 1 STERLING SILVER PENDANT NECKLACE, US$165 / £165
1018 ALYX 9SM CUBIX MINI METAL NECKLACE, US$460 / £390
THE STUNT-ON EM SOCKS
Luckily we’ve moved on from the era of ‘fun socks’ and into the era of ‘socks that look cool that we actually want to wear’. Not as catchy, I know but these socks do indeed slap. A pair of patterned or tie-dyed socks brings the right amount of zing to your outfit without being overbearing.
KAPITAL SMILEY LEOPARD-JACQUARD COTTON-BLEND SOCKS, US$65 / £50
ANONYMOUS ISM TIE-DYED COTTON-BLEND SOCKS, US$28 / £29
More on CULTED
See also: WANT TO ELEVATE YOUR GEAR NOW THAT GYMS ARE OPEN? SAY NO MORE
