Fashion: True blue

Photos / Babiche Martens

Tailored separates elevate denim to the next level.

Denim's workwear roots have made an impact this season as designers explore the endless possibilities of a reliable wardrobe staple. No sign of whiskers or distressed effects here, the focus is on clean-cut denim from pure indigo to raw. Like selvedge denim, raw denim is experiencing a surge in popularity for both men and women.

This season's selection of separates highlights a more tailored approach to denim from sharp A-line skirts to boxy tops. Chambray is also a perfect trans-seasonal fabric that has a timeless quality, and there's no denying the versatility of a chambray shirt when worn with a cleancut pair of jeans or perhaps an embellished skirt for a nod to high/low dressing.

Yes, that 70s story is still around and will no doubt continue for the next couple of seasons, from Karen Walker's flattering flares (#5) to the myriad A-line skirts and dresses on offer. That retro denim memo is also being reinforced by the latest denim collaboration between L.A-based denim brand AG jeans and "It" girl, Alexa Chung. From signature Chung pieces such as overalls to denim A-line dresses and cut-off denim shorts, the collection highlights fashion's current obsession with updating vintage silhouettes.

1: Rolla's jeans, $150. Stolen Girlfriends Club knit top, $179. Vanishing Elephant loafers, $300. Citta beaded necklace, $19.90. Karen Walker superfine nine-carat gold rings $269-$319 each.

2: Stolen Girlfriends Club dress, $279. Stella McCartney platform brogues, $995, from Runway. Hills Hats panama hat, $250.

3: Twenty-seven Names denim T-shirt, $250. Res denim skirt, $140. Stolen Girlfriends Club leather jacket, $999. The Mode Collective heels, $365, from Smith & Caugheys.

4: Maurie & Eve skirt, $169. Trelise Cooper boardroom skivvy, $129. Chie Mihara mules, $490, from Runway.

5: Karen Walker jacket, $520 and flared jeans, $405. The Mode Collective heels, $365, from Smith & Caugheys. Mimco clutch, $399. Hoop earrings, $22.50, from The Third Eye.

6: Levi's denim shirt, $99.90. Silence Was skirt, $198. Karen Walker belt, $55. Luichiny heels, $159.90, from Wild Pair.

Stockists

• Citta
• Hills Hats
• Karen Walker
• Levi's
• Maurie & Eve
• Mimco
• Res
• Rolla's
• Runway (09) 522 0808
• Silence Was
• Smith & Caugheys
• Stolen Girlfriends Club
• The Third Eye (09) 379 8739
• Trelise Cooper
• Twenty-seven Names
• Vanishing Elephant
• Wild Pair (09) 846 4979