There is no easier way to dress down an outfit than with a denim shirt. Wear with a leather mini skirt and boots for a day-to-night look, or keep the look pared back and team with a white T-shirt and black skinnies. Denim shirt, £210, AG Jeans

Current fashion trends dictate that the skinny jean is out, but ask any denim brand and they'll tell you that it's a style that's still selling fast. The most timeless will always be an indigo blue version, cropped at the ankle. Mid-rise skinny jeans, £130, APC at Matches Fashion

Add a tomboyish touch to pretty white blouses, fine knitwear and off-the-shoulder tops with a pair of boyfriend jeans. Dress them up with a pair of heels or choose amplified insouciance and wear with Converse and a leather jacket. High-rise boyfriend jeans, £250, Paige

An oversized Levi's denim jacket will serve you well for years to come, whether styled over feminine summer dresses or worn with straight-leg black trousers and a classic white T-shirt and pumps. We also like to pair ours with a pencil skirt and fine knit for a dressed-down office look. Classic denim jacket, £200, Levi's Made & Crafted

We are not talking low-rise flares made famous by Britney Spears in the early Noughties. Look to Jane Birkin as your flare muse; MiH's high-waisted faded flares work well with off-the-shoulder tops and fine knitwear, or for more inspiration consult our flares style guide. Marrakesh flares, £215, MiH

Think a 70s Linda McCartney wearing a denim shirt dress with a pair of espadrilles and a straw bag, or Alexa Chung, who styles hers with opaque tights and black ankle boots. A denim shirt dress is a versatile piece that works hard during summer and winter. A-line denim dress, £910, Miu Miu at Matches Fashion

Regardless of how many pretty summer dresses you pack in your suitcase, you'll always come back to a pair of perfect denim cut-offs. They work well with white simple T-shirts, summer shirts and silk slip vests. Paige and Gap offer styles that aren't too short for everyone who wants to wear theirs beyond the beach. Denim cut-offs, £189, Paige

A reliable pair of straight-leg blue jeans will remain a wardrobe mainstay for years to come. We prefer ours cropped at the ankle and either with loafers or boxfresh trainers. Straight-leg blue jeans, £160, Won Hundred

Flattering, timeless and versatile, the A-line mini skirt can be worn with polo necks, tights and ankle boots come winter and with trainers, pumps or espadrilles during the warmer months. Stretch-denim mini skirt, £300, Stella McCartney at Net A Porter

Channel the 90s and invest in a pair of high-waisted, tapered jeans - not straight-leg or skinny, but rather slim fit. They cinch in the waist to give an hour glass silhouette, but still have a relaxed appeal. Style with boots and tucked-in jumpers in winter, then with high-top sneakers and pretty blouses come spring. Reverse fit tapered jeans, £54.95, Gap