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Fashion: Bored of blue jeans? Five fresh denim trends to try now

A style mainstay since the 70s, denim no longer has to mean dressing down – there's plenty of high-end inspiration on this season's catwalks, says Katie Wright

Sosandar Indigo Zip Front Belted Denim Dress, £69
Sosandar Indigo Zip Front Belted Denim Dress, £69 Sosandar Indigo Zip Front Belted Denim Dress, £69

THERE was a time in the not too distant past when you would seldom see denim on a catwalk.

The runway shows were supposed to be aspirational, so they said, a showcase for the most glamorous gowns and the swankiest suits; this was no place for a pair of jeans.

Now? That couldn't be further from the truth. As the line between high fashion and streetwear continues to blur, denim has become a catwalk mainstay; in fact, at the SS19 shows, designers were particularly denim obsessed, with Balmain's Olivier Rousteing creating a variety of distressed and deconstructed jackets and skirts, while Dior and Celine both showed tie-dye baggy jeans.

What's great about this season's denim is that it's about more than just jeans, and now the high street is offering catwalk-inspired pieces that will liven up your wardrobe.

Take your pick from spring's denim delights with these five key looks...

DENIM DRESSES

While baggy jeans might be making a come back, when it comes to dresses, we're seeing a trend towards feminine and fitted styles. Whether belted, button-down or zip-up, these frocks are fabulous for showing off your curves, and can be layered over a rollneck or T-shirt on cooler days.

Sosandar Indigo Zip Front Belted Denim Dress, £69
Sosandar Indigo Zip Front Belted Denim Dress, £69 Sosandar Indigo Zip Front Belted Denim Dress, £69
Dorothy Perkins Blue Button Front Square Neck Shift Dress, £35; Nude Tort Buckle Belt, £5.25 (was £7); Tan 'Shimmer' Block Heel Sandals, £18.75 (were £25), all Dorothy Perkins
Dorothy Perkins Blue Button Front Square Neck Shift Dress, £35; Nude Tort Buckle Belt, £5.25 (was £7); Tan 'Shimmer' Block Heel Sandals, £18.75 (were £25), all Dorothy Perkins Dorothy Perkins Blue Button Front Square Neck Shift Dress, £35; Nude Tort Buckle Belt, £5.25 (was £7); Tan 'Shimmer' Block Heel Sandals, £18.75 (were £25), all Dorothy Perkins
Lipsy Button Through Denim Bodycon Dress, £48, Next
Lipsy Button Through Denim Bodycon Dress, £48, Next Lipsy Button Through Denim Bodycon Dress, £48, Next

PAPERBAG SHORTS

If you've been wearing the same low-slung cut-off jean shorts for as many summers as you can remember, it's time for a change. Switch your Daisy Dukes for a pair of 80s-style paperbag shorts – you'll thank us if you do. The high waist is really flattering and the acid-wash finish is catwalk approved.

Topshop Acid Wash Paperbag Denim Shorts, £32
Topshop Acid Wash Paperbag Denim Shorts, £32 Topshop Acid Wash Paperbag Denim Shorts, £32
New Look Black Acid Wash Paperbag Denim Shorts, £19.99
New Look Black Acid Wash Paperbag Denim Shorts, £19.99 New Look Black Acid Wash Paperbag Denim Shorts, £19.99

COLOURED DENIM JACKETS

Embrace the citrus brights trend with a colourful denim jacket. From lemon yellow to tangerine and rust, these warm hues are perfect for pairing with coordinating shorts or a contrasting slip dress.

Monsoon Adrianna Yellow Denim Jacket, £49
Monsoon Adrianna Yellow Denim Jacket, £49 Monsoon Adrianna Yellow Denim Jacket, £49
JD Williams Terracotta Western Style Denim Jacket, £34
JD Williams Terracotta Western Style Denim Jacket, £34 JD Williams Terracotta Western Style Denim Jacket, £34
Bonmarche Yellow Denim Jacket, £30
Bonmarche Yellow Denim Jacket, £30 Bonmarche Yellow Denim Jacket, £30

DENIM JUMPSUITS

This season's take on dungarees, denim jumpsuits are a step up from the classic all-in-one. Whether cropped or full-length, a jumpsuit is your short-cut to cool and casual spring style – just add a T-shirt, trainers and a leather saddle bag.

Miss Selfridge Light Blue Denim Button Romper, £49; Khaki Short Sleeve Clean Ribbed T-Shirt, £12, all Miss Selfridge
Miss Selfridge Light Blue Denim Button Romper, £49; Khaki Short Sleeve Clean Ribbed T-Shirt, £12, all Miss Selfridge Miss Selfridge Light Blue Denim Button Romper, £49; Khaki Short Sleeve Clean Ribbed T-Shirt, £12, all Miss Selfridge
Very Denim Tencil Jumpsuit, £45
Very Denim Tencil Jumpsuit, £45 Very Denim Tencil Jumpsuit, £45

DENIM BAGS

As for accessories, they've had the indigo treatment too, with everything from casual cross-body styles to chic little evening bags on offer.

Dune Deloupe Denim Frayed Trim Bag, £73
Dune Deloupe Denim Frayed Trim Bag, £73 Dune Deloupe Denim Frayed Trim Bag, £73
Tu at Sainsbury's Navy Denim Saddle Bag, £14
Tu at Sainsbury's Navy Denim Saddle Bag, £14 Tu at Sainsbury's Navy Denim Saddle Bag, £14