Personal Stylist

CLEO’s Fashion Stylist/Writer Cheryl Chan answers all your burning fashion questions.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

CLEO’s Fashion Stylist/Writer Cheryl Chan answers all your burning fashion questions.

Cheryl Chan, Fashion Stylist/Writer
Cheryl Chan, Fashion Stylist/Writer

Why is there so much weird denim out there – and how do I wear it? - Once considered the working man’s cloth, denim is no longer just for days off.

Y/Project denim jeans from Farfetch.com, $649 and Marques’Almeida denim jeans from Club 21, $729
Y/Project denim jeans from Farfetch.com, $649 and Marques’Almeida denim jeans from Club 21, $729
Topshop cotton shirt, $76.90 and Stradivarius cotton sweater with panelled sleeves, $59.90
Topshop cotton shirt, $76.90 and Stradivarius cotton sweater with panelled sleeves, $59.90
Embrace the weirdness

Just like how designers are taking the rulebook and throwing it out the window with their creations, you should do the same with your outfit. Take the classic jeans and shirt combo, for example, and take it up a notch by pairing your weird jeans with a deconstructed shirt or a panelled sweater to create a look that plays with texture, layers and shape (i.e. all the hallmarks of a great outfit).

Y/Project denim chaps from Farfetch.com, $691
Y/Project denim chaps from Farfetch.com, $691

Experiment with all the new styles and shapes out there 

Denim perfection used to mean these three cuts: Skinny, Boyfriend and Bootcut. But with so many choices out there, why not experiment? Wide-leg jeans reminiscent of the noughties are back, as well as cascading waterfall ruffles with raw hems. If you’re up for it, there are options with slits and cut-outs that can be worn with fishnet tights underneath for a light layering effect.    

House of Holland x Lee denim dress from Club 21, $320 and ZARA denim coat, $119 and Brand + Simone Rocha denim skirt from Theoutnet.com, $144
House of Holland x Lee denim dress from Club 21, $320 and ZARA denim coat, $119 and Brand + Simone Rocha denim skirt from Theoutnet.com, $144
Treat it like how you would any other material and wear it as per usual

When it comes to denim, it’s not just about the jeans. Britney and Justin (#neverforget) taught us that when they showed up on the red carpet in their best denim formal wear, matching purse and cowboy hat included. Try pieces you ordinarily wouldn’t, like a denim coat or dress. The fabric might invoke casual vibes, but with the right shape, the stiffness of the fabric will give your look a fashion edge over regular cotton.  

Images: Showbit.com / Text: Cheryl Chan.

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