When it comes to wardrobe basics, very few fabrics are as hardworking as denim. No matter the season, our favourite pair of jeans, denim skirt or jacket will stay on high rotation, offering utility, comfort, and timeless appeal.

Like most things in life, denim only gets better with time. The feeling of putting on well-loved jeans that have been moulded to your shape over years of wear is hard to beat. Denim can also be transformative. With endless subtle variations available, finding just the right fit, stretch, shade and cut can feel like some Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants magic. Get it right, and you’ll carry yourself differently, with more confidence (and swag). 

Aotearoa loves casual dressing and that’s probably why our local designers do it so well, with retro-inspired staples as well as updated takes on denim. As you’ll see in these local options, there really is something for everyone.

Levi’s jeans, $179, and blouse, $150

As a short girl I’ve always shied away from flares and bell bottoms, worried the proportions would swamp me but I think these Levi’s ribcage bell jeans work really well on my frame. The tall rise does double duty in terms of leg lengthening and waist defining, I feel very supported but not squeezed in. I’ve leaned into the classic country Americana feel of the light wash here, channelling my inner Jessica Simpson and pairing with a western style cotton shirt and my platform mules but when I was playing around with styling I also tried out a layering under denim jacket,an  oversized blazer and even tucked in all american classic grey heather sweater - each worked just as well. - Tyson Beckett

Kowtow jacket, $349

I love Kowtow’s oversized jackets, and wear/steal my husband’s green ‘worker’ jacket a lot. This, in a divine dark wash with a contrast stitch, is an updated version of that, and I’d wear a ton too. I’ve thrown it over a vintage Kate Sylvester dress, and teamed it with an adorable teeny denim bag - though with the jacket's oversized pockets, I wouldn’t really need it. - Zoe Walker Ahwa

Wynn Hamlyn skirt, $395

I always thought I was too short to wear a long denim skirt, but I absolutely love this. It made me feel tall? Perhaps that’s because it was a rare day when I was wearing ‘heels’ (I know for most people these Isabel Marant shoes – which my husband got in London in another lifetime, pre-pandemic – wouldn’t be considered heels, but they are practically towering stilettos in my world). I’m also wearing the Cowboy Carter t-shirt that I bought last month – if that’s not crying out to be worn with Levi’s jeans, or a Wynn Hamlyn skirt, I don’t know what is. - Rebecca Wadey

Karen Walker x Outland Denim jumpsuit, $505 

How have I never worn a jumpsuit before? It’s so satisfying to pull up a zip and be instantly dressed. Being in full denim feels utilitarian and cute, and makes you pull peace signs constantly. I want to say I would wear this outfit to a music festival but a) I stopped going to festivals after I turned 25, and b) What happens if you need to pee in the wild? Not the place to be naked and vulnerable! I would realistically wear this out to brunch on the weekend (can’t remember the last time I did that either) or some place that involves minimal walking in clogs. - Lara Daly

R.M.Williams dress, $290 

As someone whose style is very much on the twee/girlie end of the spectrum, I rarely wear denim. I never do jeans: I’m also short with a full bum and thighs and small waist, so have always struggled to find a pair that fits (and, to be honest, have stopped putting myself through the trauma of jeans shopping). But I do love the hardworking, utilitarian textile and bring it into my wardrobe through vintage-esque denim skirts or shirt dresses, like this. I also adore French brand A.P.C, including its extremely minimal and basic denim (this blue denim, blue Oxford, black bag outfit is one of my dream looks, which would probably surprise people who know me for wearing colour and print), and this dress is giving me A.P.C workwear vibes. - ZWA

Karen Walker x Outland Denim sunhat, $95, and Levi’s jacket, $190

I’m a messy, low-maintenance girlie who barely washes her clothes, or her hair. So a denim hat forms a perfect accessory for me on those days when I just can’t be bothered. 

I love the practicality and hard wearing nature of denim – I’m not good with delicate fabrics, washing, ironing and generally looking after things so denim suits me to a tee. I spent many, many adult years thinking I couldn’t wear jeans, until I met an incredible sales assistant at Barneys NY, in San Francisco, who got me into a pair of Levi’s and literally changed my life. These days ongoing endometriosis means I struggle with anything without a stretchy waistband, so this shirt represents an easy way to get my denim fix. - Rebecca Wadey

One Teaspoon Billie jeans, $239

Jeans are one thing I cannot stop buying. I already own a baggy pair, but I couldn’t go past the snazzy star embellishment – pretty sure I had a pair exactly like this when I was 7 that I would rollerblade in. For this look, I was going for ‘lady’ on the top (in my new Twenty-seven Names cardi) and ‘street urchin’ on the bottom, a tried and true combo. - LD

SHOP MORE COOL DENIM:

Ruby jacket, $269

Marle jacket, $320

Taylor jacket, $347

Max skirt, $140

Gregory shirt, $389

Ruby skirt, $249

Bug Denim mini skirt, $259

Sylvester dress, $399

Twenty-seven Names flared jeans, $450

Vintage Planet Hollywood denim jacket, $170, from Good Ol' Vintage

A.P.C. vintage denim mini skirt, $130, from Tatty's

Junya Watanabe vintage denim shorts, $285, from Hunters and Collectors