Every few years we see a significant shift in the shapes and cuts of denim; where the bootleg reigned supreme in the early noughties, 2010 saw the skinny jean take its place. Despite the cropped kick-flare taking centre stage in 2016, in recent seasons, there has been less of a prescribed rule of thumb, meaning more experimentation and – dare we say it – more fun.
For AW17 denim was polarised into light and dark, with rich indigos and inks playing off '80s and Americana-inspired light washes. Cropped, boxy jackets were seen everywhere from Off-White and APC to Stella McCartney and MSGM, while embroidery adorned the denim at Adam Selman, Libertine and Fyodor Golan.
Both Ashley Williams and Raf Simons, with his Calvin Klein collection, paid homage to the USA's lonely cowboy. Simons presented matching denim buttoned-up shirt jackets and bootleg jeans, complete with steel-toed tan boots, while Williams gave her contemporary cowgirls plaid shirts and high-waisted denim. All manner of denim skirts were spotted, too, from the A-line button-ups at Maison Kitsune to Loewe's cropped fishtails to Jour/Né's straight-up minis.
Autumn 2017's denim drop is varied, giving us contemporary cuts, frayed hems, off-kilter seams, and nods to the '70s and '90s. We're styling floor-skimming flared jeans with sandals and poplin shirts now but, come colder climes, we'll be teaming with sock boots and roll-neck knits. Our stepped-hem patchwork jeans look wonderful with a slogan tee during summer but when winter shows up, we'll be layering under midi dresses.
Click through to see the brands producing the most exciting denim pieces to help you transition seamlessly from summer to autumn.
Paulo Almeida and Marta Marques burst onto the scene back in 2011, bringing with them frayed hems and distressed denim. With an eye for experimental construction, they've always been inspired by '90s street style and attitude-first design.
This mid-rise pair is going to see us through autumn, thanks to its deep indigo denim and signature frayed hem. Wear with sandals and an oversized shirt now (remember, the brand's jeans look best skimming the floor), and with sock boots and a quilted jacket come autumn.
Marques'Almeida Frayed Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans, £310, available at Net-A-Porter
You can always trust Zara to reflect the season's freshest trends, bringing us more attainable takes on catwalk looks. The brand's latest drop features vintage-inspired pieces, from the boyish straight jean with utilitarian five pockets, to this distressed multi-wash number.
With frayed hems across the arm line, multi-tonal shades and distressed edging, we're styling this jacket over floral dresses now, and under shearling jackets and puffers come autumn.
Zara The Vintage Denim Jacket, £49.99, available at Zara
RE/DONE alter vintage Levi's denim, updating the shape and fit to offer fresh jeans with a nostalgic touch.
This pair is every inch Farrah Fawcett; what makes it contemporary is a twist only visible from the side – an inner-leg panel of lighter washed fabric. The nipped-in waist and wider hem make this pair perfect for proportion play. Team with poplin shirts for now and under midi floral dresses when the nights get longer.
RE/DONE Leandra Jeans, £265, available at Farfetch
Originally based in Hong Kong, this Chinese brand relocated to Paris soon after its 2004 inception. Inspired by boy/girl mashups and Parisian and London street style, its denim pieces are a dose of wardrobe-friendly ready-to-wear freshness.
What sets this split-hem midi skirt apart is the just-off-centre front seam and the stepped hemline, making it a 2017 spin on a classic shape. Wear with gingham now, and rainbow-bright knits when the weather takes a turn.
MO&Co. Split-Hem Denim Skirt, £110, available at Selfridges
Bringing to life the spirit of the much-referenced '60s style icon Jane Ormsby Gore, M.i.h's autumn/winter denim collection lives and breathes a bohemian and rebellious west London.
You'll find faded stonewash denim in button-down shirt dresses and flared jeans, but this jumpsuit is the star of the show. Its nipped-in waist and statement collar make it oh-so-'70s but roll up the sleeves, button down the top and layer over a roll-neck, and you've got yourself a 2017 refresh.
M.i.h Jeans Icon All In One Denim Overalls, £295, available at M.i.h Jeans
Topshop offers some of the best new shapes in denim, and the coming season is no different. Head of design, Mo Riach, tells us that it's all about "diversity in washes for the new collection. While we're still inspired by vintage and authentic washes, we're loving cleaner and smarter looks too".
We love the exposed stitching on this deep denim boxy jacket, which is cropped to the perfect length for high-waisted jeans – don't be afraid to double up your denim.
Topshop MOTO Cropped Denim Utility Jacket, £46, available at Topshop
AG's autumn offering sees pinafore and buttoned-up dresses in dark indigo, embroidered jeans and shirt jackets, and – our favourite – repurposed raw denim. Inspired by the '90s, the brand has used visible seams and stitching to update classic hero styles.
These vintage-fit, high-waisted jeans have a straight leg and come in a faded cotton blend. We'll be pairing ours with slogan tees and Birkenstocks in hot weather, and thick-knit roll-necks and Chelsea boots come winter.
AG Jeans The Phoebe, £265, available at Harrods
French Connection's new season collection is a denim delight, with dramatic wide legs, exposed stitching, kick-flared crops and patchwork miniskirts to choose from. There's a reworked '50s pin-up-inspired jean (we'd pair these with gingham), and a twill skirt with detailed pockets, if the '70s are your thing.
This high-rise straight-leg pair is a favourite from the collection. Made of super-soft denim, the inky blue makes them an instant classic. Don with loafers and a crisp white shirt for easy workwear, and turn up the hems for dramatic detailing.
French Connection High Rise Straight Leg Jeans, £75, available at French Connection
Ever since Mother's debut collection back in 2011, denim connoisseurs have been hooked. Recognised for its soft fabric, innovations in technology, and future-thinking shapes, celebrities and the style set alike have been seen in its denim.
Earn your racing stripes with this motocross-inspired pair, which we're currently sporting with Converse and band tees. Earning equal space in our wardrobes when autumn hits, we'll add a thick knit and point-toed boots.
Mother Whipping the Racer Jeans, £262, available at Farfetch
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