A Fresh Revival for Denim

Lighter in colour and looser in cut, denim takes its cues from styles of the 70s this fall. Along with this hippie-chic sensibility come higher rises and wider legs. “The pendulum has swung away from deep indigos towards more wearable, lived-in pieces," confirms Todd Evanger, creative director for Dutil Denim in Gastown, Vancouver.

While this look can be seen as a more formal approach to denim, new styles are still completely wearable. Trouser jeans can be paired with a t-shirt for school and can carry you through a job interview as well as weekend wear. Even by trying jeans in a lighter wash or a higher rise, you will be catering to the trend. With so many variations the 70s revival is surprisingly fresh and effortlessly chic.

Sure this look is quite a contrast to the dark-wash skinny jeans that we have become so accustomed to, but the trend is not completely new. Versatile and figure friendly, trouser jeans have skyrocketed in popularity over the past few seasons. “Vancouver has embraced trouser and wide leg patterns for casual environments like school or the office," says Evanger.

This shift in popularity brings many interesting new brands of denim. This season we are seeing a surge of interest in Swedish denim, notably with brands such as Acne and Nudie jeans. Also, selvedge denim, which is the highest quality and generally made in Japan, remains to be popular in both men's and women's styles. A new Canadian brand on the rise is Naked and Famous, who offer selvedge denim at an affordable price. About the label, Brandon from Naked and Famous comments: "Raw jeans are the true underground cool and give the end consumer the freedom to break them in naturally and personalized."

From the runways of Chanel to a retailer near you, 70s-inspired denim is hot. Although most teens won't be decked out in top designer wear, the runways provide tons of fashion inspiration, so when you go shopping at more affordable retailers, you'll know just what to look for.