Then and Now

Every good fashionista knows that a little black dress is a wardrobe staple, and it can’t hurt to have a fabulous little white dress hanging in your closet during the summer months. But there is one more “little dress” you should consider adding if you don’t have one already: denim.

Denim is such a popular fabric, especially this year, it only makes sense that a must-have item for warm weather 2012 is a denim dress. Of course, I am loving this trend because denim is one of my favorite fabrics. I practically live in jeans, so for me this is perfect. Sort of doing a little double time trending and having the best of both worlds, if you will. Style, comfort, and staying current with a trend? What more could a fashionista ask for?

Denim dresses are nothing new, but they have come a long way from the long-sleeved button-down coatdresses, overall style jumpers, and Little House on the Prairie numbers that were popular in the ’70s. You will find just about any dress style, including the kitschy ones I just mentioned, on store racks and magazine pages thanks to the retro salute we are still doing in the fashion world.

If you have never considered adding a denim dress to your wardrobe, this just might be the year to do it. In addition to the fact denim is trending, the fabric is so comfortable and easy to care for, just like your favorite jeans, you may find yourself reaching for a cute dress first. If you’re a fan of authentic retro pieces, by all means, scout out finds from your favorite haunt…but you will also find interesting versions from current designers and brands. If you definitely want to go contemporary, your choices will be endless. All of this season’s trends and the classics, like strapless and basic sheaths, are available in denim.

Denim dresses are darling for warm summer days and can go glamorous when the sun goes down. You basically have all of the options you would in other fabrications and can easily make your transformation from day to night through shoes, jewelry, and accessories.

You will also find that every denim jean wash is available in dress form, and they are everywhere, from the pages of high fashion magazines to the mall. You are always welcome to grab for big price tags, but you don’t need to spend a lot. I suggest if you do go with a big name, stick with a classic style and go with trendy with other sources.

Here’s a tip; I hate to even think about it now, but you can file it away in the back of your mind: a denim dress will transition easily into early fall and can possibly be worn all year long.