a ramble on denim shirts

So, as pretty much everyone is aware, after a long period of being forgotten in  the 90's, the denim shirt made a pretty fierce comeback a while ago: so much so that I think that around 90% of the world's population (probably) has one hanging/folded in their wardrobe (I have 2). And why not? I mean, it goes with pretty much everything, when worn in they are extremely comfortable and now, it is considered somewhat fashionable.

I definitely counted myself as a denim shirt lover, despite a slight aversion to jeans. In my second year at University, I think my uniform of black opaques, black body-con dress and over-sized denim shirt became - for want of a better word - slightly infamous. I became somewhat obsessed with snubbing brands like Topshop (who were selling denim shirts for around £30; I dread to think how much designers sold them for), by finding denim shirts in charity shops: I bought both of mine for £3: a Levi's and a Wrangler which would have cost at least 10X the price when new.

But lately, I don't know... I guess I haven't felt the love. I feel like the denim shirt has been so overdone that I pass over any look styled with a denim shirt. It's almost too accessible. Too generic. Before long I had  retired mine to the the back of the wardrobe without even realising.

But then... the above picture... quite simple styling but wow, an outfit styled with a denim shirt was my favourite out of an editorial! This never happens anymore, especially as some parts of the look are simple, and in my mind, quite commonly paired with a denim shirt (the black trousers, brown belt...). I tend to prefer a bit of the unexpected in an editorial.
There is just something, however, that feels remarkably fresh... I think it makes a big difference that the shirt isn't the focal point... The outfit doesn't say 'wearing a denim shirt = fashionable'. I guess it just has the kind of understated cool that I am constantly trying to achieve!

It also helps that the trousers are fringed and I have serious hair envy for the model! But seriously... denim shirts? Am I about to dig mine out again? I don't know. There also seems to be a slight return of denim on the catwalk for S/S 12, but nothing has really grabbed me. Maybe if I owned that Poncho/Blanket.

Shot taken from French Grazia and (as ever) scanned by me. I picked up loads of French magazines on my trip so expect more from them! Also, thanks to those who wished me well: I had a great time! And also thanks for all the sweet comments on my previous posts, you're all so nice!