I don’t need (or want) to sport every fashion trend every season. But I have a trendy fashion persona and I do like to sport the trends that tickle my fancy, especially if they’re a little more daring and controversial. Wearing the same wash of denim both on top and on the bottom is an example of one of these trends. I was excited to give it a bash – my way.

When I first started seeing this trend pop up on Spring Fashion Week catwalks last September, I didn’t like it at all. But after seeing more and more creative ensemble combinations interpreting the trend, my eyes started to adjust. I began to appreciate how these outfits can work when the right amount of textural interest is added back into the look.

For this particular outfit I first added in a white camisole to break up the expanse of denim. I then added knee-high boots and a black boyfriend blazer to break it up even further. By covering large portions of the denim and making the shirt function more like a layering piece, I feel that I can successfully sport the trend. I’m also happy swapping out the boots for shoes, thereby exposing more of the jeans. But I wouldn’t be happy omitting my blazer and wearing the outfit with shoes alone. That would be too much of the same denim in one outfit even for my liking.

I am not wearing any accessories here other than my usual watch, wedding ring, handbag and specs. I have started to enjoy wearing fewer accessories per outfit, just because it pushes my fashion envelope.

Revealing more skin with this trend is another good way to go as it reduces the amount of denim coverage on the body. Swapping out the jeans for a denim skirt and the jacket for a cardigan are great also substitutes. Throwing in a scarf will work too.

You either like the advanced denim on denim trend, or you don’t. I warmed up to the look fairly quickly and enjoyed the challenge of making it work for me.

Wearing denim on denim is no longer a fashion faux pas. In fact, it’s one of the hottest trends this season. For hardcore trendy fashionistas that means wearing a blue denim shirt with jeans in a similar wash.

I totally get that wearing the same denim wash both on top and on bottom is hard to swallow. So for starters, try a different denim wash or colour for on the bottom. The obvious choice is to mix in black denim jeans (or skirt) with the denim shirt. I wore this Levis combination to death in the 90’s so I think I’ve had my fill of that look. In Spring and Summer though, white becomes my black, so the obvious pairing for my style was white jeans. White looks pretty with some of the lighter denim shirt washes and picks up the sparkle of pearlized snaps well.

I finished off the ensemble with turquoise and yellow accessories because I fancy fresh colours with white as temperatures begin to rise (you might recognize the turquoise belt from last Spring).

You can substitute white bootcut pants or jeans, clamdiggers, walk shorts or a skirt. Adding coral or fuschia into the mix would be right on trend too. I also like the idea of a  matching a denim shirt and white jeans with a weathered brown belt, cognac shoes and wooden accessories for a more earthy vibe.

Alternatively, you can swap out the white completely and opt for dark blue washes, red or or grey jeans (or a skirt in one of these colours). Forum members Laura, Tam and Julie have been experimenting with their own denim on denim looks and look fab. Be sure to take a look at their outfits too.

In these pictures I am wearing my denim shirt from the Gap and a new extra-long glass beaded necklace from Nordstrom.

Clarks is doing great things this season. Comfortable and good looking sandal styles like the Raasas, Country Meadow and Smooch are great buys, and now there’s also a sweet little peep-toed number called the “Diamond Heart”. Its oversized button and chunky stacked heel are deliciously retro in flavour. The top stitching adds a nice casual element to the look. The broad ankle strap is not for everyone, but if that’s not an issue, it’s soft and buttery like most leather uppers on Clarks footwear.

It is available in US sizes 5 to 12 across three colours that I find equally appealing. The black is urban and strong, the metallic is pretty and versatile, the beige is unique and probably the most retro looking of them all. Which colour do you like best?

I’m cutting right to the chase by suggesting a list of 20 seasonal “must haves” before we’ve discussed all trends in detail. That will give you more time to adjust to the looks you’re not sure about yet. Who knows, items that are a “no way” today might tickle your fancy later.

The list cuts across all body types, age groups and budgets. It’s a question of finding the right style at the right price, AND wearing it in an age appropriate and flattering way that works for you. So unless you’re vehemently opposed to the aesthetic, try to keep an open mind and give these trends a bash. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

1. White bottoms: I say this every hot weather season! White jeans, pants, skirts, walk shorts, clamdiggers or dresses freshen up a warm weather look in the best possible way. It’s worth investing in great basic white bottoms because you’ll wear them every Spring and Summer.
2. Polka dots: Large, small, evenly sized or variegated, polka dots are one of the hottest prints right now. Think spots on soft blouses, dresses, skirts, lightweight scarves or cotton cardigans. Although they are particularly trendy this season, for me polka dots are always in fashion.
3. Denim shirt: A bit of 90’s fun never hurt anyone. Denim shirts are versatile and edgy. Think preppy chambray instead of denim if that’s more your style.
4. Tunic shirts: Another versatile item that can be worn either tailored or roomy. White is my top suggestion but colours and black work well too. Black works especially well when matched with white bottoms.
5. Floral printed dresses: In true 90’s fashion, small scale ditsy florals are all the rage. But any type of floral dress is fab. I’m still all over abstract floral designs, so that’s what I’ll be wearing when I give geometric prints a rest.
6. Flouncy skirts: Short A-line skirts are becoming more popular, so think flirty, flippy and fun breezy floral or polka dot skirts for hot days. But pencil skirts are always on trend, so don’t think that you’ll have to give up those anytime soon.
7. Leggings: My goodness. There is no stopping the trend. Solid black with zipper or stirrup details are still personal favourites, but grey, denim and patterned leggings can be just as sweet.
8. Walk shorts: You can’t go wrong with this classic item in denim, white or coloured twill.
9. Clamdiggers: I’ve had my clams for four years and continue to wear them like a basic. There seem to be loads of premium denim clamdiggers available, but few at lower price points. So purchase cheaper capris and shorten them to a flattering length.
10. Jailbird stripes: Nautical themes are big every year because stripes are classic. Great to wear with white bottoms and under a denim shirt.
11. Something lilac or/and coral: As a tribute to the ice-cream tones of the 90’s, an item or accessory in a light or deep lilac or coral is nostalgic.
12. A utilitarian piece: Military and safari inspired items are everywhere. Cargo pocket pants are hard to wear but military jackets, tops and shirt dresses are not. Think beyond beige and olive if they don’t work with your skin tone and purchase black, navy and light brown in these styles instead. Colours will also work.
13. Boyfriend blazer: A completely mainstream style that looks like it’s here to stay.
14. Lacy camisole: Interpreting the “boudoir trend” is alluring. Try a bit of lace under a denim shirt and treat yourself to a lacy bra.
15. Low heels: Kitten heels and low wedges are trending. Stock up if you like the heel height.
16. Flesh toned shoes: Skin toned shoes are popular and very flattering. A must in every wardrobe for their versatility and leg lengthening effects.
17. Caged shoes: Heeled or flat, it’s all about a strappy shoe that looks like a cage around the foot. Think of styles like the Sofft Vanessa and the Clarks Smooch for comfortable options.
18. Colourful beads: Turquoise glass or plastic beads get my top vote but all colours are fab including white beads.
19. Blue-hued handbag: Since handbags are my favourite accessory and turquoise is a hot colour this season, no one needs to convince me that I need a turquoise handbag. But if turquoise is not your colour, think cobalt, ink, and teal. And it’s fab to wear a blue handbag with blue jeans.
20. Weathered brown belt: I’m seeing this style of belt in many collections. From the runway shows at Fashion Week right down to the catalogue models of Banana Republic and H&M. Nice worn with both casual and dressy outfits.

The more daring might add the following to their must have list:  asymmetrical pieces (top, dress or skirt), strong or bold shouldered jackets (that’s with extended shoulder pads), ruched sleeve tops and blouses, tapered ankle length pants, chunky bangled arm candy, harem pants, slouchy high-waisted pleated pants, a sequined day item, camouflage, short-shorts, colour-blocked dresses, denim shoes, denim handbags and heeled clogs.

In some instances, items will double duty for Spring and Autumn. In other instances, items are classics and you’ll use them season after season. So how does the list look, ladies? What’s on your Spring and Summer shopping list?