Trend Tracking: Dressed Up Denim and Chambray

By Jen Smith
November 1, 2010

Celine, Derek Lam, Thakoon

Spring 2011 Celine (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images), Derek Lam (Photoby Biasion Studio/Contributor), Thakoon (Photo by JP Yim/WireImage)

Denim is no longer synonymous with jeans. Nor is it reserved for the weekend (and those coveted casual Fridays). Influential fashion designers like Derek Lam, Stella McCartney, Chloe, Dolce & Gabbana and Thakoon are showing denim fabrics in new, sophisticated forms. Sexy, tailored denim suits; spare, arty tops; blazers; high-waisted denim trousers and vests feel dressed up—imbued with a '70s, St. Tropez flair—but nevertheless pay homage to the fabric's workwear roots with their lived-in, faded fabrications.

On eBay, the denim fashion trend is in full force: When we compared a recent week (10/21-10/27) with a week-long period approximately one year ago, we found that eBay listings with the term "chambray" were up 85 percent and sales were up 90 percent.

Get in on the denim fashion trend with some of these ideas.

Chambray Shirt

J.Crew Selvedge Chambray Denim Shirt

(current bid, $26)

A military/chambray hybrid is spot-on for seasonless street cred.

Chambray Denim Blazer

Dallin Chase Oxford Chambray Giovanni Blazer

(starting bid, $124.19)

It’s easier to pull off a tricky trend like denim-on-denim when one piece is chambray.

Denim Cross-Body Bag

NEW Mulberry for Target Denim Handbag

(buy it now price, $49.99)

The cross-body shape feels dressed up with a quilted fabric and detailed hardware.

Denim Briefcase

John Galliano Dark Denim Purse

(buy it now price, $195)

You can get a lot of play from this serious bag in a not-so-serious fabric.

Denim Dress

Current/Elliot Denim Strapless Dress

(buy it now price, $99.99)

How adorable is this super feminine strapless dress made of purposely "mistreated" denim?

Chambray Denim Shirt

J. Crew Paulina Chambray Shirt Blouse Top

(buy it now price, $69.99)

Until the hospital scrub-style tops from the Celine's Spring 2011 collection hit the shops, try layering a smock top over a skinny turtleneck.

Denim Mini Dress

Isabel Marant Embroidered Denim Mini Dress

(buy it now price, $116.22)

The embroidery on this mini dress/tunic is reminiscent of '70s flower girl hand-stitching.

Denim Trench

Gap Denim Blue Jean Trench Coat

(starting bid price, $7.99)

Take a style tip from the Derek Lam Spring 2011 show and wear a Mediterranean blue trench over high waisted jean trousers to nail the 70s vibe.

White Denim Jacket

Comme Des Garcons White Denim Jacket

(buy it now price, $125)

Remember Bianca Jagger’s now-iconic wedding attire? A tailored white denim jacket is an innocent yet super-sexy option, though maybe not for your nuptials...

Denim Top

Lanvin for Acne Bow Tie Top

(starting auction price, $75)

Sexy secretary ties make this a shoe-in for the office.

Denim Chore Jacket

Vtg Sears Roebuck Indie Blue Denim Chore Jacket

(buy it now price, $12.97)

Another thing to borrow from the guys: Throw a vintage chore jacket over your short shorts or Bermudas.

Denim Ballet Flats

Repetto Denim Flats

(buy it now price, $198)

Double whammy: Classic ballets in a timeless, blue-jean baby blue.

Acid Washed Denim Skirt

Vintage Acid Wash Denim Skirt Vest

(buy it now price, $24)

Don’t be afraid of classic acid wash. It's perfect for layering—even with more denim.

Denim Vest

Vtg Rafaella Motorcycle Styled Denim Vest

(buy it now price, $10)

Thakoon sent unbuttoned vests revealing tiny bikini tops underneath styled with tight flared jeans down his catwalk. It instantly brought to mind the more-beautiful-than-words young Jane Birkin stirring things up with her wide blue eyes, killer tan, and tight tight denim in the 1969 love triangle thriller, La Piscine.