Trend - Denim Shirts, Fall/Winter 2010-2011

If the first street style photos coming out of the New York fashion weeks are to be believed, the denim shirt (the star of last spring) is not yet ready to give up its place to another must-have. The fashionistas, apparently still in love with Chloé, cannot get enough of their denim shirts, matching it with the rest of their wardrobe.

By bringing back her famous denim shirts (which had already brought sunny days to her precedent spring/summer collection) into her fall/winter 2010-2011 show, Hannah MacGibbon has given her tacit agreement to the fashion world to keep their cowboy shirts on. Suddenly, looks mixing denim shirts and Levi's jeans are once again at the top of the "it" list ensembles of the moment.

We note however, that contrary to the cool look they illustrated last summer (worn slightly open over a loose tank), this September, the shirts (very likely influenced by the strict Miu Miu blouse dress code) will be buttoned up to the top.

The total denim look (casual-ized with a pair of moccasins, a thin belt and a retro-bourgeois bag) may continue to work, but it would be better to use the denim shirt to lighten the drama of the classical pieces of the season.

A trapeze mini skirt in navy blue wool will become more casual, whereas the sex-appeal of the 3/4 slims will be slightly tempered. Those who would like to try the mid-length full skirts without risking loosing coolness, can pair it with a soft denim shirt.

In the end, the denim shirt seems to be to the looks of the season what the loose t-shirt was before it - all terrain, indispensable, and unavoidable. In fact, where soft jerseys used to render casual and trendy any ensemble, it is now denim's turn, duly buttoned up to the collar, to become an up-to-date basic. Raw or pre-washed, preferably worn a bit loose, they add the necessary "roots" touch to a season that, if we believe the images coming down from the catwalks, will be sorely needing it.

This being said, if the denim shirt is to be consumed without too much moderation, treating it too seriously should to be avoided; i.e., cowboy boots, suede vests and Stetsons are to be shunned in favor of pumps, lady-like bracelets, velvet blazers and wide-brimmed felt hats.