Fashion: Double denim… at any age

Cuts and colours come and go in the world of fashionable denim, but the golden rule is to find a flattering fit first, then consider the on-trend aspect. For the over-50s, a lighter wash can feel fresh and modern, especially if you’ve always worn darker denim; plus paler shades are youthful and gentle to all skin tones. An ankle-grazing cut is very now and works well with both flats and heels. To double up, pair with a lighter blouse. Shirt, £140, freepeople.com/uk. Jeans, £285, L’Agence, harrods.com. Bag, £103, No 21, Fenwick stores. Sandals, £102, Ancient Greek, diverseclothing.com

Goodbye excessive rips, hello patchwork! With sustainable now a fashion byword, it’s good to welcome back the repair job. Yes, these jeans come like this, but if you already have an ankle-grazing pair that have tired areas, why not cut up some old denim and do some DIY patching? Just add a favourite archive tee and trainers. Jeans, £58, BDG, urbanoutfitters.com. Jacket, £47, Levi’s, amazon.co.uk. T-shirt, £12, topshop.com. Trench, £310, gestuz.com. Sunglasses, £585, annakarinkarlsson.com. Trainers, £52, Converse, schuh.co.uk

There are so many cuts and silhouettes out there, this is one item that you really need to try on. Fact is, the older we get the less we love our waistlines, so a longer-line jacket that you can gently belt is a great solution. It’s smart-casual at its best. To double up, wear over a chambray shirt and pale-wash jeans. Jacket, £85, and jeans, £65, stories.com. Shirt, £35, marksandspencer.com. Sunglasses, £259, ferragamo.com

Tip: throw away the rule book when it comes to a traditional denim jacket because so many brands have updated this classic’s silhouette and wash to create fresh new looks. This design, with its inside-out feel and blouson shape, looks great layered over a jumpsuit in a similar shade as the lapels. A hit of colour in the form of accessories adds easygoing glamour. Jacket, £260, uk.sandro-paris.com. Jumpsuit, £140, freepeople.com/uk. Bag, £87, No 21, fenwick.co.uk. Sandals, £125, russellandbromley.co.uk

Indigo denim is having a moment right now and is a great option for those who feel more confident with a darker shade on their curvier areas. These boot-cut jeans look super-sophisticated with a pinstripe denim waistcoat and slick cream blazer – both grown-up and modern. It pays to take a few risks when finding your comfort zone – try pieces on before you dismiss them. Jeans, £80, boden.co.uk. Waistcoat, £240, masscob.com. Jacket, £295, reiss.com. Bag, £455, strathberry.com. Sandals, £225, aeyde.com

Indigo double denim looks great dressed up or down. These gently flared culottes would work as well with trainers as they do with heels. Here a collarless jacket adds extra polish, along with contrasting accessories in neutral shades. Culottes, £190, and jacket, £225, 7forallmankind.co.uk. Bag, £330, elleme.com. Mules, £59.99, zara.com

At a certain age an above-the-knee denim skirt tends to bow out of the wardrobe to be replaced with something a little more demure – such as this indigo full-skirted style. To double up, pair with a pale chambray shirt. Tying an indigo scarf around a hat will pull the look together. Skirt, £89, thewhitecompany.com. Shirt, £16, George at asda.com. Hat, £128, freepeople.com/uk. Scarf (on hat), £65, Ingmarson, wolfandbadger.com

A longer hemline is as fashionable for a younger woman as it is for older tastes. The difference? A sleeker cut, paler palette and split detailing. Here a darker-wash fitted jacket with a gently puffed shoulder detail adds a contemporary edge Skirt, £25.99, zara.com. Jacket, £99, mintvelvet.co.uk. T-shirt (just seen), £35, reiss.com. Sunglasses, £90, bonnieclyde.la