Summer denim: This season's must-have pieces you can count on whatever the weather

No need to pack away your jeans, here's how to make the age-old fabric work for summer without breaking a sweat, writes Emma Akbareian

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If ever there was a faithful friend in the wardrobe it's denim. Whilst trends change on a monthly basis, a trusted pair of jeans will be your companion come rain or shine. Although, sporting a skin-tight pair of skinnies in record breaking heat certainly isn't advisable, there is however still a way to wear the perennial favourite, in a more weather appropriate fashion.

If the words summer denim conjure images of a bum baring Daisy Duke, it's worth considering more modern references. For Spring/Summer 2016 designers got creative utilising the fabric in all manner of warm weather garbs that won't let it all hang out.

At Alexander McQueen and Dolce & Gabbana decoration was the order of the day with denim jackets and jeans encrusted with jewels and embroidery. At Chloe, it came with a boho vibe in off-the-shoulder maxi dresses, Marc Jacobs and Alexander Wang continued the trend with floor sweeping skirts.

Mih dress £245 mih-jeans

Thanks to the ever-present influence of the seventies, kitting out your wardrobe in denim has never been easier. Those wishing to channel their inner hippy and invoke the heady days of the decade should invest in off-the-shoulder pieces which make ideal festival wear – just add a floral crown.

For Autumn/Winter the button-up denim dress was the sell-out style of the season, the hot weather version is a dungaree dress that can be worn with nothing underneath, depending on how daring you're feeling and for the smart shopper it's a piece that will stick around next season too with the help of some clever layering.

Culottes work well in this fabric, however be sure to invest in a wider cut pair which will help beat the heat. A pair of heels will make any denim look evening-ready as seen at Roberto Cavalli – think disco-worthy denim inspiration.

As you can never quite trust the Great British summertime, the all-time favourite denim jacket is always useful to have on hand, look for lighter shades of blue and styles adorned with embroidery for a contemporary take on the look.

For those wanting to kit themselves out completely, there's even a denim bikini to consider, courtesy of swimwear designer Lisa Marie Fernandez, probably not the most practical of holiday buys but nevertheless ideal for poolside posing.