Denim co-ords are my spring style saviour—these are the best ones to shop

One-and-done dressing at its best

denim co ord sets
(Image credit: Getty Images, @greceghanem)

Is it just me, or does it feel particularly tricky to get dressed at the moment? Don't get me wrong, this glorious sunny weather we're currently experiencing has certainly made me excited to swap out my jumpers and coats for my spring favourites—but the eternally unpredictable British meteorological situation makes putting together an outfit quite the challenge.

No matter what the apps say, it's almost guaranteed that if you opt for a summery dress and sandals, it will pour down with rain. Equally, going the 'sensible' route with a trench, jeans and knitted cardi will inevitably result in an uncharacteristic blaze of heat, that means you'll be stuck dragging your extra layers around all day. After many years of trial and (mostly) error, I've come to the conclusion that transitional season dressing is far from a walk in the park.

However, I've recently come across the ultimate sartorial solution that works whatever the weather: a denim co-ord.

sienna miller denim co-ord set

(Image credit: Getty Images)

india amarteifio wears a denim co-ord

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Of course, double denim has been around forever, and long been a favourite of the street style set and celebrities alike. In the past few months alone, everyone from Kelly Rutherford and Julianne Moore to India Amarteifio and Sienna Miller has stepped out in a so-called 'Canadian tuxedo', cementing its status as the ultimate cool-girl styling combo.

But a denim co-ord doesn't just look incredibly stylish, it's practical, too. Not only can it be layered up or down according to the weather—think a roll-neck or shirt when it's chilly, and a tee or even nothing underneath when it's warmer—but it also saves valuable dressing time in the morning. No fussing around with separates to try and find the perfect match: simply throw the co-ord on, and you're good to go.

Just as statement coats dominated the autumn/winter season, a denim co-ord is spring's answer to 'one-and-done' dressing that's as easy as it is impactful.

All you need to consider is how to accessorise—and given the innate versatility of denim, practically anything goes. I love styling my Sézane set with sparkly mesh ballet pumps from Dear Frances for work, and bringing a pair of statement heels and earrings along with me to change into by night. It goes equally well with trainers for a more casual look: I opt for silver adidas SL72s or red Puma Speedcats to add a pop of fun.

A denim set will pair perfectly with this season's many trending suede accessories, too.

clementina jackson wears a denim co ord set

(Image credit: Clementina Jackson)

Adding a denim co-ord set to my spring wardrobe has been such a game-changer that I have to physically stop myself from reaching for it every morning—so now, I'm on the hunt for my next investment.

Luckily, denim co-ords are everywhere right now, and in various tempting iterations. Zara has gone big on the style this season, dropping denim bustier tops and waistcoats with matching jeans in trending barrel-leg cuts. Meanwhile, Ganni has some great shorts sets that are perfect for the warmer weather, and Veronica Beard has done the same with denim mini-skirts.

denim co ord set street style

(Image credit: Getty Images)

julianne moore wears a denim co-ord set

(Image credit: Getty Images)

My advice? Choose a set that you know you'd wear separately, too—that way, you have the perfect excuse to splash out a little more (or treat yourself to multiple...). Trust me, as far as cost-per-wear goes, it's worth every penny.

The best denim co-ords to shop now

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Clementina Jackson
Fashion Editor

Clementina Jackson is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK. She writes, edits and commissions stories spanning catwalk trends, industry news, shopping must-haves, long-form fashion features, and interviews. She was previously Acting Site Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, and has also worked for a range of titles including Harper's Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Tatler, and Cosmopolitan.