Watch out for denim in spring/summer 2017 womenswear wardrobes

As a veritable icon of both menswear and womenswear wardrobes, denim is a timeless fashion staple. Although it never truly went away, the fabric is set to return in force this season, coming to all womenswear essentials, from coats and jackets to skirts, shorts and even shoes. After showcasing on the catwalk, the trend has taken root in stores via a host of ready-to-wear brands and labels.

Although denim was rarely the central focus of the spring/summer collections shown by couture and ready-to-wear fashion houses in September and October 2016, it was almost always featured on one or two silhouettes. Whether with a jacket, a skirt, a long coat or a bag -- not to mentions jeans -- denim once again has a key place in womenswear wardrobes this season. Plus, the most recent round of catwalk shows suggest that the trend could continue into winter.

Versatile styles
Denim is back for spring/summer 2017, fitting in with all of the season's key styles. While sometimes seen in laidback streetwear looks, denim also channeled more rock ‘n' roll, even grungy vibes -- with plenty of rips -- as well as retro styles with patchworks. Denim was even matched with more chic, sophisticated and highly feminine pieces.

On the catwalk, Aalto used denim in oversized looks, Y/Project showed off a garter-belt-style creation and Roberto Cavalli focused on seventies inspirations. Kenzo brought denim to laid-back yet chic silhouettes in a very feminine style.

Certain fashion houses, like Lutz Huelle, totally reinterpreted and deconstructed denim, with asymmetrical cuts and colorful fabric panels, and transforming a simple jean jacket into a long coat with various different fabrics.

From catwalk to highstreet
More affordable ready-to-wear labels and brands have also jumped on the denim trend for spring/summer 2017. The TommyxGigi capsule -- a collaboration between Tommy Hilfiger and Gigi Hadid --- features various denim pieces, including jeans and handbags with added patches, a shirt, a cap and a long casual yet feminine trench coat.

The Liu Jo label also has a large selection of pieces, finished in light, raw denim, sometimes ripped or embellished with fringed edges or colorful motifs (dresses, classic or short jackets, jeans, shirts). Morgan has a capsule collection, created with Caroline Receveur, featuring jeans and denim shorts with ripped effects, and LTB Jeans revisits the jumpsuit in several styles and colors.

H&M has launched a unisex label called "H&M Denim United," made from environmentally conscious materials (organic cotton, recycled cotton or lyocell). The 1990s-inspired collection notably features dungarees, workwear-style jackets, plus shorts and jeans in different washes. The collection is available via the H&M website.

Guess -- a label historically associated with denim -- is celebrating its 35th anniversary with the "Guess Originals - 1981 Anniversary Capsule" collection. The capsule pays homage to the brand's denim roots with 1990s-inspired designs including long, short and oversized jackets, jeans, shorts, skirts, tunics and jumpsuits.