As Rixo launch their sustainable denim collection, this is why a denim dress could be your most versatile buy of 2022

As GLAMOUR’s Fashion Director-at-large, I see a lot of dresses in my job. But there’s one style I rely on in my own wardrobe: the denim dress. Denim dresses are just so damn versatile. Yes, the fabric is inherently casual but designers – and our favourite high street brands – know how to put a clever twist on denim to make it sweet, smart or sexy. 

Depending on the silhouette (is it a slip dress, smock, shirt style or pinny) and the wash (think about how indigo always looks smart while pale chambray feels more relaxed and summery) you just have to add in the most appropriate bag, shoes and jewellery and your *lewk* is complete, wherever you’re headed.

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And the co-founders and designers of one of our fave dress brands, Rixo, agree. Known for their bold prints and beautiful silhouettes, Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey have just launched a collection of 13 denim styles, including three divine denim dresses we’ve got heart eyes for.

 Keeping the principles of a circular economy in mind (where high quality and sustainable materials mean garments can be passed on to friends and family) the denim has been classed as ‘low impact’ by the Environmental Impact Measurement’s scoring system, which assesses water and energy consumption, workers' health and chemical impact. Fashion industry goals right there! 

The Kristen style is maxi-length with cute tulip-motif embroidery at the hem while the Sara is a prairie-style midi-dress with tiers of different coloured denim, which we adore… Although perhaps the Becca is our favourite with its longline 1930’s silhouette, sweet polka dot print and detachable cherry-embroidered collar. Decisions, eh?

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As well as how it’s made, when you have a piece in your wardrobe that works as hard as a denim dress does, that versatility makes it a more conscious choice. I’ve definitely worn my denim dresses in excess of the recommended 30 wears suggested by sustainability experts (check out #30WearsChallenge). 

As well as Rixo’s considered fabrics you could also look for denim made from lyocell (a closed-loop fibre) or organic cotton (which uses less water than conventional cotton.) There are even options of denim dresses made from recycled cotton content - like & Other Stories Frilled Denim Mini Dress. 

On the high street, M&S have ensured that every piece in their denim shop is made from 100% responsibly-sourced cotton, using 86% less water (compared to the industry average for garment finishing, according to Jeanologia) and kinder-to-the-planet chemicals.  The Denim Ruffle Midi Tiered Dress is an ideal weekend choice while the Embroidered Midaxi Column Dress is making us dream of picnic-weather (but wear it right now over a bodysuit with Chelsea boots.) 

See? You’ll soon be as devoted to your denim dresses as me!

If you love your denim as much as us, head to our denim hub immediately! Find out how to buy the perfect pair of jeans online, browse through our edit of the best jeans for women and find the best flared jeans or the best baggy jeans to add to your wardrobe (because both styles are having a major moment.)

For more from Glamour UK Fashion Director at large Alex Fullerton, follow her on Instagram @alexandrafullerton

Scroll down to shop GLAMOUR’s edit of the best denim dresses - including Rixo’s sustainable denim dresses - straight away!