SPRING 2026
The Australian Women's JournalFashion, Lifestyle & Everyday Inspiration
Fashion & Style
Love Your Denim, Not Keen on Jeans?
Denim is a wardrobe favourite for good reason, but a tight pair of jeans isn't always the most comfortable choice. We're exploring an easygoing alternative that keeps the look you love, along with a few lovely ways to wear it.
By Louise Hartley
Fashion & Lifestyle Contributor
Have you ever reached for your favourite jeans in the morning, only to put them straight back in the drawer?
You love the look of denim. It's familiar, it goes with everything, and it always feels a little bit put together.
But a firm waistband and fitted legs aren't always what you feel like wearing for a whole day, especially when you're sitting down for lunch, driving into town or simply getting on with your day.
Leggings feel too casual. And a dress doesn't always have the easy, everyday feel you get from denim.
That's where a relaxed denim dress can come into its own.
With a soft, gathered shape and plenty of ways to style it, it's worth considering as the seasons change across Australia and New Zealand.
And this season, we're taking a closer look at a particularly lovely vintage-inspired style from Beaumont Melbourne.
EVERYDAY WARDROBEWhen Jeans Feel Like Too Much
Jeans have their place in almost every wardrobe.
They're practical, easy to style and work with so many different tops.
But there are days when you might find yourself wanting something a little less structured.
A relaxed denim dress is an alternative worth considering.
A softly gathered skirt creates an easy silhouette, while the denim keeps that familiar, everyday feel you already know and love.
For a morning coffee, a pair of comfortable flats might be all you need.
For lunch with friends, you can add a little jewellery, a favourite bag and a pair of neat sandals.
And for everyday errands, there's something appealing about one piece that makes a complete outfit, with no need to think about what goes with what.
The nicest everyday pieces are often the ones that fit naturally into your daily routine.
COLOUR & STYLEOne Style, Different Ways to Wear It
One of the lovely things about a simple dress is how different it can look depending on the colour you choose.
A soft washed blue gives that classic, relaxed denim feel, lovely with tan sandals and a straw bag.
A deep navy offers a more polished look, particularly when worn with a little gold jewellery or a neutral scarf.
Black is easy and elegant for an afternoon out, and white feels fresh and light for sunnier days.
The Zephyrelle Vintage Denim Maxi Dress comes in all four colours, giving you the opportunity to choose a shade that feels right for your wardrobe.
Rather than following every new trend, it's often more useful to think about the shoes and accessories you already enjoy wearing.
A good dress should work with your wardrobe, not leave you wondering what to wear with it.
"A lovely outfit doesn't need to be complicated. Sometimes the right dress does most of the work."
The Australian Woman's Journal · Style Notes
EVERYDAY INSPIRATIONThree Easy Ways to Style a Denim Dress
One of the most useful things about a relaxed denim dress is that you can wear it for all sorts of everyday occasions.
The secret is keeping the rest of your outfit simple.
For a morning coffee
The dress on its own, a pair of comfortable flat shoes and a small shoulder bag make an easy combination.
You're ready for a catch-up with a friend or a few errands around town.
For lunch with friends
Try adding a light scarf in a colour that complements your dress.
A little jewellery and a pair of neat sandals can make the outfit feel more polished without becoming too formal.
For an afternoon by the coast
Push the sleeves up a little, add comfortable walking sandals and a simple straw bag for a lovely relaxed look.
When the breeze picks up later in the day, you'll be glad of the longer sleeves.
There's no need to build a whole new wardrobe around one dress. It's often the familiar pieces you already own that work best.
Loving denim doesn't have to mean squeezing into a pair of jeans.
Sometimes a relaxed denim dress can be just what you're looking for.
With comfortable shoes, a favourite bag and a colour that works with your wardrobe, it's easy to put together an outfit for everyday plans.
The Zephyrelle Vintage Denim Maxi Dress is one style worth exploring if you enjoy a softer, more relaxed silhouette.
You can view the available colours, check the size guide and explore the current product options directly at Beaumont Melbourne.
And whatever your plans are this season, choosing pieces that suit your own style is always a good place to start.