Apart from the odd designer who specialises in it, denim doesn't tend to get much of a look-in on the catwalks, with high-end houses favouring textiles that command a higher price on the retail racks.

But that all changed this season.

Burberry led the charge, sending out about a dozen shrunken jean jackets. The Gucci show had a cowgirl inflection, mixing dark and light denim with brown leather, and even the usually uber-luxe Dolce & Gabbana showed faded 'mom' jeans (albeit encrusted with oodles of crystals).

As such, you can get out your old vintage faves again, but for a much more modern take on the fabric - which originated in the French town of Nimes in 16th century ("de Nimes", you see?) - take your cue from Chloe, where a cooler, cleaner aesthetic reigned.

It's time to look beyond those well-worn skinnies and embrace spring's fresh shapes, from the kick flare to the minimal tee.

Get ready to join the denim revolution...

THE SKIRT: SCORE AN A-GRADE

Mini or midi, buttoned down or zipped up, if you're in the market for a denim skirt this season, it has to be A-line.

A taut indigo mini is perfect for spring's Seventies reboot. Pair it with a floaty gypsy top or tuck in a pussy bow blouse and finish with a sweet suede jacket. You'll be wearing it all through summer too.

A knee-length denim skirt offers more dress-up opportunities. Wear with a soft cream shirt and court heels if your office dress code allows, or add a boxy silk tee, gold cuff and strappy sandals for evening.

:: Miss Selfridge Button Through A-Line Skirt, £28 (www.missselfridge.com)

:: Whistles Zip Through Dark Denim Skirt, £130 (www.johnlewis.com)

THE JACKET: EASTERN INFLUENCE

For SS15, there's one cover-up to rule them all, existing at the confluence of the denim and oriental trends. MiH's cool blue kimono pretty much reinvents the jean jacket, giving it a sharp new edge, and its fluted shaped just so happens to go magically with this season's essential jean style (more on that later).

If the jean-kimono doesn't appeal (or rather that just shy of £400 price tag doesn't), the next best thing is to take a crisp men's denim shirt, roll up the sleeves and wear it unbuttoned.

:: Denim Kimono Jacket, £385; T3 shirt, £190; Marrakesh Nico Jean, £185 (www.mih-jeans.com)

THE JEANS: WEAR WITH FLARE

As dictated by the haute-hippy revival, it was only a matter of time before flares, well, flared up again.

And while wide leg jeans have been kicking around for a few years, this season we're talking the real deal: big bell-bottoms, the kind that skim the floor when you've got your wooden wedges or disco dancing platforms on.

Or, there's the more casual alternative, cropped kick flares, ideal for showing off your block-heeled summer sandals.

:: Ida Adelaide Flare Jeans, £165 (www.donnaida.com)

:: Oakley Suede Jacket, £349; Tula Crop Jean, £79; Cathy Tunic, £89; Bethan Sandal, £139; Brampton Satchel, £149 (www.hobbs.com)

THE TOP: TEE TIME

If you love the goes-with-everything versatility of a denim shirt, try a tee on for size.

A faded round-neck T-shirt is the ideal accompaniment for leather, either tucked into a pencil or full skirt, or loose over black skinnies.

Do the double by pairing a denim tee with jeans in a contrasting wash, then add pointed-toe heels and a studded or fringed clutch for an edgy after-dark look.

:: Limited Edition Single Breast Pocket Denim T-shirt, £17.50 (www.marksandspencer.com)

:: Light Blue Denim Dip Hem T-Shirt, £17.99 (www.newlook.com)

THE DRESS: MINIMAL EFFORT

Denim isn't the sleekest of fabrics, but it can be chic when the cut is clean and the shape fuss-free - an indigo pinafore or tee dress will become your spring daytime go-to.

Whether long-sleeved or short, it should be devoid of detail - except for pockets - the kind of frock you can throw on with ballet flats or brogues (plus a trench coat if the weather dictates) and you're all set.

It'll also come in handy for summer picnics and BBQs. Add sunny sandals, a few bright bangles and a slick of lippy to match.

:: Toast Hiro Denim Dress, £135 (www.johnlewis.com)

:: Cath Kidston Vintage Wash Denim Dress, £65 (www.cathkidston.com)

GET THE LOOK

Forget the catwalks, if there's one place you should keep your eyes peeled for what we're calling 'millinspiration', it's Ladies Day at Cheltenham. This year, Zara Phillips was the fashionistas' favourite in a striking black velour number. The Olida hat, £385, is available now from Rosie Olivia Millinery (www.rosieoliviamillinery.com).

BUY IT NOW

Did you know that in 1981, BT announced it would be repainting all red public telephone boxes bright yellow? (The plan was eventually abandoned after the public, ahem, saw red.) The same year, the London Marathon began, which is why Brooks' limited edition London Ghost 7 running shoes, £110, unveiled to mark this year's race on April 26, are adorned with lots of those iconic little red phone booths. They're available to pre-order now and go on sale on April 22 (www.sweatshop.co.uk).

FASHION FLASH

:: HISTORICAL HUES

They say we look back with rose-tinted spectacles, but new research from Dulux suggests that should be RAINBOW-tinted glasses, because we associate bright yellow with the Sixties, purple with the Seventies and electric blue with the hedonistic Eighties. That's where the technicoloured tints stop, however, with most of those surveyed seeing the current decade as black, and nearly 40% of Brits sticking to simple or monochrome fashion that won't 'offend'.

:: STYLE STEAL

According to a recent survey, four is now the average number of bridesmaids at a wedding, with around a quarter of brides opting for five or more, and two-thirds shelling out over £500 for their girls' gowns. In response, George at Asda has launched the high street's most affordable wedding range, starting at £28 for a full bridesmaid outfit, including shoes.

:: Big Bow Bridesmaid Dress, from £20; shoes, from £8, George at Asda (available at larger stores and www.george.com)