The Chic List: Why denim is my fatal attraction

Every time I close my eyes this week I see a brilliant white rabbit bouncing round an apartment corridor. 

I’m not losing my marbles quite yet – I’m just completely hooked on the new remake of the 80s psychological thriller Fatal Attraction, now showing on Paramount+. And, truth be told, I quite fancy Joshua Jackson, who takes on Michael Douglas’s iconic role.

Everything is the same but very different in this modern-day version. I just really hope the rabbit survives this time round. (He has so far. Fingers crossed…)

A good husband and father until he’s really not, Jackson’s character – LA district attorney Dan Gallagher – rocks a suit in an impressive way, and I’ve always liked a man in a good suit. 

He has a head of hair that should have a programme all of its own and a great mouth (if you watch, you’ll get what I mean).

There’s an unforgettable scene the day after he has betrayed his smart-funny-perfect wife with Glenn Close’s seductive equivalent, played by Lizzy Caplan: both of them run along a vast sandy beach chasing Quincy the golden labrador and do great jeans: Jackson in a blue indigo pair with a slightly modern baggy fit with a chic grey T-shirt and open white shirt; Caplan in a straight-leg black pair, with trainers and a white tank top. 

Not mad on her orange windbreaker, but you can’t win them all.

All of which got me thinking about how truly powerful jeans are. Denim is the one item that – whatever the season – fashion is unwaveringly obsessed with. And these days it’s a major player in the luxury market, selling in big numbers at Matches and Net-A-Porter.

It’s never a question of if one should wear denim, but rather how it should be worn for the coming season.

For spring/summer 23, I’m looking forward to trying a denim maxi. I have my beady eye on a white one by Raey but, alas, it keeps selling out. I’ve also fallen back in love with the denim jacket – particularly this one from Hayley Menzies, which has terrific details including gold leopard buttons and a flared sleeve.

I think I have also finally discovered the perfect pair of jeans. For me nothing is more timeless than great Levi’s and a sharp white T-shirt or button-down shirt. Just ask Joshua Jackson!

The most flattering are the 90s-style Levi’s 501 jeans, which come in various shades. They have that magic It-factor of not being too tight or too loose. My trick is to go one size up in the leg length to achieve the optimum amount of slouch.

Go, Margot!

I’ve been watching Margot Robbie’s chic revolution with great interest and much prefer her style off the red carpet

Move over, Sienna Miller – there’s a new blonde in town with great off-duty style. I’ve been watching Margot Robbie’s chic revolution with great interest and much prefer her style off the red carpet. 

The actress always looks especially pulled together and classy in just denims and an oversized blazer.

Big in Japan

Bag, £14.90, uniqlo.com

This viral cross-body bag, other TikTok favourites and a recent obsession with quiet luxury

have helped Tokyo-based Uniqlo catch the attention of younger consumers. As well as a recently opened flagship store in London’s Covent Garden, the high-street hero is set to open 20 to 30 new shops in Europe and North America each year. Its focus on well-tailored basics resonates – and the prices don’t hurt.

Blaire necessities

They have an English vintage vibe. They’re designed in London. And each piece of Blaire Donald’s debut dress collection for her label St Clair has been made using exclusively organic materials, in partnership with a female-led producer in New Delhi. ‘All dresses are lined and machine washable,’ says Donald. 

‘“Dry clean only” is so impractical, and see-through numbers are a pain!’ Let the summer twirling begin.

Dress, £275, stclairlondon.com