During the 1950s, blue jeans were snapped up by fashion fans and by the 1960s they were an essential wardrobe item. In the 1970s, dresses, shorts, waistcoats, skirts, and coats joined jeans on the clothing racks. Blue denim accessories like shoes, hats, boots, and handbags were also right on-trend. The double denim craze hit the covers of glossy magazines and could be seen on streets all over the world. Think flares and waistcoats, shirt dresses and coats or denim shirts tucked into matching skirts or shorts, the blue stuff was here to stay.

In the 1960s and ‘70s most denim clothing was either mid-blue or indigo. Today you can choose from a massive range of colours and finishes that you can mix and match for an up-to-the-minute take on the trend.

Double denim is here to stay so it's worth choosing a few key items that you can use to create outfits with a fresh, modern twist.

Jeans - choose high-waisted flares for a vintage-inspired look and add a high-necked blouse and a classic denim jacket. Team skinny jeans with a sleeveless denim jacket and add a colourful shell top to break things up a little.

Shirts - the western-style denim shirt is an iconic piece. Wear it open over a denim halterneck top and leather trousers for glamorous parties and clubs. Alternatively, button it up and tuck it into a denim pencil skirt or wear it tied under the bust with denim shorts for the beach.

Dresses - pinafore-style dresses, shirt dresses and fitted dresses all look fantastic when teamed with a long denim jacket or coat. Be adventurous and try coloured denim or play with different lengths. If you're wearing a denim maxi dress, double up with a floppy hat or a handbag to avoid overload.

Jackets - a classic Levi-style jacket is a good investment. Team it with jeans, dresses or skirts or throw it over shorts or tops. A sleeveless denim blazer is a stylish alternative and can be worn instead of a vintage-style waistcoat to give flared or bootcut jeans a makeover for 2016.

If double denim still feels a little intense, try clothing trimmed with denim. A shirt with denim pockets or a dress edged in denim is an easy way to try the trend - just add a denim jacket and you're ready to go. You could also wear the jacket over a simple jersey dress and add a denim belt to complete the picture. Accessories are an easy way to add a dash of double and hats, belts, ballet pumps and trainers can be worn with flair at any time of day.