Alison Hammond's comfy alternative to my favourite jeans has inspired me to try something new this summer

Jeans are something I build a lot of my outfits around and they’re a failsafe for smart-casual outfits, but they aren’t always the comfiest. Even my favourite pair of wide-leg jeans can feel a little restrictive on a hot day.

So when I saw Alison Hammond wearing a gorgeous mid-blue denim dress on This Morning, I realised this could be the answer. Dresses are such an easy option for the summer and a denim dress also has all the benefits of a pair of jeans.

Alison and her brilliant stylist Rachael Hughes shared another glimpse of her May outfits on Instagram and her denim dress was an affordable style from Very. It’s part of their V by Very Curve range which includes UK sizes 14-28.

Shop Alison's Dress And Alternatives

Priced at £48, it’s made from 95% cotton and has a button-up front, short sleeves and a classic shirt collar. The pocket at the front is a handy detail and the skirt is an A-line shape that subtly flares out from the fitted bodice.

One thing I always carefully consider when I’m buying denim is the wash, as I this affects where and how I might wear items. Alison Hammond’s mid-blue denim dress falls perfectly between a deep indigo and a light-wash.

If you’re ever unsure what colour to go for, I’d advise going for something similar to this. Indigo is a big denim trend for 2025, but it can feel quite smart, whilst pale blue denim seems casual.

Complete Alison's Look

Because they have elements of both, mid-blue tones can be dressed up or down more easily. Alison wore her dress with tan platform heels from ASOS that are now sadly out of stock, though you can still take inspiration from her colour pairing.

Tan looks beautiful with warm-toned blue denim, so a pair of tan sandals or loafers would be great with a dress like hers. Alternatively, reach for items you’d usually style with your go-to jeans, whether that’s your best white trainers or black ballet flats.

The same approach applies to jackets: whatever you’d normally wear with jeans, layer over the top of a denim dress on a breezy day. The beauty of a dress over jeans or shorts is the flowiness and how easy they are to throw on.

They’re an outfit in themselves and the silhouette feels a little more elevated than looser jean designs, but they’re so comfortable. You can also add a pop of colour when you have a simple and timeless look like this.

For her day at work on This Morning, Alison Hammond didn’t need a bag (which is how I often bring colour into my outfits), however, her orange nail design brought fun and brightness. The TV host accessorised with chunky hoop earrings, a gold watch and matching bracelets and rings.

Silver is particularly on-trend right now, and I personally wear a lot of it, though gold-toned jewellery brings out the warmth of mid-blue denim like this.