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Jeans are the cornerstone of so many outfits – yet we often spend more time fussing about our top half, leaving the jeans as an afterthought. A good quality, well fitting style can elevate your whole look instantly, so getting it right will be transformational.
While denim trends seem to come and go, such as the current barrel or ‘carrot leg’ style, my advice is to spend your time and money on those that never go out of fashion. Bootcut, straight leg, flared and slim fit are sure to stick around, and there’s a reason for this – they tend to be the most flattering for all ages.
A huge selling point for me are the brands that offer a range of leg lengths. Look out for styles with this option as it will instantly give you a tailored, more expensive look for no added cost.
I’m 5ft 10in with long legs, so for me a lot of high street offerings can only be worn with flats or they shorten my legs in the form of an ankle-grazer. And let’s face it, there’s nothing more elegant than bottoms that just skim the floor. See Victoria Beckham and Stella McCartney‘s latest runways if you don’t believe me.
The fabric quality is of high importance when looking for denim worth investing in. You want a pair that will hold their shape and colour, not constantly need yanking up throughout the day and have just the right amount of stretch for comfort. There’s nothing less chic than when the crotch starts to sag and your bottom is no longer being shown at its best.
While you can spend a small fortune on luxury label denim to feel assured they will make you look good – I’m here to tell you that this isn’t necessary. That’s why I have tried on over 50 pairs of jeans from across the high street and have picked out the ones that will give you a higher end look for less. While I can also tell you that I will never be buying jeans from New Look or Zara due to their sizes being inaccurate and highly unforgiving quality.
As we enter a new season, it’s the perfect opportunity to invest in a confidence–boosting new pair of jeans. Don’t just take my word for it, try them yourself – here are my 11 top denim picks for all ages now…
Reiss
Jumpsuits and tailoring are probably the clothes that you associate with Reiss. But in my opinion Reiss’s jeans are a cut above the rest. While they sit at the higher end of the high street price–wise, their denim quality is worth the money. Take these patch–pocket jeans (£158) – which are reminiscent of Victoria Beckham’s leg elongating Alina style (£390). A pair both my mother and I love due to their smart crease front, flattering fit on the thighs and perfect length in the long option.
River Island
While they’re called palazzo-leg, they aren’t crazy wide, so don’t let that put you off. This style clings nicely to the bottom and upper thighs while giving your outfit a nice shape and bit of movement from the extra material in the leg. Pair with a fitted top for a flattering silhouette.
Levi
We all know Levi ace their denim, but this pair stood out to me. They’re called ‘shaping’ for a reason. They give you the right amount of support around your bottom without being uncomfortable. And they’re offered in varying lengths for a perfect fit.
Marks & Spencer
These high waisted wide leg jeans give you just enough smartness from their dark colour and nicely fitted cut, yet the contrast turn-up made these feel contemporary and youthful. They feel chic and comfortable and are perfect to wear with a shirt and pointed boots this season.
Mint Velvet
Mint Velvet jeans have been a favourite of mine for a while. They get their cuts spot on when it comes to flattering and elongating the leg. This wide leg khaki pair stood out to me as a classic shape but with a little more interest in this colourway. Khaki is also easy to pair with most autumnal colours and will be sure to get you complements galore.
Reiss
These gold button front jeans feel much like a jean-trouser hybrid. Their super flattering and comfortable high rise fit mixed with the smart buttons and cut make them ideal for any occasion. Buy them long enough to graze the floor with a small heel and you’ve got yourself a striking wardrobe staple.
Holland Cooper
Known for their equestrian fashion, these jeans are just as comfortable as their jodhpurs, while being ultra smart. This fitted boot cut style will hold you in and not loosen throughout the day. A classic in the black colourway, they should remain a go-to for years to come.
Aligne
This ecru pair felt crisp and structured. They nicely skim the hips and thighs with a straight fit through the leg. In 100 per cent cotton, they will hold you in all day and look as sharp as they did when you left the house in the morning – provided you don’t drop anything on them.
ME+EM
ME+EM’s travel jeans collection has been a real favourite since they launched. As soon as I tried these on I could see why they have stuck around as a staple for the brand for a while now. Chic and comfortable makes them a winner. This palazzo pair is stretchy while looking trendy and put together for wherever your plans take you.
Gap
With just the right amount of flare, these feel elegant while super wearable. They are snug and flattering around the hips so designed to make you feel good. Young and fresh looking styled with trainers and easily elevated with heels for a smart evening look.
Uniqlo
Of late, I keep complimenting the same pair of jeans on different people – the JW Anderson Straight Jeans from Uniqlo. I gave them a go and am now converted. These feel super relaxed and trendy, but wearable even to the office. And they’re perfect for petite, regular and tall shoppers in their three leg offerings.
