The best jeans are possibly the one item you’ll always need in your wardrobe, and you’re guaranteed to find at least one pair in every fashion editor’s cupboard, especially as we transition into the new season.
But, finding the perfect denim can be a tricky business. Whether it’s the style, the wash, the crop, the waist or the length, there are many boxes to tick to find your ultimate style. The foundation of any timeless wardrobe probably amounts to three pairs of jeans: a high-waisted wide leg, straight leg mum jeans and a great skinny pair.
You can add a t-shirt and an oversized blazer, a cashmere knit or a sparkly top to either of those and you’re pretty much guaranteed a cool day-to-night look, whether you’re a fan of chunky trainers, boots or heels.
To make it easier for you, I’ve scoured my favoured designer and high street denim brands to find the trousers to suit your body shape (and once you’ve bought them, make sure you do this to stop jeans going baggy.
In terms of trends, you can safely invest in high waisted flared jeans for AW21, as 70s styles don’t seem to be going anywhere. I’m also a big fan of 80s style mum or dad jeans, tucked into cowboy boots for a fresh take.
There’s something timeless and versatile about a pair of classic black jeans, especially if you pair them with a roll-neck, checked blazer and headband, Sloane-ranger style. As with most trends, it’s all about proportion, so I’d balance tight legs with a loose top.
Best jeans for your body shape
As for which style will best suit your body type, think about proportions. If you’re curvy, a high waist is more flattering.
Worried about height? Whether you’re tall or short, many brands like Levi’s and M&S offer most styles in different lengths. For those 5ft or under, cropped styles that show off the ankle really elongate the frame.
So now that you’re an expert on all things denim, scroll down to shop the best jeans of the new season.
CITIZENS OF HUMANITY Charlotte high-rise straight-leg jeans, £270 at MATCHESFASHION
Citizens of Humanity's mid-wash Charlotte jeans are shaped to a high-rise, straight-leg silhouette from a blend of virgin and recycled cotton fibres.
Levi’s 70 High Flare, £110 at Levi’s
Levi’s® takes inspiration from the 70s for the new hero denim silhouette this Autumn/Winter.
BARREL LEG Jeans, £69 at ARKET
These high-waist jeans are styled with loose, slightly curved barrel legs. A 5-pocket style crafted from a rigid denim fabric made from recycled cotton.
AUTHENTIC PLEAT FRONT JEAN, £99 at WHISTLES
Whistles is my best-kept secret when it comes to denim. I'll be pairing these with a fine knit rollneck.
E.L.V. DENIM The Twin Contrast cropped straight-leg jeans, £255 at MATCHESFASHION
Opt for E.L.V. Denim's The Twin jeans, crafted in two different blue washes, for a creative flair to everyday styling. They're sustainably crafted in the UK deadstock jeans which have been unpicked by hand and sewn into a new, close-fitting style with a button high-rise waist featuring belt loops and five pockets, then finished with raw-cut cuffs.
Beige high waisted skinny jeans, £40 at River Island
Balance these supper skinny jeans with a crisp white men's shirt.
Skinny fit denim pant, £79 at GUESS
Pair these skinny jeans with a sequin tank for that ultimate 'jeans and a nice top' look.
L’AGENCE Kendra cropped distressed high-rise flared jeans, £240 at Net-A-Porter
L'Agence's 'Kendra' jeans have cropped, flared hems that will particularly complement high-top sneakers or ankle boots. They're blended with a hint of stretch and whiskered and frayed to look like old favorites.
RE/DONE ’90s Comfy Straight Leg Jeans, £265 at Browns
These blue RE/DONE '90s Comfy straight leg jeans feature a mid-rise waist with belt loops, a button and zip fly fastening, five pockets, bronze tone metal hardware, a contrasting white embossed logo label at the rear, a washed finish and distressed detailing at the knee and cuffs.
JACKIE Extra wide high waist jeans, £39.99 at LINDEX
All denim at Lindex is what we call Better Denim – denim produced in a more sustainable way. This piece is manufactured with water and energy saving processes.
FRAME Le Nouveau Straight Leg Jeans, £345 at Browns
These grey FRAME Le Nouveau straight leg jeans have been designed with a super stretch recycled cotton denim. Complete with five pockets and belt loops, this pair has concealed front fastening and a slim fit.
Ultra High Rise Ankle Straight Jeans, £82 at Abercrombie & Fitch
These ultra high rise ankle jeans feature a straight and relaxed fit through the calf featuring a medium ripped wash with distressed details and frayed hem.
