Jeans, high heels and a pretty blouse make one of my all-time favourite outfits.
So, just occasionally, I’d say it’s worth investing in the best. The brands I would look out for are 18th Amendment, J Brand, Sass & Bide, Made in Heaven (MiH) and True Religion. Then there is 7 For All Mankind, which do some of the most flattering bootcuts around. shoes, Christian Louboutin.
Top, Marlene Birger; jeans, Earnest Sewn; shoes, Christian Louboutin.
Style Tip
Take a chance: try a style that you wouldn’t normally go for – you might be pleasantly surprised at how much different styles suit you.
Jeans: the style lowdown
Here’s my round-up of some of the key denim styles around at the moment. Read on and find the best pair for you!
STRAIGHT
Because of their straight-up-and-down classic shape, I’d say this cut is a good bet for anyone who likes a slim-leg look but who feels that skinny jeans are too edgy for them.
A good fit for: most shapes – try different labels and brands to see which suit you best. Straights make legs look longer, but only if the hem length is right.
Wear with: high, square heels or wedges, a great tan and a brown leather belt.
Brands to try: Zara, Gap, UNIQLO, Chloé, Howies, Diesel, Wrangler.
SKINNY
I love the skinny jeans look, especially ones with zips on the sides. Stella McCartney does them, and I think they are very good for people like me who have short legs. My skinny Balenciaga ones are so fine that I can wear them almost like leggings – tucked easily into boots in winter or with a big white shirt on top in warmer months. They are just the right length for wearing with a flat shoe, reaching slightly above the ankle. I like them because they’re a little dressier than normal jeans.
Jeans, Republic.
A good fit for: those who want to draw attention to their legs or make their legs look longer. But again, try different top combinations to make sure that they fit in with your style.
Wear with: a blouse or a floaty top can look great with skinnies. Ballet pumps or flats work for day – although they can cut you off a bit if you’re short like me, in which case wear them with wedges or high-heeled sandals. At night, wear high, high heels for a super-glam – and super-leggy – look.
Brands to try: Miss Sixty, Topshop, Juicy Couture, J Brand, New Look, Diesel, Sass & Bide, Superfine.
BOYFRIEND
This loose-cut, straight style is great for those who don’t like the idea of skinnies but who like a lean cut that fits around the bum and waist. These jeans have a casual look, which makes them great for just pulling on at the weekend.
Top, ASOS.
A peasant-style floral top adds feminity to boyfriend jean styles.
A good fit for: those who want to show off their bums. They can really flatter slim-hipped figures, too.
Wear with: a loose white cotton shirt or a vest and a great tan belt; or add prettiness with a loose chiffon, floral blouse. Wear plimsolls or Converse trainers, sandals or wedges.
Brands to try: ASOS, Gap, French Connection, UNIQLO, Diesel, Miss Sixty. Mango do nice ones as well.
HIGH-WAISTED
I’ve got a few pairs of high-waisted, wide-leg jeans. Admittedly, getting the right fit was tricky: I had to make sure that the balance between the shape at the waist and the wideness of the leg was just right. I finally found a pair of 18th Amendment ones. They were such a nice fit that I’ve worn them loads and I’ve even bought them in another colour.
A good fit for: pear-shaped or curvier figures. If you have a straight up-and-down figure and smaller hips, you’re better off trying the flared style. I think high-waisters are one of the hardest fashions to pull off, though, so you’ll have to decide whether to persevere with them.
Wear with: a blouse or vest tucked in at the waist; this is my favourite look. Wedges look great with high-waisters, too.
Brands to try: Sass & Bide, UNIQLO and Topshop for skinny high-risers; Cavalli, Chloé, Superfine, Gap, Topshop, French Connection, Hudson, J Brand, Radcliffe, Oasis, Mango and 18th Amendment.
Wedge shoe, Faith.
BOOTCUT
I’d say most people have a favourite pair of bootcut jeans in their wardrobes. Darker washes are, I think, the most flattering, and I would steer clear of a bleach-front detail as these can make your thighs look big.
A good fit for: most shapes, but keep the hem long and wear them with heels. If your bum is not your favourite bit, though, I’d suggest you give bootcuts a miss and instead go for straight or trouser-shaped jeans. Or, give your figure good balance by choosing a more subtle flare.
Wear with: blouses, or plain vests and nipped-in jackets. Some sort of heel is a good idea, as the flared hem shape of bootcuts can make you look shorter if you are wearing flats. Converse and round-toe boots will look great with these, though.
Brands to try: Topshop, 7 For All Mankind, Gap, Diesel, J Brand, Citizens of Humanity, Next, DVB.
CROPPED
Cropped styles are brilliant for summer, or for taking on holiday, especially in white or black.
Vest top, Republic.
Cropped jeans look great with a stripy vest top and pumps in summer.
A good fit for: anyone – I’m sure there’s a style out there to suit your shape. Just remember rule number 2 in my jeans rule book: try on different styles and find a fit that’s right for you.
Wear with: just about anything – blouses, T-shirts, vests. Flats and elegant heels will look great with these jeans: I’d maybe wear a classic pump, or my Lanvin flats.
Brands to try: True Religion, Topshop, Gap, Oasis, Mango, Dorothy Perkins, Next, UNIQLO, Juicy Couture, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Rock & Republic.
COLOURED
I think coloured jeans sit on the fine line between good taste and bad, but if you like a different look, you can make this work. Fearne Cotton does the coloured-jeans look really well: she’s got that funky take on it.
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