Capsule Wardrobe Pieces: 16 Dark Wash Jeans to Shop

Capsule Wardrobe Pieces: 16 Dark Wash Jeans to Shop

Continuing my weekly series about building a capsule wardrobe I’m kicking off week two with that perennial classic (and must in any woman’s wardrobe): Denim jeans! 

(In case you missed part one with an explanation of this series, read no.1 – classic sunglasses here.)

Not just any denim, oh no… I’ve picked dark wash jeans as they tend to be the most universally flattering on everyone. Personally I think that jeans are, however, probably the one item in your wardrobe that you have to get right in order to avoid looking out of date – and that can age you especially if you’re 40 something or older. Although I wholeheartedly believe in the philosophy of #iwillwearwhatilike, jean styles change and I find that those that are 10-15 years old make you look dated.

ALTHOUGH I WHOLEHEARTEDLY BELIEVE IN THE PHILOSOPHY OF #IWILLWEARWHATILIKE, JEAN STYLES CHANGE AND THOSE THAT ARE 10-15 YEARS OLD WILL MAKE YOU LOOK DATED.

A classic dark wash in a medium to high rise should give you many years of on-trend wear, and this is the best colour for all body shapes and sizes. Although jeans shapes go in and out of fashion (I’m finding skinnies are juuuuust starting to look not so good any more), there are a few that will stand the test of time (at least temporarily where fashion is concerned).

So don’t forget – personality comes first when it comes to your personal style, so choose your favourite jeans style from the following depending on what suits you best:


Capsule Wardrobe Pieces That Suit All Body Shapes & Sizes - No.2 Classic Dark Wash Jeans | Not Dressed As Lamb

SHOP THE EDIT ABOVE:

I’ve chosen four styles each of flared, boyfriend/loose fit, straight leg and cropped (or rolled hem) – read on for my picks that you can shop right here… Happy shopping!

WHICH OF THESE CLASSIC STYLES DO YOU OWN – AND DO YOU HAVE A PREFERENCE OF ONE OVER ANOTHER? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS OR TWEET ME @NOTLAMB!

Capsule Wardrobe Pieces That Suit All Body Shapes & Sizes - No.2 Classic Dark Wash Jeans (flared jeans) | Not Dressed As Lamb

Flared jeans

1. Guess Flared Jeans | 2. Paige High Rise Flare Jeans | 3. 7 For All Mankind Bootcut Jeans | 4. NYDJ Stretch Wide Leg Jeans (Regular & Petite)

Flared jeans have made a recent resurgence after skinnies being around for so long and I’m really happy they’ve done so. As well as the 70s style influence they’re incredibly flattering if you have hips that need balancing out – a dark wash is perfect for this cut.

Capsule Wardrobe Pieces That Suit All Body Shapes & Sizes - No.2 Classic Dark Wash Jeans (boyfriend fit) | Not Dressed As Lamb

Boyfriend / loose fit jeans

1. Caslon Stretch Boyfriend Jeans (Regular & Petite) | 2. ASOS High Waist Slim Mom Jeans with Deep Turn-Up | 3. NYDJ Stretch Slim Leg Jeans | 4. 7 For All Mankind Relaxed Fit Jeans

Probably my all-time favourite style – I’ve had my fave boyfriend jeans for over six years now and I still wear them regularly. [Correction: About 3-4 times a week.] Being looser makes them so much easier and more comfortable to wear, and they suit just about any style of shoes: Heels, sneakers, brogues, sandals, ballet flats… They’re so versatile.

Capsule Wardrobe Pieces That Suit All Body Shapes & Sizes - No.2 Classic Dark Wash Jeans (straight leg jeans) | Not Dressed As Lamb

Straight leg jeans

1. Levi’s 714 Straight Mid Rise Jeans | 2. Mustang Straight Leg Jeans | 3. NYDJ Straight Leg Jeans | 4. Mint Velvet Straight Jeans

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Straight leg jeans are the most impervious to trends, so if you want to splash out on a pair of high quality, flattering jeans that will last for a few years then go for this style in a dark wash. Neither too skinny, too flared or too baggy, they should flatter just about all shapes and sizes if the cut and quality is good.

Capsule Wardrobe Pieces That Suit All Body Shapes & Sizes - No.2 Classic Dark Wash Jeans (cropped/rolled hem jeans) | Not Dressed As Lamb

Cropped / rolled hem jeans

1. Topshop Raw Hem Crop Kick Flared Jeans | 2. 7 For All Mankind Skinny Fit Jeans | 3. Levi’s 712 Slim Fit Jeans | 4. Hilfiger Denim Mid Rise Skinny Jeans

Slightly more of a subject-to-trends style, the cropped jean is having a moment right now and is flattering due to the flash of ankle it gives you. You can get the same effect by simply rolling your hems or do as I did last month and take a pair of scissors to a pair and DIY some cropped jeans. Whether flared, skinny or straight leg, the shorter length is what makes this a classic style.

Catherine

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LIKE THIS POST? YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO READ…

– 3 EASY STATEMENT PIECES TO BUY OR DIY THIS SUMMER 

– THE MARKS & SPENCER CHALLENGE | STYLING THE BASICS: A WHITE TOP AND DENIM

Linking up to: iwillwearwhatilikeVisible MondayShoe and TellTurning Heads TuesdayBrilliant Blog Posts, My Refined Style, Passion for Fashion Friday, Fun Fashion Friday

18 Comments

  1. 17 August 2016 / 3:02 pm

    I think I own all of these styles, love the boyfriend and all of them as long as they dont look painted on! Yes, dark wash seem to be the most flattering. Love the kick crops and some trends as well.
    Thanks for linking up with turning heads tuesday
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com/

  2. 16 August 2016 / 5:09 pm

    Now you see…. jeans… that is me: flared, straight, skinny, boyfriend. You name it, I've got it. The Netherlands is like China and Mao… almost everybody is dressed in jeans.
    Greetje

  3. 16 August 2016 / 7:26 am

    Jeans are my life line.. Don't know what i would do without my trusty jeans. I'm happy to have branched out from just skinny jeans too and now enjoy a boyfriend, a flared and a cuffed. Great post Catherine!X

  4. 15 August 2016 / 1:59 pm

    I usually wear boyfriend jeans although I started wearing flared again recently – a modest flare though, unlike the wide ones I used to wear years ago 🙂

    Emma xxx
    http://www.style-splash.com

  5. 15 August 2016 / 12:17 pm

    Yes, jeans can date you! But I'm having a hard time letting go of my skinnies… I know I'll still wear them for sure with boots… 🙂 My favorite style right now are flared jeans!

  6. 15 August 2016 / 11:28 am

    I'm officially obsessed with jeans – last week I counted how many pairs I own: 24 pairs of jeans OMG! I shocked myself lol. But I wear them all (with exception to one yellow pair that are a bit too tight but I'm keeping them for now, just in case!). I love all styles although skinnies remain my favourite… for now!
    Suzy xx
    http://www.suzyturner.com

  7. 14 August 2016 / 12:45 pm

    I love these – esp with just the tiniest touch of distressing (as if to day "I am old but not completely un-cool!"). Great collection, xo

    Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

  8. 14 August 2016 / 7:01 am

    I love all types of jeans.
    They just look old fashioned and chic…especially teamed with black heeled boots or shoes.
    Consulente d immagine
    cheers

  9. 12 August 2016 / 12:23 pm

    The top you are wearing is just adorable. I am in love! I have never consider myself to be a jeans person. But you know what: Got tons of them in my closet. Go figure! Self-perception..hahaa…I got all styles you are showing here. But am total fan of corded flared ones right now! Have a great weekend. I was just looking for your post about ruffled blouses because I am doing a post about bespoke jeans and wanted to link to your wonderful text about Lady Di and us not liking the ruffles for some time. 🙂 xo Sabina

  10. 12 August 2016 / 11:50 am

    I find jeans really horrible to wear. The feel of the denim against my skin makes me shudder. Am I the only one who finds this? Any suggestions for an alternative to jeans?

  11. 12 August 2016 / 7:34 am

    Could not live without my jeans! All the different styles around can be turned into so many different looks. Great blog to read – thanks. Jacqui
    http://www.mummabstylish.com

  12. 11 August 2016 / 6:06 pm

    I still love a skinny Catherine, although none of them are too "spray on" where my legs are concerned.
    They look more like the straight legs!! Hahaha.
    I love the look of slouchy jeans, I adore cropped, anything cuffed gets a big thumbs up from me too.
    I am unsure of ragged, uneven hems.
    And, I really dislike Boot-fit.
    They just look old fashioned and frumpy…especially teamed with black chunky heeled boots.
    My eldest daughter calls it the "Next-Mum" look, and I think she is spot on!!
    They can look better on petite ladies who are styling them as flares, but I am not a fan.
    This is a great post!
    XXX
    Samantha
    FakeFabulous.com

  13. 11 August 2016 / 1:32 pm

    I'm with you on this one Catherine!!
    Many of the older ladies I talk to don't even have a pair of jeans—and I think it really is a basic. I always tell them there are certain pieces in each decade women should have to be modern—and jeans are definitely one of them!
    jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

  14. 11 August 2016 / 11:58 am

    I've loved jeans for about 50 years! Great round-up – my current favorites are cuffed boyfriend jeans. xox

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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