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that jeans are, however, probably the one item in your wardrobe that you have to get right in order to avoid looking out of date – and that can age you especially if you’re 40 something or older.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:
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | BLOGLOVIN | YOUTUBE | NEWSLETTER
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: iwillwearwhatilike, Visible Monday, Shoe and Tell, Turning Heads Tuesday, Brilliant Blog Posts, My Refined Style, Passion for Fashion Friday, Fun Fashion Friday
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/
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
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
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
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!
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
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
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
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
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?
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
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
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
I totally agree Jodie!
Even my mother 88 (in a week) has jeans.
Greetje
Even my mom (88 in a week) has jeans.
I've loved jeans for about 50 years! Great round-up – my current favorites are cuffed boyfriend jeans. xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
I love all types of jeans. The only one's I can't get along with are the slouchy boyfriend style. Boot cut is my favourite x
http://www.vanityandmestyle.com