Categories: fashion & styleUncategorized

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that jeans are, however, probably the one item in your wardrobe that you have to get right in order to avoid looking out of date – and that can age you especially if you’re 40 something or older.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:

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.