Skinny jeans have been dominating the jean market for years now. Even when we looked to explore different styles, they’d be some sort of variation of the same. Mid-rise, high-rise, turn-ups, distressed look, frayed hem etc. But overall, the shape was the same.
Whilst we collectively love skinnies, let’s face it - they’re not the type of garment you automatically reach for when you’re feeling a bit bloated or not your best. Gone are the days when you choose jeans based on what feels great to you and flatters your unique body in the best ways.
Let’s be honest, we’ve not exactly been wearing any jeans much of late. Wardrobe staples have been taken over by leggings and loungewear, and the thought of inching back into spray-on jeans isn’t fun.
Until recently.
We are starting to see some of the more loved retro styles coming back in and it’s about time! This season it’s all about the looser fit. But there’s been one thought holding us back from embracing these styles right away, have we forgotten how to style jeans?!
If you were asked how to style black jeans, most people would be fairly comfortable with this, I mean they’re a staple. But with the various styles, waists and colours it can sometimes feel like a bit of a minefield.
Let’s start at the beginning and get a view of some of the most popular styles on the market right now.
How to style flare jeans
Do we sound old if we say “It takes me back!"?. From the 70s to the 90s all the way back round to the (new) 20s, flared jeans have become a much-loved style that keeps coming back. And for good reason, really.
Flared jeans are one of the most flattering styles, as they really appear to lengthen the legs. If you have curvy hips, flared jeans will balance out your shape and really draw the eye in.
If you are shorter or have shorter legs, opting for higher-waisted flared jeans and tucking your top or shirt into the jeans will give the illusion of a longer leg.
Tips for dressing down flare jeans:
Flared jeans are super versatile and look great with trainers and a t-shirt. We think they look cool with a casual cropped t-shirt for an everyday summer look. Some like to wear their flares really long, so much so that they partially cover your shoes. Bear in mind that the fit could be longer than you are used to, so this could affect the trainers that you choose. But what colour trainers with blue jeans? Keep it simple with a pair of all-white converse.
Tips for dressing up flare jeans:
For dinner with the girls, you want to feel comfortable but look fantastic. Team open-toe heeled sandals with a classic white shirt for a dressy look. This simple and classic look can be jazzed up with accessories such as statement earrings.
How to style straight jeans
Straight-leg jeans are an absolute classic and have the same benefits that skinny jeans have, without being so… skinny.
Straight jeans come in all shapes and sizes and can be a fairly loose fit or a slim fit. The length of this style often comes just to the ankle, although it’s a reasonably popular choice to turn them up for a cropped style, especially now during the summer months.
Tips for dressing down straight jeans:
Shopping in town, lunch with a friend, straight jeans are so versatile for these casual occasions. We absolutely love a pair of straight-legged jeans with a plain t-shirt, checkered blazer and boots. It’s the perfect smart casual look.
Tips for dressing up in straight jeans:
Add a touch of glitz! Match some metallic heeled sandals with a golden coloured top. These stand-out items will give that “going out” vibe whilst the classic jeans will speak for themselves.
How to style baggy jeans
Arguably the most comfortable style of jeans, baggy jeans is definitely back in fashion. You may see these go by many names: Wide leg jeans, boyfriend jeans or oversized jeans. The main thing to remember is this, these jeans are not just for super casual “lounging around the house'' days. Whilst at first glance you may think you can only imagine them teamed with a vest or a hoodie, these wider, more relaxed fit jeans can be chic and feminine.
Goodbye, super tight waistband and hello comfort.
Tips for dressing down baggy jeans:
Go double denim! A Slim fitted vest or t-shirt works well with the wide-legged jean, giving the illusion of a slim waist. Add light-coloured chunky boots and consider how double you want to denim, consider different contrasting colours for your jacket. Nervous about wearing double denim? Let us show you how to here.
Tips for dressing up baggy jeans:
Baggy jeans can look so chic with a pair of your favourite heels. Make them pop by nipping them in at the waist with a belt, and adding a brightly coloured light jumper or blouse, tucked in. The key here is those contrasting colours again, and consider adding a handbag to match your shoes.
How to style Mom jeans
What even are Mom jeans?! Another 90’s favourite, this style of jeans is high-waisted, straight-legged and loose-fitting around the bottom area. Whilst jeans of recent decades have been designed with maximum stretch, these were traditionally made of thicker denim that hung on you rather than clung to you. They were a classic for sure and they’re here to stay.
Tips for dressing down Mom jeans:
There is no superior look to the classic Mom jean, with a plain white tee and ballet pumps (ideally sling back). Prove me wrong, but this brings up childhood memories of my mum in the garden and was a total wardrobe staple for her. Anybody else?
Tips for dressing up Mom jeans:
Going out for the evening? Mom jeans aren’t just for the garden and can add a touch of romance with a sheer, lace top for a really feminine contrast. Add a pair of low-court shoes in a matching colour and you have a striking look. Oh, and we love the “rolled up” look when pairing Mom jeans with heels, this really elongates your legs.
Overall, we are super grateful that jeans have: a) made a comeback and b) there is such a diverse collection of styles and colours.
As far as dressing for the summer though, we couldn’t complete this piece without talking about the elephant in the room. Most of the jean colourways we’ve looked at so far have been a stonewash or classic blue. However, in the summer months or when you are going on holiday, we tend to explore different colours of jeans. Pale colours such as pink jeans and grey jeans have become more popular and whilst they tend to present their own challenges (what colour top goes with grey jeans?!) the main contender here is white jeans.
What to wear with white jeans?
It can be tricky to know how to style white jeans, especially if you are conscious of keeping them classy.
We’ve chosen our top 5 favourite looks when it comes to wearing white jeans.
Add some mustard
The great thing about white is that it goes with pretty much everything, but that doesn’t mean that it should! Mustard yellow has been an on-trend hue for some time now, and it’s about time it’s getting a summer debut rather than being kept in the shadows of winter. This casual look created with a fine knit short sleeve top and some Converse is divine. Don’t forget to add a hint of glam with some earrings.
Get nautical
Continuing on the yellow theme, (it’s just so summery!) we think that horizontal stripes are a fun and classy way to compliment your white jeans. Try adding a pair of pumps or boat shoes if you want to go the whole hog.
Give me gingham
It’s pretty, it’s British and it reminds me of picnics. And you don’t have to worry about looking like a tablecloth - it comes in plenty of colours like this lovely green tunic we’ve chosen. This gorgeous checked print gingham looks fab with white jeans as it’s a great way of adding colour and texture at the same time!
Lady in red
Red and white look so striking together, and anyone sporting this combo will be giving out classy vibes for sure. Whether you choose a daring red shirt, red vest or halter it’s sure to look great. We love this peter pan collared shirt! Add an oversized pair of black sunglasses, and gold accessories for that summer look.
Go for the neutrals
Next to white, brown tones have the illusion of appearing bronze which is perfect for summer and creates a truly stunning look. We’ve teamed a V-neck linen cami with white jeans and finished the look with bronze leather mules. For the final touch, a jazzy pair of earrings works beautifully.
Don’t think white jeans are for you?
So many people shy away from white jeans because they are terrified of ruining them. A glass of red here, a ketchup-laden hot dog there, and you’re pretty much done for. Or so we think! Look, thinking ahead and researching the best ways to care for your garments is smart.
In fact, on this occasion, we’ve done it for you. Check out this article from Levis on how to keep your jeans white, and keep your threads sparkling white all year long. You’re welcome.
We hope you’ll take a chance on white jeans, and take some inspiration from this piece on creating unique new looks that you may not have tried before. There’s nothing better than rocking up with a totally fresh look and feeling fine.
Now you have picked the perfect pair of jeans, complete the latest craze with a pair of chunky sandals. But which ones would suit you best? Birkenstocks are a timeless classic and go with literally everything. Find out everything you need to know before investing in a Birkenstock in this useful guide.
