It's safe to say that in 2024, denim is being celebrated in all its wonderful, raw, stylish glory. And rightfully so. This sturdy cotton based textile is a hardworking element in many of our wardrobes thanks to it featuring in the make-up of popular items like jeans and dresses to jackets, shirts and jumpsuits.
We've been wearing denim for well over 150 years, since Levi Strauss & Co created the first 'work pants' in 1860, in fact, and year on year it never goes out of style, but various versions of it come 'in -' and out of - 'Vogue'. And while winter is mainly dominated by jumpers, puffer coats and boots, spring is a time for dusting off the denim and giving it a fresh outing with the weather being slightly warmer.
With the high street shops teeming with denim looks that Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake circa 2001 (you know the look) would be racing to buy, our team of fashion experts have shared some of their favourite, go-to denim styles from the likes of River Island, Monsoon and Marks & Spencer, and why they'll be getting good use out of them as we welcome in the spring and summer season.
READ MORE: I found a ‘flattering’ River Island dress almost identical to last year’s sell-out M&S outfit
READ MORE: New Look rivals M&S with ‘elegant’ £25 bag and shoppers are all saying the same thing
Save £135 on this luxury Hugo Boss robe that's now less than £35!
Tiffany loves...
River Island's Black High Waisted Wide Leg Jeans - £48
Wide leg jeans and trainers are perfect for a long day strollSkinny jeans are always my go-to denim no matter what, but this year I'm seeing more wide leg and straight leg versions on social media. So I decided to try out a pair of high waisted wide leg jeans from River Island.
I played it safe and picked a black one for a flattering visual effect. Despite the relaxed classic five-pocket fit is made with rigid denim, they claimed to provide "all-day comfort" and I was impressed. I love wearing this with my New Balance trainers and the trousers legs sit perfectly just above the sole without touching the floor.
Unlike other brands that I've tried, this wide leg jeans didn't crease up too much around the bottom and you have the option to choose between "regular" and "short" in terms of lengths.
With this jeans, you can throw on a plain top and a bright-coloured half zip sweater or cardigan for a weekend stroll in the city. Or you can pull an optical illusion and style it with a cropped top for waist-cinching, hourglass effect.
Uniqlo Black Ultra Stretch Leggings - £24.99
The figure-hugging jeggings are so comfortable and they go well with any styleJean leggings, or jeggings as I call them, have become my wardrobe staple when I discovered how stretchy and comfortable they are. It has the denim look but it gives you the capability to move around in all possible way.
What I love about the Uniqlo pair is the fit and as I mentioned above, skinny jeans is my go-to but when I am on my uncomfortable days of the month, the jeggings are my fashion saviour.
I was still able to put on a smart office look without sacrificing comfort without feeling any restraint on my stomach, yet it looks like an ordinary pair of skinny jeans.
You also don't have to worry about fabric thinning. I've been wearing mine for a year and they are still as good as new.
Eve loves...
River Island's White High Waisted Stripe Loose Jeans - £50
These jeans have become one of Eve's go-to trousers and will be worn in winter, spring, summer and autumn (Eve Rowlands)
Perfect with a vest top or a knit and woolly hat (Eve Rowlands)I'm not exaggerating when I say that, since getting these gorgeous jeans shortly after spotting Frankie Bridge wearing them a few weeks ago, I have worn them practically every other day. Despite their bold and 'out there' white and navy pinstripe design, they have fast become my go-to jean because they are super comfortable, soft as well as looking stylish - something that's crucial in a pair of jeans.
While they are described as being 'high waisted', they sit more mid-rise, which isn't a bad thing, because where they do sit fits perfectly and doesn't dig into my side when sitting down (making me feel like I need to breathe in to look or feel normal). The wide leg, which is a massive trend this year and one I'm very pleased about, is so flattering thanks to its slight pleats near the waistband, especially when wearing a tighter top because they accentuate your waistline (and behind) making a curved silhouette. It's a great fit for the women.
Aldi's bestselling and 'affordable' fitness equipment event starts today!
The length is a smidge long, even for me and I'm 5'6, but that hasn't stopped me wearing them and is a good excuse to wear my higher shoes, like these Adidas Original Gazelles in pink and green. And if I want a more flat shoe, there's nothing stopping me rolling up the bottom of the jeans.
Although the pinstripe style somewhat limits what to wear with the jeans, I love how they seem to jazz up an otherwise boring monochromatic or neutral outfit and they work perfect with bright pops of colour for a bit of a statement. Plus, they pair amazingly with a matching waistcoat if you've got a fancy event to attend in the summer (maybe not a wedding.. you know...)
River Island's Stove Straight blue and ripped black Jeans - £45
Waist fits perfectly (Eve Rowlands)
These jeans just look cool... (Eve Rowlands)I'm not a skinny jeans girlie. The style you will find the most in my wardrobe is straight leg jeans (or, as above, wide ones), two of which are from River Island in a lovely deep blue hue and the other in black with a ripped knee (as a proud millenial, I love that this trend has returned for 2024).
The reason I love these particular style jeans is because they are flattering without being too tight but still shapely enough to show off your figure. The material, in both pairs, is super soft making them a breeze to slide into (thanks to the 100% cotton) and both sit perfectly on my high waistline. As someone with more muscular (thank you gymnastics) - or shall we say voluptuous - calves and thighs, I rate this fit for gliding straight over those areas with no tug. I usually have issues with skinny or even mom jeans because my calves feel like they're being suffocated. But not with these.
The ripped knees in the black pair are really edgy and work perfectly if you're going for a more grungey look while the blue ones have frayed hems that add another dimension to the otherwise plain design.
What's great is that over time, both of these jeans haven't lost their shape nor do they look baggy. They're just right.
Monsoon's Ruby Wide Leg Jeans - £65
Eve has been living in these wide-leg jeans because they are so comfortable and flattering (Eve Rowlands)When looking for a pair of jeans, it's often the case that you'll find a style you love and a shade of blue that's perfect too, but when you go to try on what you think is your size, the jeans are... off. Either the waist is too big and the legs just right or the reverse. So when I tried on these new jeans from Monsoon, I honestly did a little gasp. It was like a Cinderella slipper moment but for denim - the waist was perfect, fitted - and flattered - my lower abdomen lovely (without leaving me short of breath) and my thighs did not feel constricted and immobile. I honestly believe I have found the jeans for my curvy girls out there.
They live up to their description of a "comfort dream" thanks to their make up consisting of 99% cotton and 1% elastane. They're even comfortable to sit down in for hours and don't make you feel like you need to unbutton your jeans after a big meal (tried and tested). Their lovely dark blue colourway, too, is classy as well as a classic tone and gives a sort of 90s vibe - which I love.
Because the waist is fitted, I like wearing these jeans with a baggy shirt tucked in or tag-teaming with double-denim with a denim jacket - a la Debbie Harry. But in the summer, I can see my go-to being a tank top and my trusty Birkenstocks or Doctor Marten sandals.
Monsoon's Harper denim jumpsuit blue - £85
Eve loves how versatile this jumpsuit is (Eve Rowlands)
It can easily be dressed up or down (Eve Rowlands)There's something about wearing a jumpsuit that makes me feel powerful but also quite playful and creative. Giving off a chic '70s' vibe, all-in-one jumpsuits are just cool. But a denim jumpsuit? Even better. And one that's soft, supple, comfortable, breathable, light, flattering, versatile and flattering.... better still.
As soon as I put on this Harper Jumpsuit from Monsoon, I was instantly in love. Firstly the design is impeccable and it's a beautiful piece in my wardrobe. But secondly, when I stepped into it and fastened it, it wasn't so tight that my arms or legs couldn't move (I've been there) but was fitted enough to give your figure a lovely silhouette with its belted tie. It's a unique statement piece that can easily be dressed up with heels or down with trainers.
The collar is slightly stiff, making it a great feature to utilise if wearing a jumper over the top to keep warm (as pictured), that continues the look smoothly. It's fastened with a gorgeous set of subtle brown and beige buttons that contrast the deep indigo colouring of the jumpsuit wonderfully too. Another feature I love on this jumpsuit is the gold yellow stitching on the edges, which add a sophistication and artiness to the garment. The legs are wide making moving about in the jumpsuit a breeze and getting in and out if it easy as pie.
All in all, if I'm not wearing my Ruby or River Island jeans, you'll find me in this jumpsuit, day or night.
Bethan loves...
- £65
I’ve been making a conscious effort to be a little more adventurous with my wardrobe of late, and have been trying to avoid my go-to black straight leg jeans that have dominated my style for the last decade, and lean more into blue hues and different denim cuts, like midi skirts, blouses and, of course, the .
Popularised in the 70s, the denim jumpsuit has remained a key statement fashion piece throughout the decades, and will remain that way for decades to come. I’ve tried a number of styles over the years but none of them have really flattered me until I came acrossand fell in love.
The River Island denim jumpsuit features a zip front and adjustable waistMade from 100 per cent cotton, it feels when on, which means you can wear it through the summer months too, especially for those cooler evenings. What’s more is that it’s a making it really convenient for throwing on for effortless styling, and doesn’t require any fuss if you need to go to the loo.
Moreover, the makes it really comfortable to wear, and there are poppers at the waist so you can extend the waist if you’re feeling bloated, or are a little between sizes, or can pull it in to cinch the waist slightly, offering a more fitted look.
It’s got deep, zip pockets at the thighs, though I will say it does ruin the look if you stuff your phone, keys and lipstick in them, so it’s best to leave them empty and take a bag instead.
I’ve had a lot of fun experimenting with different ways to wear it, and have found my to be the ultimate layering piece for this denim number, but equally, it’s one of those - you really can just throw on some and go.
Bethan loves...
- £35
Part of their core denim collection that’s available year-round, the were named our .
Online, there are six shades to choose from, including grey, off-white and a range of blues, alongside a classic black jean. What I most like about the black in particular, is that it’s a dark black rather than that kind of grey/washed colour you often find with denim.
I found my usual size to button up fairly easily, and as they’re made of a responsibly sourced cotton that creates an authentic stretch denim, meaning that they will stretch as you wear them - however, you could size up for that extra room, if you wanted to.
Marks and Spencer's £35 wide leg jeans are my top pick from the high streetThe and appeared to give me something of a ‘bum lift’ making my behind look better than it ever has. The material was soft to touch and they were incredibly comfortable to wear. I really liked how they hug the hips in a figure-flattering way before they widen, giving a really stylish silhouette that can be paired with a range of shoes including boots and trainers.
For me, they’re the perfect balance of affordability, quality and fit, ticking all of the boxes on what a great pair of jeans should be. You can buy the
The Modern Muse mom jeans paired with an off the shoulder knitted topA flattering pair of jeans are the ultimate wardrobe staple, and these are a real dream. True to size and comfortable to wear, the is far superior to skinny, while still working really well with boots. The nods to the 90s style resurgence in a way that’s completely timeless.
At they’re more affordable than , and offer endless styling possibilities. As we all know, jeans and a nice top are the unofficial uniform of casual occasions, but this is such an elevated alternative.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
