Jeans are arguably the most versatile and long-lasting item in any wardrobe. They come in endless shapes, sizes, styles—you name it! A wardrobe staple, they’re also adaptable enough to make you look and feel great at any given time. It’s equally easy to dress jeans up or down in order to make them the ideal ‘fit’ for any occasion.
Different Types of Jeans
Broadly speaking, there are four different types of jean.
- Skinny jeans have a slim fit all the way to the ankle, hugging the thighs and calves. There’s no tapering or flare in the leg area, and they offer an instant figure-complementing fit.
- Straight-leg jeans have a straight up-and-down cut through the entire trouser leg, from waist to hem. This style of jean can be baggy or tighter and more tailored. When it’s not a slim fit, a straight-leg jean is often referred to as a ‘boyfriend’ jean or ‘relaxed-fit’ jean. Straight-leg jeans are not tapered at the hem, which differentiates them from skinny jean styles.
- A boot-cut jean is traditionally defined as a jean that tapers at the knee and then loosens at the ankle so that a boot can be worn underneath the jean. They’re similar in style to a bell-bottomed/flared jean, where the jean leg becomes wider from the knee downward, forming a bell-like ‘flare’ shape of the trouser leg.
- Wide-leg jeans are really wide at the hem. Wide-leg jeans differ from flared jeans in that the entire length of the leg is large in circumference, whereas flare/bell-bottom/boot-cut jeans become wider below the knees.
How to Style Jeans Casually
For a timeless look, a soft, plain top or shirt in a premium fabric will give an air of relaxed chic—but don’t be afraid to modernise it with a cropped or cut-out option. This Lurdes Bergada 100% cotton top with an asymmetrical design and rib detailing looks great teamed with denim .
A classic striped top works all year round—wear on a boat over the summer for a nautical look or with boots in the city for a French feel. The casually cut Shirt Fadei in pure cotton sweat jersey has a boat neckline and long sleeves. It’s the ideal outfit partner for any and all relaxed, casual styles.
How To Style Jeans for the Office
Teaming your favourite jeans with the right pieces can create the perfect office-ready ensemble. When in doubt, blazer it out! A blazer is a fail-safe way to look put together. This classic, fitted short black blazer with revere collar, featuring triple button sleeve cuffs from
InWear is beautifully tailored and fully lined. It’s a really useful and fabulous coordinating piece for any wardrobe.
A longer
style of coat will also create a fittingly formal, smart look for client meetings and suchlike. You could opt for a trench coat or a luxurious wool coat like this
MaxMara Weekend Afide wool coat in camel. It’s tailored to create a double-breasted silhouette and is crafted from brushed virgin wool and framed with a buckled belt.
How to Style Jeans for Dinner
A puff sleeve, a shiny fabric, eyelet lace, bright hues and a flattering cut are all game-changers when it comes to a blouse. A good blouse will take your jeans from the office to dinner, happy hour or even a weekend shopping date. This silky soft viscose blouse from InWear is a relaxed fit, with a mandarin collar and fold-over detail, with a self covered button at the neckline where it gives a lovely soft draping effect. It looks fabulous when teamed with a smart pair of jeans.
A flared sailor-style jean always complements a feminine shirt or blouse, and slightly cropped jeans worn in the evening give you the opportunity to show off a great pair of boots or heels. This InWear silky satin, loose-fitting, straight-cut blouse with a dropped back shirttail hemline is also a great option for a dinner date. It has a shirt collar, double button sleeve cuffs and an inverted back pleat – it looks very classy.
How to Style Jeans for a Night Out
Biker jackets are a major trend this year, and faux leather/leather jackets are both timeless and stylish, and are easy additions to any wardrobe. They go with just about anything – especially denim.
This Marella Donata black leather jersey biker jacket features cool asymmetrical zip fastening, zipped pockets and cuffs. It looks tough and cool, but also very chic when teamed with a pair of skinny jeans and statement heels.
One of the best things about leather is that it adapts to every season. This Abito Gloria short faux leather jacket in blue is such a useful little summer jacket. This biker style piece is made of faux leather and is lined with a striking floral pattern. It has elbow-length sleeves and a front hook fastening.
Jeans at Brenda Muir Ladieswear
Regardless of your favourite style of jeans, there’s a way to make them look as relaxed or polished as you want.
Using simple style hacks like adding a blazer and heels or pairing a statement tee with a long cardigan, you can amp up or down any pair of denims.
Don’t be afraid to try something new and switch your style up – the possibilities are truly endless with great jeans, and the right pair will flatter anyone.
