Ah, denim. While every wardrobe should have a good pair of jeans that go with everything, it can also be one of the most difficult staples to get right. With a myriad of brands, styles, washes and, most importantly, fits on the market, finding the one can prove a challenging journey. At Who What Wear, we're committed to bringing you the best buys possible, and trying on jeans has become our forte, so when it comes to finding the right pair of jeans for you, allow me to reassure you they do exist, whether you're curvy and struggle to find jeans that eliminate the dreaded "gap" (try Good American, E.L.V. and Simply Be) or you're petite and need a good cropped pair that actually fits (Re/Done and Grlfrnd should top your list). Once you've got the denim, the only thing left to consider is what to wear with it.
Whenever I'm in need of fresh outfit inspiration, there are a few places I always look, but one that never fails is the street style and posts of some of London's best dressed. Always effortlessly cool but with firsthand understanding of the UK's fluctuating weather, London women manage to toe the line between putting their own spin on timeless classics and setting new, unexpected trends, so where better to look to breathe new life into the humble pair of jeans than the streets of the capital?
From Burnt Oak to Brixton, the trend du jour is the looser, straight-leg style for a menswear-inspired look (sorry, skinnies), and thanks to Instagram, I've found some particularly good ways to wear it. Whether you're a denim devotee or a new convert, there's an outfit for you, so next time you're standing in front of the wardrobe with "nothing to wear," keep scrolling for five ways to wear jeans this winter that will always look cool (and cut your getting-ready time in half).
1. JEANS + A LEATHER BLAZER
Style Notes: Thanks to the blazer, we’ve got a sharp tailored jacket that we can wear all year round, and once you’ve packed away the cotton blazer you wore with dresses all summer, it’s time for the leather blazer to come into its own. It's slick, sharp and always cool. Add a little polish to casual denim with a glossy blazer and office-ready accessories.
Arket doesn't just specialise in exceptional wool blazers. There are great leather ones too.
A slouchy, fluffy knit to wear over dresses, with skirts, tucked into jeans, with miniskirts…
Easily the coolest jeans on the high street.
Whether you've got designer taste or a high-street budget, you'll love these elegant slingbacks.
2. JEANS + A MAXI TAILORED COAT
Style Notes: If you love it, supersize it, and there’s no better example than the tailored coat. This boxy, structured coat is the definition of power dressing and gives an ordinary pair of jeans a masculine edge. Stuck on shoes? A chunky pair of Chelsea boots is always a good idea.
I cannot recommend the cut of this coat enough, especially when it comes in three perfect colours.
Looking for affordable cashmere? Marks and Spencer is the one place that we go to without fail.
The perfect example of the relaxed-fit, straight-leg jeans that are currently trending.
The original chunky, minimalist boot that kick-started a trend (and one or two designer dupes).
3. DOUBLE DENIM
Style Notes: Love it or hate it, double denim is still on the mood boards of some of London’s coolest alongside Western-inspired cowboy boots, studs and suede. Layer it up ready for the cold snap by wearing over a turtleneck and under a thick, shearling coat.
The deep indigo wash and contrast stitch make this jacket feel expensive.
Wide-leg, cropped and a stretchy fit. There's a lot to love about these jeans.
Not all jumpers are created equal, and this ultra-fine merino knit is just the right thickness for clever layering and keeping you warm.
Couldn't get on board with the chunky-soled, hardware-sporting boots of the runways? Try an equally cool clog instead.
4. JEANS + A JACKET + HEELED ANKLE BOOTS
Style Notes: There's a reason "jeans and a nice top" has been a reliable evening outfit formula for so long, and it goes to prove that even denim can be dressed up into something special. To elevate a casual, everyday look, swap out chunky boots for heeled ankle boots, and you've got an easy outfit that works from desk to dinner.
It's officially shearling season, and this jacket would make a sensible investment.
When we say jeans and a nice top, this is what we mean.
Something about a dark, inky, indigo wash feels right for evening wear.
I've had these on my wish list since they first landed, and if you struggle to find shoes for larger feet, they go all the way up to a UK13.
5. JEANS + A TEDDY COAT
Style Notes: When it's cold outside, reach for a fluffy, longline teddy coat. It's the easiest way to wrap up and look good. The camel teddy coat is a classic thanks to Max Mara, but with so many options available on the high street and beyond, seasonal colours like terra cotta, khaki green and deep navy are gaining popularity along with fresh winter white. The good news is just about every style goes with versatile denim.
Coats don't come cosier, or cuter, than this.
If you're still Breton obsessed, you aren't alone. And this turtleneck take on the striped knit is destined to be a best seller.
Ask any denim connoisseur, and Agolde will always be on their list.
Simple sock boots that will instantly improve any outfit.
6. JEANS + A CHUNKY KNIT + LOAFERS
Style Notes: An oldie but a goodie. The chunky knit, jeans and loafer combination is as much of a classic as the shoes alone and is the refined uniform of minimalist dressers all over the city. You can't go wrong with this cosy, practical and polished look. Just be sure to invest in premium-quality pieces that you'll be able wear time and again, year in, year out.
Along with white T-shirts, leather trousers and little black dresses, cream cable-knits never go out of style.
As it turns out, & Other Stories's Favourite jeans tick all the boxes for shape, colour and price. A favourite indeed.
Chunky but not too heavy. Embellished but not too distracting. Understated but not boring. These just might be the perfect loafers.
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