5 DENIM STYLES

THE JEANS TO BUY NOW

1. Boyfriend jeans

Typified by a true straight leg, loose fit, and often rolled cuffs, the boyfriend jean is the antithesis of the skinny jean. "About 18 months ago I noticed I was actually wearing my boyfriend jeans more than my skinnies," says Harriet Walker, Deputy Fashion Editor atThe Times. "I wanted a pair that were smarter, less worn-in and cropped, and got really into M.i.h's "Phoebe" style." Donna Ida Thornton, Founder of denim boutique Donna Ida, sees them as a year-round classic. "Current/Elliott makes the best boyfriend jeans with mid-weight denim, which is designed to wash and wear for years to come," she say.How to style them? Stay casual and opt for a classic T-shirt or mannish grey cashmere sweater. For evening, pair with a tuxedo jacket and shiny loafers or heels.

2. Deconstructed vintage

 

The new wave of denim has seen something quite remarkable the creation of a 'cult' jean. When Vêtements decided to take two pairs of vintage Levi's, deconstruct them and sew them back together to form unique quirks like double-back pockets and uneven hems, it produced a phenomenon. Parisian street-style muse Camille Charrière was wooed by their charms and bought a pair when they first hit stores. "Vêtements brought back a classic shape–that old-school Mom style–but with a real edge, which makes it feel so current. Jeans can feel off-duty, but when I wear these I feel like I'm still high-fashion." Though she experienced some initial buyer's remorse, the cost-per-wear has made them worth it. "There is something to be said about the shape–they give an arc to your legs that you'd never find with a pair of basic jeans." LA-based Re/Donehas a similar approach, taking vintage Levi's apart at the seams and repurposing the fabric to create one-of-a-kind jeans that are made all the better by the worn denim. Meanwhile, Frame has created its very own sell-out version of the trend, the Le Mix style. If you want a gentler introduction, seek out Mother's Insider Crop Step Fray, a great middle ground between a skinny and a deconstructed style.

How to style them? The jeans make the statement, so don't over-think the rest of your look. Keep the top half of your outfit fairly relaxed. A tee or hoodie works.

3. Mom jeans

Characterised by its high waist, tapered leg, ankle crop, and thick denim, the Mom jean borrows from the trends of the '80s and '90s. "I always have a pair of men's Levi's 501s on the go, in high-waisted indigo selvedge," says Harriet Walker. "I've been wearing them with a black Petit Bateau long-sleeved bodysuit in homage to the Nineties supermodels."How to style them? Embrace the '80s feel and wear a polo neck top or a crisp white shirt (but keep it tucked in) to show off the high waist of the jeans.

4. Cropped kick-flare

This new denim style takes the snugness of skinny jeans in the upper leg but has a '90s boot-cut flare or a '70s bell-bottom, cropped to an ankle-hovering length. The Frugalityblogger Alexandra Stedman is currently in love with M.i.h's 'Lou' style ("They're a real mid-blue, so really '70s), while Caroline Issa, Fashion Director of TANK Magazine is favoringJ Brand's 'Selena' cut in white. "I pair them with a white T-shirt or a simple blouse," she says.

How to style them? The emphasis here is on the ankle, so style this jean with a high-heeled patent boot or a trophy shoe. Keep it neat up top with a short jacket.

 5. Customized

The ultimate in statement denim is the return to customization," says Lisa Aiken, Net-a-Porter's Fashion Director. "It plays into the maximalist mood that is dominating right now." Gucci has led the charge with colorful fauna-themed embroidery all over its various jean styles, while Levi's now offers personalization options where you can add pins, studs, patches, monogramming, embroidery, or custom distressing. Similarly, Topshop has made a pop-up customization service with Hand & Lock a permanent concession in its Oxford Circus flagship store, due to its unprecedented popularity.

How to style them? Like the deconstructed style, the jeans are doing all the hard work here. So make the rest of the outfit simple: a crisp men's button down and trainers.