Spree vs Steal: The Jeans Special

If there’s one thing I know about, it’s jeans. I struggle to wear anything else most days. In fact, I have to push myself to wear trousers or, God forbid, a dress or a skirt. That said, I will try to do some dresses and skirts on here soon as I know there are spring things afoot for a lot of you that need something not made from denim. For today, though, we are looking at jeans, specifically designer jeans and their high street alternatives. I have most of these (told you I love jeans) so I can talk you through all the details you need to make an informed choice.

In my experience, the main difference between designer and high street jeans (apart from the price) is the quality of the denim and the fit. That’s not to say all high street denim is shoddy and unflattering, it’s just that the more expensive pair will inevitably last longer, and (let’s be honest here) make your bum look better. I know we aren’t in a ‘rear of the year’ competition – I think those died out in the early 2000s and, besides, didn’t Carol Vorderman and Anthea Turner just sweep the boards anyway – but when our jeans fit well, we feel more confident and that’s always a good start.

BARREL LEG JEANS

Let’s look at two pairs of what I refer to as ‘entry level’ barrel jeans. That is, they are more subtle than some pairs and won’t make you look like you’ve just got off a horse. The Citizens of Humanity Miro jeans are slightly cropped (on me at 5ft 7in) and have a slight bend in them. They are also a reasonably slim fit and look great with loafers. Size down one size in them. The Abercrombie barrel jeans are a bit wider at the bottom and also cropped (they come in three lengths; I have the regular). Take your usual waist size in those.

HIGH WAIST WIDE LEG JEANS

I won’t apologise for having two pairs of Citizens of Humanity jeans in the designer section today; for me, they make THE best denim. They also charge a high price for it, unfortunately, but the fit is *chef’s kiss* always. The CoH Ayla jeans are a wide leg with a high waist and you can wear them cuffed (the cuff magically stays up, too) or full length depending on what shoes you are wearing with them. Size down on these. I’m usually a waist 28 but take a 27. A great high street alternative for this style are these from Zara. Amazingly, they are true to size: I got a 10 and they fit like a dream. A perfect everyday pair.

BALLOON LEG JEANS

If you hanker after the skater boy look even though you’re actually a skater boy mother these days, then the balloon style could be the one for you. They’re high waisted and wide across the hips and legs but tapered at the bottom, and look great with a casual sweatshirt and trainers. I don’t have this exact pair from Essentiel Antwerp, but I have a very similar pair from there that I got last year and they definitely come up big, so go down one size. These Zara jeans are true to size. I’d say maybe not good for you if you’re apple shaped, but if you’re more pear shaped with bigger hips and a smaller waist, they would work a treat.

CROPPED TAPERED JEANS

Both of these pairs of jeans are great if you want to show off your shoes as they hit just above the ankle. Also good if you are of shorter stature, and both would work if you cuffed them too. The ME+EM pair are darker at the back which is an interesting feature and they fit true to size. The COS Arch jeans are a lovely fit, slightly tapered at the bottom. True to size, but if you’re teetering on the edge of being between sizes, I’d say go up a size as they’re a neat fit.

REGULAR WIDE LEG JEANS

If you like a wide leg but you don’t want your jeans too high waisted, then these two pairs are for you. The Agolde ones are a lovely thick, yet soft denim and I’d say size down one size. The Uniqlo ones are true to size and come in three different lengths. I have them in length 31in and I usually wear them cuffed twice. I have added a collection of jeans to my LTK page here so you can see how some of these fit on me.

SLIM LEG JEANS

I’m not quite ready to get back into skinnies and, besides, I think I gave all mine to the charity shop, but I did keep a pair of slim-leg jeans as they’re a much better alternative if you don’t fancy loose denim. The ones I kept are by Frame and I think they’re called Sylvie. They don’t seem to make that exact style anymore, but these look very similar. They have a good stretch to them and, if the fit is the same, I’d say go for your usual size. An excellent high street alternative would be these Snow jeans from Arket. I haven’t tried them, I’m afraid, but I find Arket is often a bit big so it might be worth sizing down.

I hope this has been a useful post. I promise next week we will have a look at some things not made from denim.

Kate x

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