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'They work with everything': The 5 jean styles and one denim colour to know this autumn – from £21
Dark indigo is the smartest wash of the season. Pick the silhouette that suits you, then let this timeless shade do the hard work.
As we introduce our denim coverage for autumn, one thing has become abundantly clear: there really is a jean for every body shape, style, personality and way of dressing.
Which is brilliant, of course, but it does make answering the question I'm asked most as a style director rather more complicated. "What jeans are in fashion now?"
A couple of years ago, the answer was easy: barrel legs. Today, it's more nuanced than that. The barrel has become so firmly embedded in our wardrobes that it's no longer a trend; it's simply the most-worn style, and one that's endlessly useful and flattering.
There is, however, one piece of denim fashion intel I do want to share, and it's this: if you're buying one new pair of jeans this autumn, make them dark indigo, the magic colour of the denim spectrum because they work whether they are worn smart, or casual.
Clean and unfaded, dark indigo denim has a polish that lighter washes simply can't match and is often more sustainably made thanks to its simpler finishing process. Dark indigo denim works with tailoring and the sleeker new loafers around now, as happily as it does with trainers and a sweatshirt. They also look sleek and elegant with the new Henley knits that are popping up everywhere, silk blouses, crisp shirts, collared rugby shirts and car coats.
It's smart enough for dinner, casual enough for the weekend and somehow manages to make every outfit look more intentional, no matter what it is. Which is miracle in itself.
I know all this because I've been road testing a pair for three weeks. Mine are the Umbra from COS (£65); I've worn them so often I forced myself to take a break from them. But I can say they're the most useful piece in my wardrobe for autumn, hands down.
Now, you've chosen your denim colour, simply choose the shape that suits you best from this edit. Whether that's M&S's slim cigarette or carrot shaped jean, H&M's relaxed wide leg, the softly tapered shape I adore from COS, or a straight leg from John Lewis, these are the silhouettes that feel right now, and will continue to do so into the year ahead.
The Denim Shapes of Now - in Indigo Denim
Wide leg, slightly bootcut and sit high on the waist. Choose these if you like a roomy jean that gives you shape, and allows you to style them with ankle boots, sneakerinas or loafers.
I own these jeans, and in the three weeks I have been wearing them they have proved their worth again and again.
The denim is excellent quality cotton, the cut is flattering, and the finish is sturdy and hard-wearing.
The fit of these jeans is loose through the leg, fitted at the waist, and the tapered cut is slimming and flattering at the ankle.
I've worn mine with with a silk shirt and blazer, a t-shirt and sneakers, and a cosy knit and ballet pumps. Highly recommend.
For something a little more fashion and work appropriate than the Cos tapered pair M&S carrot cut indigo jeans are your first choice. Cut high on the waist, and with a leg-lengthening seams, they come in five leg lengths so you can find your fit.
John Lewis straight relaxed jean is a smart jean winner. A classic five pocket style jean at first glance, on closer inspection they have a wide cut leg - but not too wide - so they can suit curves, and still create the impression of slimness when worn.
If you like your smart jeans to be form-fitting, elongating and chic you can't go wrong with a cigarette jeans. No matter whether you are a size 8 or an 18, these jeans look polished and put together and look great with a classic which shirt and loafers and ballet pumps for an easy sleek autumn style.
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