Goldsign Jean Jeanie for J crew
Shopping for jeans has never been one of my favourite things – all that weird sizing, hot changing rooms and uninterested shop assistants. But as I’ve got older it’s become positively painful. I’m not one for fashionable cuts or the latest “it” brands when it comes to denim – I’ll leave that to the yummy mummies – and I’ve yet to find a high street shop that understands that some of us simply don’t want the latest super skinny/low rise/ distressed/high waisted/snow washed styles.
The boyfriend jean is this season latest “thing” and for once they actually look quite flattering, easy to wear and a lot less gimmicky than some of the other styles on offer.
Not too low in the crotch and nicely fitted across the hips, they are slim fitting but not skinny and softly taper into a flattering, cropped, narrow ankle. They look best turned up to just above the ankle, with a denim shirt or cashmere knit (tucked in – this is key) and mid height or flat pointy shoes, or maybe a pair of block heels (like girl crush Jenna Lyons). Boyfriend jeans say “look I’m wearing fashionable jeans in a contemporary way, but I am grown up and not trying too hard.”
My favourites are from J Crew (obvs) – the Goldsign Jean Jeanie (above) are £251 and the Vintage straight Jeans (below) are £108.
J Crew – Vintage straight Jean
I also like the Whistles Libby True Boyfriend jean for £85 and the Alice Slim Boyfriend Jean also £85.
Whistles – Libby True Boyfriend and Alice Slim Boyfriend
I’ve heard great things about the Current and Elliot, Rolled skinny Boyfriend Jeans in Bleeker, I haven’t actually seen them, but they might be worth checking out! Alternatively if you don’t want to spend £220 H&M have a perfectly acceptable pair for £19.99 (ignore the hideous shoes in the picture!).
Current & Elliot and H&M
If I am really honest I am probably a bit of a jeans snob and after much hunting for the perfect pair, I ended up buying some dark, unwashed Japanese denim in a (non boyfriend) basic shape from APC.
I’m also hankering after a pair of the selvedge denim, slim fits from (ex founders of Howies) Hiut. They take six weeks to arrive as they are made in Cardigan Bay in a factory with only six employees. Their motto is “Do one thing well” and they are expensive at £230, but I figure they will last for ever and surely that’s better than buying a new style every month?
Hiut and APC
The JCrew vintage wash are lovely but I baulk at even £108 for jeans.Gap do a boyfriend jean in vintage wash that I repeat buy at 1/3 of the price.For me they are perfectly ok.I agree about the horror of buying jeans and am very happy to make do with just the one pair.My body doesn’t suit jeans (or trousers much) and life is a lot easier now I’ve accepted this.Also I do really love the idea of the ones made to order in Wales.
I agree Sue – £100+ is ridiculous for jeans – but maybe ok if they are made in wales? I will check out the Gap ones. Thanks J x
The Huit ones also have a lovely history label in them so you can track their origins, definitely worth a bit more for that! http://www.thewomensroomblog.com/2012/04/30/the-history-tag-at-hiut-denim-co-the-story-of-clothes/ A
Thanks for another great piece of advise, I’m off the the US soon so will definitely check these out at J Crew (a must-stop anyway)!
I bought the M&S denim skirt you recommended a couple of years ago. Loved it, however must have left it behind on holiday somewhere as it’s missing so I now need a replacement. I haven’t seen anything similar so hope that you might have?
I felt the same about buying jeans until I found the Donna Ida shop (and no, I don’t work for them). Loads of jeans and not only the “must have” trendy brands, great service and knowledge of what brands/sizes would fit me. I found a few new (to me at least) brands and found it a bliss to buy jeans that fitted me without having spend hours in the fitting room. I can highly recommend shopping there!
Here I am Amanda as promised…..signing up! Saw the post about jeans…I’ve just found Salsa Jeans, recommended by the lovely personal shopping lady in house of Fraser …fit beautifully, look great…fantastic for tall people (me) …not cheap but, if you work out a price per wearing day…you get.great value for money!
Janie! welcome! Just looked Salsa jeans up, good choice. Did you sign up for the newsletter? top right hand corner of homepage? xx
Sigh…buying jeans make me reach for a pint of Amanda’s flavoured gin (great recipes!). I found NYDJ – not your daughter’s jeans – stupid name, and they made the most flattering jeans for the middle-aged bod. Might look up the Welsh jeans, I’m such a sucker for bespoke/personalised stuff.
I tried the J Crew boyfriend jeans on in New York and didn’t buy – even with the exchange rate, nearly $300 is too expensive for a pair of jean I’ll probably wear this summer and then never again. Might check out Whistles pair.
Yes know what you mean – Gap or Uniglo it is then! J x