Jeans
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So we all know that jean shopping is a minefield. We all want that perfect pair that makes us feel amazing, but actually finding a pair just feels so hard. Too short, too tight, too loose at the waist. Different sizing in every shop. How many of us have gone shopping and just felt so frustrated at not being able to find either the perfect pair or sometimes just a pair that works for you!
Larissa said this in a post a while ago “I went jeans shopping today. And today is the first time I've ever gone jeans shopping and came away happy and uplifted. I tried on 10 pairs of jeans. 9 of those 10 were ill-fitting. But when I popped them on, I didn't feel self-loathing - not even a little bit! I knew the jeans were not the right shape for my body, not the other way around. And I felt absolute joy and certainty when I tried these jeans on and realised they had a little (usable) in-built cinching system at the back so I could get the perfect fit for my body!
They are a tad on the long side, but look fine with chunky shoes. And that's the style now, right?
The JD subscription is worth it for the way I felt jean shopping today alone.”
The moral, it’s hard for us all, jean shopping sucks, but a pair is out there waiting for you!
Anyways let’s make it easier.
Start with Colour
Denim is generally considered a neutral, which means it mixes and matches easily with most wardrobes. Still, the shade of denim you choose can make a difference, both in how it looks with your wardrobe and how it makes you feel.
While the colour on your lower half matters less than what you wear near your face, it still helps to choose a shade that complements and works with the rest of your colour season.
Here’s a quick guide:
Summer: Cool, light, and muted – think soft, pale washes that blend beautifully with lighter tones.
Spring: Warm, bright, and light – mid-wash or soft blue denims that feel fresh and cheerful.
Autumn: Warm, rich, and deep – darker, earthy indigos or even brown-tinted denim look great.
Winter: Cool, deep, and strong – dark indigo or black denim reflects the depth and contrast of your palette.
But I am also here to say this is a rule that can be broken, and I think a mid tone jean works great with everyone!
Personally, as a Winter, I gravitate toward darker, high-contrast denim. And as a triangle, I tend to avoid light-wash jeans because they draw attention to my legs in a way I don’t love. This is a good reminder: colour is as much about how it makes you feel as how it looks on you.
Casual or Polished?
This isn’t something I think about too much but it is a factor when thinking about jeans, lighter denim almost always feels more casual, perfect for weekends or laid-back days, and definitely reads warmer weather.
Whilst darker denim, on the other hand, instantly reads more refined and dressy. If you want jeans you can wear to work or dress up for dinner, go dark.
Details to Look Out For
When it comes to jeans, it’s often the small details that make them feel current, or instantly dated. A few years ago, ripped denim was everywhere, but now it tends to look “a few seasons ago.” Shops still sell it (they always do), but just because it’s on the rail doesn’t mean it’s on trend. The same goes for turn-ups: this year they’re back, but rewind a bit and they would’ve felt out of place.
We’re also seeing more embellishment this season, think patterned denim (Svenja’s leopard-print jeans are a perfect example), studs, diamantés, embroidery, and textured finishes. Jeans have definitely gone a bit bolder again.
This is not to say, not to buy the on trend jeans, but if you're looking for a basic pair that will work with everything and for a while, focus on classic details instead. Clean hems, minimal distressing, and simple hardware will always look timeless. Once you’ve found that perfect “go-with-everything” pair, then it’s the perfect time to experiment with something more trend-driven.
Use your styling, a statement shoe, bold knit, or colourful top, to make even your simplest jeans feel fresh and modern without relying on fleeting trends.
The Styles You Need to Know
Now, let’s talk about what’s trending. The good news? Jeans have really moved on from that period where only one type of jean is on trend (yes i’m talking about skinny jeans!) Now there is a choice for everyone!
1. Straight-Leg Jeans
The forever classic. Straight-legs skim the body, balancing hips and flattering most shapes. They’re easy to style and work with any shoe, trainers, loafers, or ankle boots.
2. Wide-Leg Jeans
These are really on trend now and brilliant for comfort. They elongate the leg and create a polished silhouette. If you’re curvy on the bottom, keep your top tucked or cropped to highlight your waist.
3. Barrel or Balloon Jeans
Slightly rounded through the leg, these are modern and fashion-forward, you will have seen these everywhere - and personally I think these are great for triangles who want some space in the legs of their jeans.
4. Flared and Bootcut Jeans
A classic comeback. They are not as extreme as past fashions and the gentle flare elongates the legs and balances out curves.
5. Relaxed and Boyfriend Jeans
Easy, comfortable, and casual. The trick is keeping proportions right, pair with something fitted or structured up top.
How to Choose Your Perfect Pair
Fit over trend. Start with what flatters your body shape, trends can come second. The best jeans are the ones that make you feel confident every time you wear them.
Try multiple rises. Mid-rise is still an option, even though high-rise dominates (and I often talk about those). Sometimes a mid-rise simply fits better, especially if you have a shorter torso. Don’t rule them out too quickly; they can be incredibly comfortable and fit better.
Invest in fabric. Good denim holds its shape and doesn’t bag out by lunchtime. Look for jeans with a little elastane (around 1–2%) enough stretch to move comfortably, but not so much that they lose their structure.
Think about footwear. If you live in trainers, check that the hem length works with them ideally hitting around the ankle bone. When you’re trying jeans on, take the shoes you’ll actually wear most often. And sometimes, you just have to accept that you might need two pairs, one for trainers and one for boots.
Consider second-hand carefully. We all love a Vinted bargain, but remember how your own jeans soften and stretch after plenty of wear. That’s exactly what you’re buying second-hand. Check photos and descriptions carefully, and go for listings that show minimal wear or firm-looking fabric.
Look for curve ranges. Brands like M&S, Abercrombie, Next, and River Island offer curve or petite ranges, these can make a huge difference to fit, especially around the waist and hips.
Measure yourself. Knowing your measurements before you shop is genuinely game-changing. Compare them to the brand’s size chart (especially the waist and inseam) rather than guessing based on your usual size, every brand measures differently.
and most importantly Don’t settle. Jeans are an everyday basic, but the right pair should make you feel amazing not just “fine.” I also (and don’t
JDer’s recommend
Here are some jeans I personally recommend (I have quite a few of these) and a few that come highly rated from our Joyfully Dressed community:
Most of these come in multiple shades and tones
Oh and a few more thing - Keep track of what works. If you find a pair you absolutely love, make a note of the brand, style name, and size. Denim ranges change constantly, but brands often re-release bestselling fits under the same name. Having that info saved makes it so much easier to rebuy later, or search second-hand for the exact same pair.
Jeans come in and out of stock really quickly so set yourself an alert if your size isn’t available.
Whew that was a lot of information, hope that was helpful! If you have found a pair of jeans that work for you, come and share them in the comments and i’ll add them to this Joydrop - if you pop your body shape, height etc, that really helps as well (or even better a picture.)
Also remember sometimes a new style of jeans does feel weird, and it can take a while to get used to how they look on your body. Make sure you give them a go though and you might be pleasantly surprised.