Call Off The Search - We’ve Just Found The Most Perfect High Street Jeans
Image by: Marks & Spencer
With faultless fits, responsibly sourced cotton and washes in every colour, Marks & Spencer’s £19.50 jeans are the unlikely denim hero of the hour.
Let’s be honest, shopping for a new pair of jeans can be a nightmare. It requires hours of research, perseverance and some seriously forgiving changing room lighting if you’re to get the job done successfully. Everyone has their go-to brand for finding the most flattering yet comfortable fit for their body type, but even when you’ve found a killer style once there’s no guarantee the style will still exist next time you’re in the market for a new pair. Or, even worse, once you’ve found the holy grail, the brand tweaks the fabric or style in a way that they think you won’t notice (but your bum most definitely does). That’s why plenty of us often increase our budget to allow us to explore higher end options or dedicated denim brand, desperately pleading for them to take your money in exchange for a pair that doesn’t gap at the waist.
But what if we said you could save your money and find the best fitting jeans of your life? Well according to what my friend told me at a party last weekend, Marks & Spencer are making it entirely possible with the launch of their spring denim collection. Having hit Oxford Circus with the intention of dropping some serious cash on some designer denim, she’d all but given up. This was partly due to the monstrously slow walking traffic, but also because paying out doesn’t always result in better denim. Instead, she popped into M&S on a whim, and 20 minutes later she came out armed with 3 pairs - the Ivy Skinny, the Lily Slim Leg and some relaxed ankle grazers - for under £60. Yep, you heard that right - 3 pairs of perfectly fitting jeans, priced at £19.50 each.
Naturally, I had to go check out the jeans for myself - and do you know what? I was impressed. As in, really impressed. Flattering fits (they stock all the classics alongside trending straight and wide legs), super-soft denim, a whole range of washes and some budget-friendly prices is the jeans-buying experience most of us could only dream of having. Their Sienna fit - a mid-rise, straight leg shape - immediately caught my eye for everyday wear. Plus, it earned some seriously brownie points for its use of responsibly-grown, kinder to the planet BCI cotton - also used in the Lily and Ivy.
But don’t take my word for it - see other highlights from the Marks & Spencer denim collection below and make your own call. But I have a sneaking suspicious your denim love affair starts here...
Marks & Spencer
M&S Collection Lily Slim Leg Jeans
£19.50
Whilst some of us will never be parted from our skinny jeans, others among us have moved towards the slim leg for a more relaxed feel. It's skinny enough to flatter your legs, but loose enough not to hug every lump and bump. After honing in on the fit - especially around the waist - M&S have now focused on the fabric. Less water has been used to produce this jean than conventional fabric dyeing, plus all the cotton for their denim is sustainably sourced - and always will be from here on out. We're particularly fond of the indigo blue with a crisp cotton shirt and loafers.
Style note: experiment with shirting for spring with faded tones and print to add
a casual edge to a traditionally smart shape
Marks & Spencer
M&S Sienna Straight Leg Jeans Dark Indigo
£26.00
Less overtly retro than a mom jean but still with a slight vintage feel, a straight leg jean is how you add instant cool factor to a look. By caring less about clinging to curves, it gives off an air of nonchalance (perfect for busy days when comfort is key and you just want to throw on a jumper and go). Despite the stiffer feel, these women’s jeans are crafted with plenty of stretch so they flatter the figure - again, particularly around the waist for minimal gapping. Throw on with a colour-rich slouch knit and trainers for an easy everyday uniform.
Style note: play up the old school feel of the denim with loose proportions
and vintage touches - spring's must have cardis will do nicely.
Marks & Spencer
M&S Ivy Skinny Jeans Indigo Mix
£13.00
Fact: every woman should have a trusty pair of skinny jeans, and these have to be some of the best out there. Made from a super-soft cotton blend with added stretch, you can tell that the Ivy skinny is designed to keep its hold for the long haul. That means no more sagging around the knees or pulling at the waist like a lot of our high street jeans are a few months. Skinnies might not be the trending jean, but they're a wardrobe stalwart for good reason. Layer them under tunics and stiff cotton shirt dresses to create a fashion moment, or wear with a high neck polo top for a streamlined silhouette from top-to-toe.
Style note: keep the slimline look by pairing
with one of this season's essential printed polos
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