I’m in a complicated relationship with denim right now. It’s a corner of my wardrobe that I’ve always relied on, turning to core basics day after day, week after week, without hesitation. But since turning 30, I’m no longer in the business of wearing uncomfortable things. And, unfortunately, even my favourite straight-leg jeans aren’t hitting right at the moment. Gone are the days of buying denim that “might stretch to fit”. We’re in the age of making our wardrobes work for us.
Skinny jeans have been the subject of fashion obituaries for a while. But gen Z has put the nail in the coffin, declaring skin-tight denim done. And our favourite brands are listening, taking a wider, slouchier and baggier approach to silhouettes this season in particular.
Local label Peachay caters to body types with small waists and larger hips and thighs – the Aviva jeans have become a firm favourite for pear shapes. If you’re an hourglass figure, founder and designer Bella Sen suggests looking for styles with longer zips to help get them over hips, thighs and bums more comfortably. A little bit of stretch (about two per cent) helps here, too. The brand has just launched the Olivia, a straight cut, and the Shannon, a relaxed flared silhouette. The Shannon offers a new mood: “It’s perfect for those moments when you want to make a statement with your jeans. We’ve given it a unique touch by ditching the back pockets and adding darts at the back, creating a distinctive look that sets it apart from the rest of our jeans,” Sen says.
A resurfacing trend for lower rises also comes into play this season, with waistbands sitting closer to hips than waists. Balance baggy legs with barely-there sandals for the next few weeks, swapping out to loafers, ballet flats and boots in the coming months.
These are the styles – in classic blue washes, black rinses and ecru finishes – that we’re adding to cart this autumn.
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