A WTA Guide To The Best High Street Denim
Jeans are the ultimate wardrobe staple, but finding the perfect pair isn’t always easy. Trying jeans on in a store can be a hassle; we prefer doing it in the comfort of our own home. The bonus? You can pair the jeans with your own wardrobe to see how they fit into your style.
Finding the perfect denim is a personal journey and might take time, but once you find the perfect piece, you’ll have a versatile piece to wear through the seasons, making outfit building effortless!
Be prepared to try on multiple pairs in different sizes because what works for one person may not work for another!
Before we start, it’s worth noting denim fabric composition. If you’re after a denim with stretch then opt for something that has an elastane percentage. If you prefer a more rigid feel then opt for 100% cotton. For us, it’s always 100% cotton!
Good denim doesn’t have to cost a fortune. We’ve curated our top picks from the high street to help you revamp or expand your denim collection!
DOUBLE DENIM
Double denim is ofter considered a fashion faux pas, but we beg to differ. A well-coordinated pair of jeans and a matching jacket can be the perfect weekend outfit, which you don’t have to think too much about!
Matching the denim can be tricky, especially if you’re not shopping from the same retailer. We’ve made it easy for you and found the perfect ASOS mid-wash denim jacket that pairs perfectly with a pair of Zara balloon jeans. We like to pair ours with our Ancient Greek Sandals.
WHITE DENIM
Whether it’s summer or winter, we are wearing white jeans. There’s something timeless about white jeans paired with a golden tan, a statement belt, and a white tee - a simple outfit that can be easily elevated with accessories. We recommend opting for 100% cotton over a fabric composition with elastane to avoid the fabric becoming slightly see-through.
JEANS - ZARA
FOLDED DENIM
Folded denim is one of our favourite denim styles - a trend that made its way in 2023, and we’re still holding onto it. The beauty of denim is that trends always circle back, and even when they’re not at the forefront, they’re still perfectly wearable! We love how the folded waistband slightly elevates the denim.
Our top pick has to be the Raey Extra Fold Jeans from Matches.com, a beloved favourite. While they’re no longer available, we couldn’t resist mentioning them. In the meantime, we’ve rounded up some other high street options that have caught our eye.
JEANS - RAEY
BARREL LEG DENIM
One style of jeans that has become a staple in our wardrobe is the barrel leg jean, also known as the horseshoe jean. This relatively new denim silhouette is a fresh breakthrough denim trend which we haven’t seen before. Alaïa and Citizens of Humanity were pioneers of this style, but it wasn't long until the high street followed suit.
Our top pick is the Good Luck Barrel Jeans from Free People, which are available in a variety of washes and have quickly become a favourite.
STRAIGHT LEG DENIM
A straight leg jean is a timeless choice that works year-round, perfect for both dressing up and dressing down. Finding the right fit can be tricky - trying to find the balance between not too tight and not too skinny. We’ve curated a selection of what we think are the best straight leg jeans on the high street.
WIDE LEG DENIM
We’re big fans of wide leg jeans. At 5’4”, we often struggle with the length of jeans, but a quick trim with fabric scissors is the key. This leaves you with a raw hem, and paired with sandals in the summer is the perfect casual look.
However, there is something about pairing wide leg denim with court shoes that instantly makes us feel polished. This combination is our go-to for a dinner look through the winter months.
COLOURED DENIM
The Lotus jeans from Free People are one of our most-loved pairs. The army green colour breaks away from the traditional denim washes and brings something different to our wardrobe. We’ve got our eye on the ‘keepsake lilac’ next!
PRINTED DENIM
Leopard print has been a major trend over the past year, and it’s here to stay! If you haven’t added a pair to your wardrobe yet, the Topshop pair pictured below is a great place to start!
STATEMENT DENIM
Whether it’s embroidered denim, patchwork denim, or embellished denim, we’re in! A statement jean is the perfect way to bring some fun to a simple “jeans and t-shirt” look.
Check out our current favourites below:
TURN BACK DENIM
Turn back denim is the ideal choice for summer/autumn, as they look great with sandals!
If your jeans are too long, try turning up the cuffs to give them a fresh look, without having to buy a new pair!
DENIM JUMPSUIT
On those "nothing to wear" days, a denim jumpsuit is your ultimate go-to. Pair it with trainers for a laid-back vibe, or dress it up with heels for dinner. It's a versatile piece that deserves a spot in every wardrobe. This trend isn't going anywhere, so take your time finding the perfect fit. See our top picks below!
DENIM DUNGAREES
We can’t wrap up this post without mentioning dungarees! They’re a versatile wardrobe staple that work year-round. During those brief UK summer days, we loved pairing ours with a bikini and vest for a laid back look. (Secretly wishing we were in Miami Beach!).
Shop our favourite dungarees below!
