Jeans & A T-shirt

After moving on from the high waisted denim shorts & tights phase at the end of High School/beginning of University, I got suckered in to the jeans and a t-shirt phase.  This is where I've remained for the last 7 to 8 years, and I don’t really see myself diverting from that too much any time soon.  It’s fair to say that I have a bit of an addiction to denim (loved ones can attest to this), with my collection mainly consisting of straight leg jeans, and some guest-star appearances from the skinny jean a couple of times a month.  With that in mind, I thought I’d try and impart some of my denim know-how, which some of you might like to use as a guide!

For me and my body shape, I tend to find straight leg jeans to be the most flattering.  It’s the kind of denim which can easily be worn quite casually, but can then be dressed up with a killer pair of heels and a cami if you so wish.  It’s a really easy look, but one which is also timeless and always looks class.  There’s a couple of things that I look for in my straight legs;

1. Colourway; My all time favourite wash of denim is an indigo blue. Super versatile, and less formal than black.  Saying that, the colour that you go for will be dependent on a couple of things -  what’s currently missing in your wardrobe, and how you’re wanting to style your denim.

2. High waist; Creates a really flattering silhouette.  I’m still not able to embrace the low-rise denim trend that seems to be coming back.  Let’s leave them in the early 2000s where they belong, thanks! 

3. Length; For far too long, I thought that a 30 inch leg was the standard.  It was my friend Rhianna who put me right (a fellow jean addict), and alerted me to the fact that a 32 inch leg is in actual fact the ‘regular’ size.  As someone with fairly longish legs, no wonder all of my jeans used to be super cropped, cringe!! Thanks a million Rhi. Saying that, I do still love a cropped number or a turn up (hello chilly ankles).

Here’s some inspiration for how I go about styling jeans and a t-shirt;

Jeans size details (EU27)

T-shirt size details (Small)

Thanks for the snaps, mum!!

For reference, I’m about 5ft 8, and a size 8 - 10. These & Other Stories jeans are one of my absolute favourites.  I picked them up in an EU size 27, and they fit like a dream. I remember buying them in the sale down in London, but have linked some very similar ones below from the website (links to all of the outfit below).  The fit of these jeans is a little bit looser than some of the others in my wardrobe, and are definitely more of a casual piece.  Still super flattering, with a mid to high waist and cropped leg.  Like the photos above, I’d pair these jeans with socks and trainers, and a fun tee for a day-to-day outfit.

Speaking of t-shirts, the one above is from a really amazing brand called han* clothing - I love the Frida Kahlo illustration on this (Freeda Tee on the website).  I’ve had this piece for over 2 years now, and it remains a firm favourite in terms of fit and design.  I went for a size small, which is flattering in all of the right places, whilst not being too tight. Also, Frida Kahlo is an incredible woman who I really admire, so I’m more than happy to wear her at any given opportunity!  I’ll pop the link to han* clothing down below  - they do some fab pieces, and you should definitely check them out.

As a side note - one pair of jeans which have managed to evade my collection until very recently are the Levi 501s in the blue colourway (Luxor Indigo - Blue).  A classic in the world of denim. My boyfriend has a pair of these, and I’ve always thought that they look great.  So, I’ve finally taken the plunge and ordered myself a pair. An update to follow, as soon as they arrive! 

I really hope that this has been somewhat helpful, and you’re able to use this as inspiration for when you come to your next denim purchase.   I’ve listed some other styles and brands of denim below, as well as some pointers about their fit etc.  As already mentioned, you’ll also find full details and links to the outfit photographed above.

Thanks everyone!

Ellie x

Straight Leg Jeans;

1. Topshop Considered Mid Blue Raw Hem straight leg jeans. I’ve had these in a variety of different colourways. The perfect everyday straight leg jean!

2. ASOS Design straight leg jeans.  Currently sold out I’m afraid, but hopefully they’ll be back soon!  Really recommend these.  Again, more of a casual pair.

Wide Leg Jeans/Culotte Style;

1. Marks and Spencer wide leg jeans.  I’m not able to find the exact ones that I own, but these are very similar, and in a lovely navy colour.  I love a wide-leg culotte style jean, and I think this style from M&S is one of my favourites.  They’re so easy to wear, and I like to crack them out when we have a break from the fairly miserable Scottish weather.

Skinny Jeans;

1. Pull & Bear skinny jeans. Just a really flattering, classic pair of black skinny jeans.  They’re the perfect length for me, and they come in at a very reasonable price point.

2. Urban Outfitters BDG high waisted skinny jeans.  These fall somewhere between a skinny and straight leg on me.  Again, very flattering, and I’d opt for these if I was going out for an evening, and pair them with a pair of heels and a shirt.

Links to Outfit;

1. & Other Stories straight leg jeans

2. Han Clothing Freeda Tee

3. Vans Old Skool Shoes

4. Topshop Socks (I'm afraid the ones I have are no longer on the website, but here’s an alternative)

5. Topshop Summer Bag (again, I’m afraid my one is longer on the website, but here’s a cool alternative)