The Jeans Every Girl Should Own
By Erin Deborah Waks
Andy Warhol once said, ‘I want to die with my blue jeans on,’ and, frankly, I couldn’t agree more. Add a pair of hoop earrings, a vintage handbag and a trench coat and you’ve got my burial outfit sorted. My love of jeans really soared when I lived in Paris and discovered they are truly the only essential item of clothing to own - and that, frankly, it is paramount they fit and are cut right. With that said, here’s my run-down of the best pairs every girl should own.
The Black Ones
Somewhere between blue denim jeans and black work trousers lies the ultimate staple: the black jean. Mine are from M&S, an underrated brand for petite women as they have shorter length options - essential if you’re going for a flared style like I have! Easy pared with a belt and plain white t-shirt or, in the winter months, a smart blouse or jumper with a big handbag and even bigger hoop earrings.
Since the 2010s, skinny jeans have been on the way out, instead being replaced with the far more comfortable (and, in my humble opinion, flattering) alternative: wide-leg jeans. They go with absolutely everything and can be dressed down with trainers and a men’s shirt as below, or dressed up for a date night or dinner with boots and a smarter jumper. I found these in a West Hampstead charity shop for less than a tenner, and would estimate I wear them three times a week.
The Bootcut Style
My personal favourite as they elongate the legs, bootcut jeans are not for everyone - but they should be. Think Lorelai Gilmore from Gilmore Girls, this vintage and yet flattering cut look amazing with heeled boots. I’ve lost counts of how many times I’ve married my thrifted pair - found in a Newcastle vintage store for 99p - with a simple top and heels for any event where I’ve wanted to be comfortable and yet look put together.
The Straight Staple
Finally, the OG and the French-girl staple, straight-leg jeans. Levi’s 501s are a classic, and I certainly do own a pair myself, but these, in true Erin fashion, were discovered in a charity shop in St John’s wood last year. Wear with quite literally anything for a casual look - I’m very much in a cardigan phase right now though.
