As you know I’m away but I didn’t want to leave you with nothing to read on a Friday so I’m going to do a series of very short posts on style solutions. No chitter chatter, just down to business. I’m turning the comments off because I’ll see them come in and want to answer them – then Mal will remind me that we’re away celebrating our silver wedding and I’ll feel torn. It isn’t that I don’t want to hear from you – just that I know myself (and him!). And I’m veering into chat so let’s crack on, today is all about easy jeans outfit templates.
Stylists often insist that there are outfits that suit everyone. Is it true? Technically speaking yes – if you focus purely on the architectural structure of the body then there are universal truths that surround balance. They don’t account for personal style preferences or history. And history is often our worst enemy when it comes to easy outfit templates – the voice at the back of your head that obscures fact and screams, “I tried that once and this happened [insert an event or feeling] so I’ll never do it again.”
So today I’m going to give you 2 easy jeans outfit templates for when you’re stuck and I’m hoping you’ll think them through in terms of your own body architecture. They’re here to help you make your existing wardrobe work harder – and maybe there’s a rebalance that you could add or a couple of new items that will freshen things up. Either way, this is for the February day when you’re bored of everything you own. Because even if you’re wearing the same old things, if you feel you got dressed with style intention you’ll have a little spring in your step.
2 easy jeans outfit templates for when you’re stuck
Easy jeans outfit template 1
High rise straight/wide jeans/trousers + fitted top + shoes/boots
- If the comments were on somebody would chirp up and say ‘I can’t do this because I’m petite/plus size/big busted’.
- Look at the pictures – yes you can do it with a short waist or a generous bosom!
- When you create shape at the top, you can let the rest of your outfit flow but take structure back again at the bottom with a shoe or boot. This is how magic happens.
The best wide jeans I know are superwide and admittedly at this extreme they're probably easier to pull off if you have a bit of height. These are the best that you can buy in my opinion because they take world leading trouser fit knowledge and interpret it into denim. These are the statement jeans I love for city days or 'out out'.
On a lower budget these are also excellent. The fabric is a lyocell blend which means they move with fluidity and hang beautifully over your curves. They come in a variety of washes and colours and I have them in every one apart from this new, dark indigo. These are the jeans that I wear at home in spring and summer when I no longer have to worry about stuffing them into wellies for dog walks. They've just been restocked and this year they've been released in FOUR lengths – extra short, short, regular and long – I find the regular fits me perfectly for wearing with flats and trainers, for heels I need the long. Please note they sell out fast.
If you're more petite and feel that volume swamps you, aim for straight jeans. These are the feted favourites, they have great definition which is why I'm showing you a rear view.
Or go for a designer eye at a high street price with these.
Remember – this formula only works when you abide by the rule of two thirds so it's all about having strong volume at the bottom of the outfit making the legs look as long as they can. Stay away from ankle lengths or crops for this look because you'll lose the balance, they'll cut you off and make you look shorter and wider.
Footwear – right now low (or high) heeled boots, ideally with a sculpted or pointed toe to add to the lengthening effect. Later on shoes (heeled or flat) with the same kind of gently pointed or sculpted toe box, rounded toes won't work as well. In the summer a sandal with a low heel – your toes on show will do the pointing for you.
If you really can’t bring yourself to wear a wider bottom then this is your alternative. It’s less on trend but it’s a classic look that will always work.
Easy jeans outfit template 2
Slim jeans + long blazer + neat shoe/boot/trainer
We’re basically turning the last formula upside down, adding the volume at the top and keeping the lower half neat and defined.
This is a formula that's got out of hand over the last five years and blazers have become way too oversized. When you pair a huge jacket with jeans and chunky trainers on the bottom it makes a strong statement but it has nothing to do with architecture.
So to pull this chic mood off well you're looking for a sharp shouldered fit on a blazer and there are a lot in the winter sales at the moment in various colours – a fantastic investment if you like this Parisian style. Remember to be careful with navy blazers because unless they have a soft texture they can come over a bit prison warden. Colours other than navy often give a more interesting contrast with outfits that are as simple as these – note that none of the examples above have navy blazers.
A slightly cropped blazer can make this look easier for petites
In terms of jeans you can wear the straight cut options that I featured above and have them sitting at full length or, if you prefer a crop, have them altered to sit just above your ankle bone. I usually find that it's better to buy full length and have them altered to fit than buy a 7/8 length off the shelf because if it isn't exactly right on your ankle, it throws all of the proportions off.
In terms of shoes you're going 'tidy' again (so these options will also work with the first outfit formula above). A slim, low profile trainer… racing/martial arts styles are still on trend this year and the bonus is that a light trainer like this looks good with wide leg jeans too. And these two options are the most comfortable trainers I've ever owned, the insole in the red one is so soft and yet supportive.
Racing trainers (lots of colours available)
Martial arts trainers (lots of colours available)
A slim, not remotely chunky loafer (extra style points this season for this kind of ruching on the sides)
These are incredibly good value, especially as they have built-in orthopaedic advantages to help you stay comfortable on your feet and they also come in tan.
Or a chiselled ballet flat – these have a supportive Insolia insole for people who find flat shoes hard to wear. They sell out quickly but are often restocked so put an email alert on.
Chiselled ballet flat (various colours available)
For now, while it's still cold, wear a neat fitting boot with a low heel, a slim Chelsea boot or a brogue. When the weather gets warm enough for bare feet, a slingback or a low heeled sandal will fit the bill.
So those are my 2 easy jeans outfit templates for today. I'll be back next week with a couple more outfit formulae. Have a great weekend – I hope the weather isn't too cold where you are!
