Ultimate guide to finding the perfect pair of jeans whatever your age – fashion editors from their 20s to 50s share all
GOOD JEANS Ultimate guide to finding the perfect pair of jeans whatever your age – fashion editors from their 20s to 50s share all
FINDING the perfect pair of jeans is like finding the ideal partner.
In your twenties you play the denim field, having low-rise flings, trying out wide-leg wonders and flirting with a flare.
5
We reveal the most flattering style of jeans for every decade
But as the years roll on and you look to settle down, you want comfort, you want reliability, you want something that just 'gets' you.
What worked during wild nights out might not cut it for the school run or daily commute.
And with fashion moving faster than your relationships, keeping up with the right fit is a full-time job.
But once you find The One, you'll never look back.
Here, Clemmie Fieldsend reveal the most flattering style of jeans for every decade, with the help of four volunteers from Fabulous HQ.
20s - BAGGY
Fashion assistant Emily Regan
5
Emily wears the mid-rise ultrasoft baggy jeans, £55, Gap
Credit: Supplied
I'M 25 and, as my more experienced colleagues often tell me, now is the perfect time to experiment with different styles.
But I've already found the jeans for me.
I would never dream of wearing a pair of skinnies as I feel like it would instantly age me.
It's a millennial trend and I'm firmly in Gen Z territory.
I'm a midsize 12 and I've found the perfect pair of jeans that suit all body shapes - they're so stretchy and affordable
I can't imagine wearing a pair of bootcut jeans either.
That's what I imagine women in their 50s and 60s wear, not that there's anything wrong with that look.
For me and many women my age, it's go big or go home.
I like oversized jeans – a low to mid-rise pair in a baggy shape that are comfortable but look on-trend, too.
This style works well with a tucked T-shirt but it also flatters the waist
if you want to show it off with a crop top because the waistband is loose so there's no overhang.
I like my jeans to pool around my feet so I can go for a laid-back look with trainers, or dress them up with a low heel without them looking too short.
I'm 5ft so the petite section is my go to.
Brands such as Gap mean you can order your real leg and waist length, like with designer denim, which is perfect for petites.
These mid-rise jeans are the perfect pair for me.
They are so soft they feel like joggers.
They hang well on my hips and don't have a crotch that goes up to underneath my bust, which is usually what happens when you're petite.
CLEMMIE SAYS: Baggy jeans are not only comfortable but, despite being ill-fitting, create a flattering silhouette for women in their 20s who are still in the stage of their life where they are trying to figure out their identity and what works for them.
The key is balance, balancing the loose fit by tucking in a top with a loose shape that mirrors the bottom nips in at the waist and lengthens legs too.
30s - STRAIGHT
Video producer, Anya Browne
5
Anya in the Sienna straight-leg jeans, £35, Marks & Spencer
Credit: Supplied
WIDE-LEG baggy jeans like Emily's look great on her, but they just wouldn't work for me now I'm in my 30s and a mum to 22-month-old Ted.
I need a jean that holds in my stomach – secure enough to resemble my pre-baby body – so definitely not a low-rise pair.
But my jeans also need enough stretch for constantly bending over to pick up my little one.
I need clothes that can move with the demands of my lifestyle.
My jeans need to survive everything from food to mud being thrown at them and they need to be durable for when I crawl around on my hands and knees pretending to be a lion.
But I'm not ready to graduate from skinny to mom jeans just yet.
When I slip on a pair of skinnies, they remind me of my youth and the days when stumbling out of bars rather than stumbling over toys was a regular occurrence.
I love being a mum but skinny jeans make me feel like me again.
Plus, my legs have always been the part of my body that I like the most and I don't want to disguise them in baggy jeans.
I am aware that the spray-on skinny jeans of yesteryear are a big millennial red flag, though, and, according to TikTok, can be ageing, so I prefer a straight leg.
This pair ticks tick every box.
CLEMMIE SAYS: Straight leg jeans satisfy the millennial itch of those dying to put on skinny jeans and reclaim their youth but will work with your body's ever changing demands.
With their streamlines silhouette but where skinny hug areas of your body, therefore enhancing them and meaning they don't need hiking up every five minutes, straights cut from the hip down elongate your legs and create a slimming effect for the whole body.
40s - BARREL
Former fashion editor, Antonia Kraskowski
5
Antonia in barrel jeans, £45, Next
Credit: Supplied
HAVING worked in fashion for decades, it's deeply rooted in me to keep up with the jeans trends.
From skinny jeans to flares, I've done them all.
But now, in my 40s, I've found a style that is hard to beat.
Enter the barrel.
For the last few seasons, the barrel, horseshoe, carrot, whatever you prefer to call the arched leg shape, has become the It style.
The high waist accentuates the waistline.
The curved silhouette is wider at the hips and tapers at the ankle so there's plenty of room for any hormonal bloating.
They can be dressed up or down, too.
And the best bit? They're comfortable.
At 5ft 3in mine are short – I don't want to trip up when chasing my four-year-old son Mylo around.
CLEMMIE SAYS: : For women on the go in their 40s but who are still hot on the trend, barrels with their curved, tapered cut are perfect. They gently skim the body in all the right places.
Relaxed through the hips but still nipping in at the waist, they strike that sweet spot between laid-back and flattering.
Plus it means you can, unfortunately, pick up after the kids.
50s - TAILORED
Fashion director, Tracey Lea Sayer
5
Tracey in straight jeans, £34.90, Uniqlo
Credit: Supplied
I'M all about hardworking wardrobe heroes that earn their keep – pieces that make the morning outfit rush a no-brainer.
A cracking white shirt, a never-dates blazer and, of course, a pair of jeans that look good with everything.
Now I'm in my 50s, when it comes to denim, it's got to be indigo.
There's something about that deep, rich hue that instantly polishes up your whole vibe.
I'm a high-rise girl through and through.
I want jeans that give me a waist, skim over the hips and give the illusion of legs for days.
But not skin-tight.
Comfort is non-negotiable.
That's why this pair is a total wardrobe win.
Chic and comfy, they're real everyday heroes – at a price you can't fault.
CLEMMIE SAYS: A smart pair of indigo tailored jeans says 'I mean business', perfect for women in their 50s who are often reclaiming their style and social life after years juggling work and raising a family.
A confidence booster, tailored jeans work with your shape, skimming the silhouette and offering support around the middle.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
The ‘timeless' Tesco dress that's only £15, hides bloated tummies AND keeps you cool on hot summer nights
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. The stylish frock is already sold out in some sizes DRESS TO IMPRESS The 'timeless' Tesco dress that's only £15, hides bloated tummies AND keeps you cool on hot summer nights FASHION fans are racing to snap up a £15 summer dress that will keep you cool and comfortable in the heat. With temperatures soaring over 30C today, Brits will be doing everything they can to cool down. Advertisement 2 Shoppers are racing to buy this Tesco dress Credit: Tesco 2 It's already sold out in some sizes Credit: Tesco And although purchasing a fan or making your own air conditioner may be your first thought, treating yourself to a weather-appropriate frock can make a huge difference. Tesco's F&F is one of the best-loved brands on the high street, and is constantly wowing us with its stylish but affordable fashion. From cute dresses to on-trend work attire, the supermarket fast-fashion range always hits the mark, and its new summer collection is no exception. 'Timeless' dress One dress in particular that has caught the attention of fashion fans is the The F&F Edit Ruffle Trim Tie Neck Mini Dress in Multi Green which has been slashed from £32.50 to £15, a saving of over 50%. Advertisement Read more fashion stories SHEIN HORROR A £1.70 Shein top ruined my holiday when it burned an imprint into me The mint green frock features a loose fitting flowy skirt, perfect for hiding bloated bellies, and designed to keep you cool on sweltering days. It also has elegant long sleeves and a dainty tie neckline, which create an air of sophistication. The gown is perfect for pairing with wedges for fancy holiday dinners, and can be dressed down with chunky sandals for strolls along the beach. Tesco said: "Bring a romantic edge to your summer outfits with this mini dress, complete with a pretty tie neckline and ruffle accents. Advertisement "Featuring long sleeves with elasticated cuffs, the flowing silhouette creates a flattering fit. "Pair with wedge heels or flat sandals for a timeless outfit on warm days." I'm 5ft3 & a size 12-14 - my 7 Tesco dresses are an absolute bargain & perfect for a last-minute wedding guest outfit The dress comes in a wide range of sizes from size six to size 22. However, it has proved so popular with shoppers that it has already sold out in some sizes - so you better be quick to snap up the deal. Advertisement More Tesco dresses Another dress that has caught the eye of fashion fans is the F&F Leopard Print Midi Dress in Multi Brown, which has been slashed from £22.50 to £11, saving of almost 50%. The statement frock features puff sleeves, for a flattering look around the arms, and has a slit up the hem, for a feminine touch. How has Tesco's F&F upped its game By Fabulous' Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend ZARA has become a high street staple in recent years thanks to its hot-off-the-catwalk designs and affordable prices. But recently those prices have risen with the brand's popularity. However, if you are looking for high fashion inspired outfits with low price tags you needn't drag yourself to your local shops, just head to the supermarket instead. F&F has come a long way from selling a few backs of T-shirts and fluffy dressing gowns and is now a must have shopping destination for thousands. They produce good quality, long lasting and on trend clothes that puts others to shame. F&F is filled with Zara dupes and other looks inspired by our favourite shops that will set you back less than £50 - and you can get them while you pick up your dinner. I for one love F&F denim, it's durable, fits really well and has all the best silhouettes. So even if you're not looking for reasonable prices but just want good clothes, get yourself to Tesco. The leopard print gown would look perfect paired with sandals for a summer look, and can easily be transitioned into your winter wardrobe if paired with boots. Shoppers are also loving the F&F Edit Palm Print Bardot Midi Dress in Multi Red, which has been slashed from £25 to just £12. Advertisement The stylish frock features an exotic tropical pattern and a belt that will help to hide your tummy. The long-sleeves and elasticated neckline provide a flattering and comfortable look, which can be dressed up with heels, or dressed down with sandals. Tesco fans are also loving the F&F Cotton Rich Sleeveless Ribbed Racer Midi Dress in Mink which has been slashed from £16 to just £9, a saving of almost 60%. The simple dress can easily be chucked on in hot weather, and the sleeveless design will help to cool down sweaty armpits.
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Ultimate guide to finding the perfect pair of jeans whatever your age – fashion editors from their 20s to 50s share all
What's the best style millennials can swap out their skinnies for? GOOD JEANS Ultimate guide to finding the perfect pair of jeans whatever your age – fashion editors from their 20s to 50s share all FINDING the perfect pair of jeans is like finding the ideal partner. In your twenties you play the denim field, having low-rise flings, trying out wide-leg wonders and flirting with a flare. 5 We reveal the most flattering style of jeans for every decade But as the years roll on and you look to settle down, you want comfort, you want reliability, you want something that just 'gets' you. What worked during wild nights out might not cut it for the school run or daily commute. And with fashion moving faster than your relationships, keeping up with the right fit is a full-time job. But once you find The One, you'll never look back. Here, Clemmie Fieldsend reveal the most flattering style of jeans for every decade, with the help of four volunteers from Fabulous HQ. 20s - BAGGY Fashion assistant Emily Regan 5 Emily wears the mid-rise ultrasoft baggy jeans, £55, Gap Credit: Supplied I'M 25 and, as my more experienced colleagues often tell me, now is the perfect time to experiment with different styles. But I've already found the jeans for me. I would never dream of wearing a pair of skinnies as I feel like it would instantly age me. It's a millennial trend and I'm firmly in Gen Z territory. I'm a midsize 12 and I've found the perfect pair of jeans that suit all body shapes - they're so stretchy and affordable I can't imagine wearing a pair of bootcut jeans either. That's what I imagine women in their 50s and 60s wear, not that there's anything wrong with that look. For me and many women my age, it's go big or go home. I like oversized jeans – a low to mid-rise pair in a baggy shape that are comfortable but look on-trend, too. This style works well with a tucked T-shirt but it also flatters the waist if you want to show it off with a crop top because the waistband is loose so there's no overhang. I like my jeans to pool around my feet so I can go for a laid-back look with trainers, or dress them up with a low heel without them looking too short. I'm 5ft so the petite section is my go to. Brands such as Gap mean you can order your real leg and waist length, like with designer denim, which is perfect for petites. These mid-rise jeans are the perfect pair for me. They are so soft they feel like joggers. They hang well on my hips and don't have a crotch that goes up to underneath my bust, which is usually what happens when you're petite. CLEMMIE SAYS: Baggy jeans are not only comfortable but, despite being ill-fitting, create a flattering silhouette for women in their 20s who are still in the stage of their life where they are trying to figure out their identity and what works for them. The key is balance, balancing the loose fit by tucking in a top with a loose shape that mirrors the bottom nips in at the waist and lengthens legs too. 30s - STRAIGHT Video producer, Anya Browne 5 Anya in the Sienna straight-leg jeans, £35, Marks & Spencer Credit: Supplied WIDE-LEG baggy jeans like Emily's look great on her, but they just wouldn't work for me now I'm in my 30s and a mum to 22-month-old Ted. I need a jean that holds in my stomach – secure enough to resemble my pre-baby body – so definitely not a low-rise pair. But my jeans also need enough stretch for constantly bending over to pick up my little one. I need clothes that can move with the demands of my lifestyle. My jeans need to survive everything from food to mud being thrown at them and they need to be durable for when I crawl around on my hands and knees pretending to be a lion. But I'm not ready to graduate from skinny to mom jeans just yet. When I slip on a pair of skinnies, they remind me of my youth and the days when stumbling out of bars rather than stumbling over toys was a regular occurrence. I love being a mum but skinny jeans make me feel like me again. Plus, my legs have always been the part of my body that I like the most and I don't want to disguise them in baggy jeans. I am aware that the spray-on skinny jeans of yesteryear are a big millennial red flag, though, and, according to TikTok, can be ageing, so I prefer a straight leg. This pair ticks tick every box. CLEMMIE SAYS: Straight leg jeans satisfy the millennial itch of those dying to put on skinny jeans and reclaim their youth but will work with your body's ever changing demands. With their streamlines silhouette but where skinny hug areas of your body, therefore enhancing them and meaning they don't need hiking up every five minutes, straights cut from the hip down elongate your legs and create a slimming effect for the whole body. 40s - BARREL Former fashion editor, Antonia Kraskowski 5 Antonia in barrel jeans, £45, Next Credit: Supplied HAVING worked in fashion for decades, it's deeply rooted in me to keep up with the jeans trends. From skinny jeans to flares, I've done them all. But now, in my 40s, I've found a style that is hard to beat. Enter the barrel. For the last few seasons, the barrel, horseshoe, carrot, whatever you prefer to call the arched leg shape, has become the It style. The high waist accentuates the waistline. The curved silhouette is wider at the hips and tapers at the ankle so there's plenty of room for any hormonal bloating. They can be dressed up or down, too. And the best bit? They're comfortable. At 5ft 3in mine are short – I don't want to trip up when chasing my four-year-old son Mylo around. CLEMMIE SAYS: : For women on the go in their 40s but who are still hot on the trend, barrels with their curved, tapered cut are perfect. They gently skim the body in all the right places. Relaxed through the hips but still nipping in at the waist, they strike that sweet spot between laid-back and flattering. Plus it means you can, unfortunately, pick up after the kids. 50s - TAILORED Fashion director, Tracey Lea Sayer 5 Tracey in straight jeans, £34.90, Uniqlo Credit: Supplied I'M all about hardworking wardrobe heroes that earn their keep – pieces that make the morning outfit rush a no-brainer. A cracking white shirt, a never-dates blazer and, of course, a pair of jeans that look good with everything. Now I'm in my 50s, when it comes to denim, it's got to be indigo. There's something about that deep, rich hue that instantly polishes up your whole vibe. I'm a high-rise girl through and through. I want jeans that give me a waist, skim over the hips and give the illusion of legs for days. But not skin-tight. Comfort is non-negotiable. That's why this pair is a total wardrobe win. Chic and comfy, they're real everyday heroes – at a price you can't fault. CLEMMIE SAYS: A smart pair of indigo tailored jeans says 'I mean business', perfect for women in their 50s who are often reclaiming their style and social life after years juggling work and raising a family. A confidence booster, tailored jeans work with your shape, skimming the silhouette and offering support around the middle.
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- The Irish Sun
New-season styles are hitting the high st & these are the pieces our fashion editors are buying before they sell out
Check out this brilliant dupe of the Dragon Diffusion woven bag that'll save you over £400. FRESH START New-season styles are hitting the high st & these are the pieces our fashion editors are buying before they sell out THE UK is gearing up for another heatwave, but our favourite high-street brands are already thinking ahead. So although we won't be folding away our summer staples just yet, sale season is drawing to a close, and in its place the high street is beginning to drop new-season collections already. There's a fresh wave of transitional pieces arriving in-store and online this week and our fashion editors have been keeping a close eye to curate an edit of their favourite pieces. And it's safe to say we're impressed. Think lightweight knits ideal for layering, along with great woven bag dupes and even footwear is experiencing a seasonal refresh as new styles hit the shelves. So whether you're looking for a wardrobe refresh ahead of autumn or just want to bag the best pieces before they sell out, now is the perfect time to start browsing, as these top picks won't hang around for long. Clemmie Fieldsend, 35, Fashion Editor 3 Clemmie's top new-season buys Credit: Fabulous Jumper, £36, River Island - BUY NOW Skirt, £199, Mint Velvet - BUY NOW Dress, £36, Marks & Spencer - BUY NOW Bag, £14, Primark - BROWSE HERE Shoes, £49.99, Zara - BUY NOW As much as I hate to wish summer away, seeing new transitional pieces for autumn makes me happy. I stopped in my tracks, well, mid-scroll, when I saw this River Island jumper on my screen. The tie neck and lightweight knit makes it look so premium, as does this Primark bag, which is a double for designer brand Dragon Diffusions' £440 style - what a saving at just £14! A splurge would be this suede Mint Velvet skirt. Suede isn't going anywhere for autumn and I can wear this midi style now, in the winter and for years to come, so I'll definitely get my money's worth. Fashion lovers rush to M&S to snap up perfect pumps that are 'so pretty' for summer - and they come in various colours to match your vibe I've surprised myself with how much I like these suede tie ballerinas from Zara, not something I'd ever consider going for but the neutral, subtle colour and trainer laces are calling me - and I love them. Finally, I keep seeing Bambi print pop up here, there and everywhere, so I'll be snapping up this T-shirt shaped dress from M&S to get ahead of the trend before it kicks off - and before the dress sells out. Abby McHale, 31, Deputy Fashion Editor 3 Abby's top new-season buys Credit: Fabulous Blazer, £65, Next - BUY NOW Bag, £99.99, Mango - BUY NOW Trousers, £99, Boden - BUY NOW Cardigan, £20, Tu Clothing - BUY NOW Trainers, £32.99, H&M - BUY NOW The high street is starting to drip feed its new-season stock, meaning now is the perfect time to get ahead of the game and purchase pieces that are to be a sure fire hit, before they sell out. I'm loving all the shades of brown that are coming through for the new season, and this blazer from Next is already on lots of people's radar. Brown suede blazers were all the rage last season and this dark chocolate shade is a new update. Argyle is a pattern trickling through to the high street from the catwalks, and this one is a steal at just £20 from Tu Clothing at Sainsbury's. And if you're in the market for a pair of on-trend trainers but you don't want to spend hundreds of pounds, then this pair from H&M is just £32.99! Emily Regan, 25, Fashion Assistant 3 Emily's top new-season buys Credit: Fabulous Jacket, £35, George at ASDA - BUY NOW Jeans, £35.99, Zara - BUY NOW Jumper, £125, House of Sunny - BUY NOW Bag, £150, Next - BUY NOW Trainers, £120, New Balance - BUY NOW As much as I love my summer wardrobe, I'm an autumn girl at heart - so I was thrilled to see new-season styles are hitting the high street already. I've learned the hard way that the best pieces often drop early and then sell out quickly - that was the case with this gorgeous suede bag from Next, so I'm really pleased that it's relaunched this year. The same goes for George at ASDA's viral leopard-print puffer coat - this year's is a different shape but in the same Ganni-inspired print - and it's already sitting in my wardrobe for when it starts to get chillier outside. I've also got my eye on the latest New Balance 204L shoes - they're a great dupe for the Miu Miu collab at a fraction of a cost. They're tipped to be the next It-girl trainers, but they're selling fast so keep an eye out for restocks and be sure to set a reminder!
