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The Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
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 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 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 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 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 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.
Scottish Sun
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I get sent £5k worth of FREE clothes every year but these are the 6 items I spend my money on as Fab's Fashion Editor
Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend reveals the bargain jeans she's got in three colours, the must-buy white Tee & summer sandals that DON'T rub TOP BUYS I get sent £5k worth of FREE clothes every year but these are the 6 items I spend my money on as Fab's Fashion Editor Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GETTING sent free stuff isn't all it's cracked up to be. I know, that does sound crass, but hear me out. 8 After nearly two decades of working in fashion, Clemmie Fieldsend knows what's worth spending on and, more importantly, what isn't At Fabulous HQ we are fortunate enough to be sent clothes, shoes and accessories as a part of our job. This is how we test and figure out what pieces are actually good, what you should buy and what you shouldn't invest in. We have a whole room full to the brim of samples of clothes we use for photo shoots, which lights up the eyes of every woman who walks past. It's not as pristine as The Devil Wears Prada but we try our best. Would I shell out £60 for a T-shirt? Absolutely not. Should we all be buying £200 trainers? No, it's a rip off When colleagues ask where all the clothes end up the glint in their eye quickly fades when they find out they are returned to brands who sent them. But I always explain: "No one has enough room in their house for all this stuff - or the need." When I first started interning at 18, I too was overwhelmed by all the clothes, shoes, accessories and jewellery that would pile up in the office week after week. But by being surrounded by everything a teenager could ever want, I quickly learnt what I didn't. Now, at 34, I'm a neat freak and I'm quite strict on what I do and don't have in my wardrobe. So when it comes to the thousands of pounds worth of freebies - I get sent about £5,000 worth of stuff I can keep every year - I give 90 per cent away to other people in the office or family members. Fabulous Fashion teams sneak preview of new season M&S Also, as a chunk of my job is essentially window shopping, I have to remind myself of what I would actually want to spend my money on. Would I shell out £60 for a T-shirt? Absolutely not. Should we all be buying £200 trainers? No, it's a rip off. But these are the six things I do spend my own, hard earned cash on - and so should you. 1. THE JEANS I'VE GOT IN THREE COLOURS 8 Gap jeans are Clemmie's new go-to Credit: GAP You can pretty much guarantee that any given day I'll be in jeans. And over the years I've tried pairs from bargain styles from Primark to designer styles like 7 For All Mankind, and now my go-to brand is Gap. I rediscovered Gap after living in their jeans as a teen, then in my mid-twenties but fell out of love with them when they closed stores 2021. For a feature I went back to Gap to see if I could fall in love with their denim again - and I did. I now have the barrel jean, £55, from them in indigo blue, pale blue and white. They're only slightly barrelled - not too bow-legged looking that they're frightening - and have a real secure feel to them which I also prefer in my denim. I always think, I don't want to try and find the perfect fit for them to stretch out and then look wrong, so fingers crossed this pair doesn't do that. I get so many compliments on them and strangers ask me where they're from - they're the best. 8 Clemmie has Gap's barrel-shape jeans in three different colours Credit: Lorna Roache 2. THE BOTTOM-OF-THE-BAG SUNGLASSES I have sunglasses for under £20 that I mindlessly throw in my handbag and get bent out of shape or scratched, and I've had designer pairs that come with a posh case that's too clunky to carry around all day. Entre Le Specs, or as I call them, my bottom-of-the-bag sunglasses. They're by no means cheap, with prices ranging from £45 to £120, but they are really durable and stylish. I have aviator, round and cat eye styles that I love, look designer and manage to stay in good nick amongst the other essentials in my handbag. 8 Sunglasses brand Le Specs can take a battering and still stay in good condition Credit: Le Specs 3. THE OUTERWEAR THAT'S WORTH THE MONEY Much to the annoyance of the people who sit near me at work, I often bang on about coats and jackets and how a lot don't function as coats and jackets. So many outerwear pieces aren't even waterproof - and we live in Britain where it rains a lot. What's the point in paying anything from £30 - £200 for a coat that doesn't actually function as a coat? It drives me nuts. For outwear that is practical and stylish I go to Uniqlo. For tailored blazers, trench coats and puffer jackets that really keep you warm they're the best. Well made, long lasting and just a bit cooler than everyone else. The 'Puffertech relaxed jacket' gets the most wear. The diamond quilted design is filled with a down alternative that traps warmth but is still lightweight and it's coated in a water-repellent substance so rain just runs off it. I have it in black and khaki and wear them all the time but for nearly £60 it's on the expensive side but you'll get tonnes of wear out of them. 8 Uniqlo's diamond quilted design is filled with a down alternative that traps warmth but is still lightweight Credit: UNIQLO 4. BARGAIN TRAINERS THAT ARE COMFY & LAST In recent years the cost of trainers has skyrocketed and it angers me. Around 2010 I remember shelling out £60 or £70 for Adidas Stan Smiths, the 'it' trainer of the day, and feeling like it was such an expensive purchase for someone who hadn't worn trainers since year 9 P.E. lessons. Fast forward to now and Adidas, New Balance and Nike trainers can fetch upwards of £90 to £335. What are we all doing? They're not the trainers for running or the gym, they're 'fashion' trainers. I find Sambas are the most aggravating trainer. Their flatter than flat sole with zero cushioning hurts after a long day of walking the length and breadth of Oxford Street and the tongue digs into your ankle. For me, it's got to be M&S. They've developed their own technologies such as Insolia which is a genius and comfortable sole that, they say, "ensures your foot is correctly placed within your shoes, and improves the natural rotational movement of the ball of the foot". I have a plain style because I want them to be simple and go with absolutely everything, they're £25 and I've had them for roughly three years, and only bought new ones because I wore out my other pair. Other trend-led styles start from £39.50, like their Onitsuka Tiger dupes that will save you £110, which is a bargain for a well made, comfortable shoe that will last you years. 8 You can't go wrong with M&S 'Insolia' trainers Credit: MARKS & SPENCER Top Tips for Cleaning White Trainers A small amount of baking soda mixed with the laundry detergent can help brighten your trainers If your kickers have stubborn stains or are particularly dirty, you might need to repeat the cleaning process To maintain their shape while drying, stuff the trainers with newspaper or kitchen roll 5. THE NO-RUB SUMMER SANDALS I've had the same pair of summer sandals probably for about nine years, at a guess. And before them I had a pair from the same brand that I always wore for comfort, price and of course longevity - and they are both from Havaianas. My first pair were the 'Brazil' pair in white with green and yellow detailing, but avoid these. White and sun cream don't go hand in hand when walking around, and white doesn't look good after a day strolling around London. Despite their mucky appearance I couldn't let go - they were just so comfy and were like wearing a lighter-than-air slipper. Then, for holidays at the beach, to dinner in the evening, or in the UK with jeans or even tailoring I wear black Havaianas Slim, £30. They have thousands of colours and styles and collaborations and you can guarantee they'll last you years and be comfortable. 8 For comfort and durability, it has to be Havaianas Credit: HAVAIANAS 6. THE WHITE TEE THAT WILL KEEP ITS COLOUR & SHAPE Along with jeans, I live in plain white T-Shirts, the majority of which are round neck. I've been long committed to M&S and their T-Shirts and keep a couple on rotation throughout the week - but the best are from Cos. Now, for £30, you might think that's too much but if you're wearing them and washing them as much as I do - you need a good one and this is the best. Firstly, it's in the shape of a T so the sleeves are the correct length, about two inches above the elbow, and the body of the top isn't clingy or baggy, it's just straight. The round neck is ribbed so it holds its shape, it washes really well and is back to good as new at 30 degrees. It's also 100 per cent cotton making it soft which adds to its longevity. It comes in 14 different colours and prints and is a constant big seller for the brand.
The Sun
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I get sent £5k worth of FREE clothes every year but these are the 6 items I spend my money on as Fab's Fashion Editor
GETTING sent free stuff isn't all it's cracked up to be. I know, that does sound crass, but hear me out. At Fabulous HQ we are fortunate enough to be sent clothes, shoes and accessories as a part of our job. This is how we test and figure out what pieces are actually good, what you should buy and what you shouldn't invest in. We have a whole room full to the brim of samples of clothes we use for photo shoots, which lights up the eyes of every woman who walks past. It's not as pristine as The Devil Wears Prada but we try our best. When colleagues ask where all the clothes end up the glint in their eye quickly fades when they find out they are returned to brands who sent them. But I always explain: "No one has enough room in their house for all this stuff - or the need." When I first started interning at 18, I too was overwhelmed by all the clothes, shoes, accessories and jewellery that would pile up in the office week after week. But by being surrounded by everything a teenager could ever want, I quickly learnt what I didn't. Now, at 34, I'm a neat freak and I'm quite strict on what I do and don't have in my wardrobe. So when it comes to the thousands of pounds worth of freebies - I get sent about £5,000 worth of stuff I can keep every year - I give 90 per cent away to other people in the office or family members. Also, as a chunk of my job is essentially window shopping, I have to remind myself of what I would actually want to spend my money on. Would I shell out £60 for a T-shirt? Absolutely not. Should we all be buying £200 trainers? No, it's a rip off. But these are the six things I do spend my own, hard earned cash on - and so should you. 1. THE JEANS I'VE GOT IN THREE COLOURS You can pretty much guarantee that any given day I'll be in jeans. And over the years I've tried pairs from bargain styles from Primark to designer styles like 7 For All Mankind, and now my go-to brand is Gap. I rediscovered Gap after living in their jeans as a teen, then in my mid-twenties but fell out of love with them when they closed stores 2021. For a feature I went back to Gap to see if I could fall in love with their denim again - and I did. I now have the barrel jean, £55, from them in indigo blue, pale blue and white. They're only slightly barrelled - not too bow-legged looking that they're frightening - and have a real secure feel to them which I also prefer in my denim. I always think, I don't want to try and find the perfect fit for them to stretch out and then look wrong, so fingers crossed this pair doesn't do that. I get so many compliments on them and strangers ask me where they're from - they're the best. Jeans, £55, GAP 2. THE BOTTOM-OF-THE-BAG SUNGLASSES I have sunglasses for under £20 that I mindlessly throw in my handbag and get bent out of shape or scratched, and I've had designer pairs that come with a posh case that's too clunky to carry around all day. Entre Le Specs, or as I call them, my bottom-of-the-bag sunglasses. They're by no means cheap, with prices ranging from £45 to £120, but they are really durable and stylish. I have aviator, round and cat eye styles that I love, look designer and manage to stay in good nick amongst the other essentials in my handbag. 3. THE OUTERWEAR THAT'S WORTH THE MONEY Much to the annoyance of the people who sit near me at work, I often bang on about coats and jackets and how a lot don't function as coats and jackets. So many outerwear pieces aren't even waterproof - and we live in Britain where it rains a lot. What's the point in paying anything from £30 - £200 for a coat that doesn't actually function as a coat? It drives me nuts. For outwear that is practical and stylish I go to Uniqlo. For tailored blazers, trench coats and puffer jackets that really keep you warm they're the best. Well made, long lasting and just a bit cooler than everyone else. The 'Puffertech relaxed jacket' gets the most wear. The diamond quilted design is filled with a down alternative that traps warmth but is still lightweight and it's coated in a water-repellent substance so rain just runs off it. I have it in black and khaki and wear them all the time but for nearly £60 it's on the expensive side but you'll get tonnes of wear out of them. 8 Jacket, £59.90, Uniqlo 4. BARGAIN TRAINERS THAT ARE COMFY & LAST In recent years the cost of trainers has skyrocketed and it angers me. Around 2010 I remember shelling out £60 or £70 for Adidas Stan Smiths, the 'it' trainer of the day, and feeling like it was such an expensive purchase for someone who hadn't worn trainers since year 9 P.E. lessons. Fast forward to now and Adidas, New Balance and Nike trainers can fetch upwards of £90 to £335. What are we all doing? They're not the trainers for running or the gym, they're 'fashion' trainers. I find Sambas are the most aggravating trainer. Their flatter than flat sole with zero cushioning hurts after a long day of walking the length and breadth of Oxford Street and the tongue digs into your ankle. For me, it's got to be M&S. They've developed their own technologies such as Insolia which is a genius and comfortable sole that, they say, "ensures your foot is correctly placed within your shoes, and improves the natural rotational movement of the ball of the foot". I have a plain style because I want them to be simple and go with absolutely everything, they're £25 and I've had them for roughly three years, and only bought new ones because I wore out my other pair. Other trend-led styles start from £39.50, like their Onitsuka Tiger dupes that will save you £110, which is a bargain for a well made, comfortable shoe that will last you years. Trainers, £39.50, M&S 5. THE NO-RUB SUMMER SANDALS I've had the same pair of summer sandals probably for about nine years, at a guess. And before them I had a pair from the same brand that I always wore for comfort, price and of course longevity - and they are both from Havaianas. My first pair were the ' Brazil ' pair in white with green and yellow detailing, but avoid these. White and sun cream don't go hand in hand when walking around, and white doesn't look good after a day strolling around London. Despite their mucky appearance I couldn't let go - they were just so comfy and were like wearing a lighter-than-air slipper. Then, for holidays at the beach, to dinner in the evening, or in the UK with jeans or even tailoring I wear black Havaianas Slim, £30. They have thousands of colours and styles and collaborations and you can guarantee they'll last you years and be comfortable. 6. THE WHITE TEE THAT WILL KEEP ITS COLOUR & SHAPE Along with jeans, I live in plain white T-Shirts, the majority of which are round neck. I've been long committed to M&S and their T-Shirts and keep a couple on rotation throughout the week - but the best are from Cos. Now, for £30, you might think that's too much but if you're wearing them and washing them as much as I do - you need a good one and this is the best. Firstly, it's in the shape of a T so the sleeves are the correct length, about two inches above the elbow, and the body of the top isn't clingy or baggy, it's just straight. The round neck is ribbed so it holds its shape, it washes really well and is back to good as new at 30 degrees. It's also 100 per cent cotton making it soft which adds to its longevity. It comes in 14 different colours and prints and is a constant big seller for the brand.
