If you like baggy jeans, that is. Not so tight that you can only zip them up when lying down, this season’s styles should be what you’re looking for.
Relaxed jeans worn low to the hips were a staple on the Gucci runway for spring/summer; The new carrot style (so called because they are wider at the top and narrower as they go down) gives the thighs plenty of room to breathe; and the universally flattering booty cut continues its resurgence.
But if you can’t afford Gucci’s £1,000 denim, the High Street (and supermarkets) are full of unsuspecting designers.
Not only will you see more baggy jeans. Jumpsuits have not disappeared and will be joined by tailored blazers, as seen at Valentino.
My advice? Shop the trench coat from M&S, which sold out earlier this month but will be back in stock in April.
CARROT JEANS
LR: Designer: Alaia, £880, maison-alaia.com; High St: Tu at Sainsbury’s, £22, tuclothing. sainsburys.co.uk
Designer: Alaia, £880, maison-alaia.com
High street: Tu at Sainsbury’s, £22, tuclothing. sainsburys.co.uk
This exaggerated wide-leg style that tapers at the ankle has been gaining ground. M&S report searches for this cut are up 38 per cent on this time last year.
It’s more of a daytime feel, it doesn’t lend itself well to heels at night (save it for your boot cut jeans), so stick with flats. And don’t forget to tuck in your sweater or shirt to create the illusion of a wasp waist.
TRENCH COAT
LR: Designer: Maxmara, £605, luisaviaroma.com; High St: M&S, £79, marksandspencer.com
Designer: Maxmara, £605, luisaviaroma.com
High street: M&S, £79, marksandspencer.com
While a leather trench coat may look a little straight out of The Matrix, a denim version is much more versatile.
The belt will hug your waist, creating a sleek silhouette, and this dark wash holds up well to wear and tear, so it should last for years.
Finally, forget everything you’ve heard about double denim being a no-no, this trench coat will look amazing paired with ’70s-style flared jeans.
LOW AND FLARED
LR: Designer: Gucci, £1,000, gucci.com; High Street: H&M, £24.99, hm.com
Designer: Gucci, £1,000, gucci.com
High Street: H&M, £24.99, hm.com
And breathe. There will be no traffic cuts with this low cut style.
Gucci’s version costs £1,000, but there are plenty more budget options on the high street too.
Stradivarius and H&M have excellent imitations, made with responsibly sourced cotton.
Opt for a flared style (they look brilliant with sneakers, especially flat platforms) and balance the loose style with a more fitted top.
BLAZER
LR: Designer: Valentino, £2,850 Valentino.com; High Street: Karen Millen, £159.20 karenmillen.com
Designer: Valentino, £2,850 Valentino.com
High street: Karen Millen, £159.20 karenmillen.com
Denim jackets do not have to be dressed down and treated solely as casual wear.
This fitted jacket will look good with a work dress and on the weekends with high-waisted pants.
It feels less preppy and more grown-up than the short, collared, and front-pocketed one you may already own.
PIRATE
LR: Designer: Kendall Jenner in Khaite jeans, £440, at net-a-porter.com; High St: Boden, £85, boden.co.uk
Designer: Kendall Jenner in Khaite jeans, £440, at net-a-porter.com
High Street: Boden, £85, boden.co.uk
The thing about the pirate style is that it looks, well, good with boots, which most of us will wear as long as the weather remains wet.
It is also the most wearable shape, whatever your size and in the color you prefer. Shaped without looking squeezed, the boot cut will flatter everyone with its gently flared bottom leg.
Avoid anything too extreme – my top tip is to opt for a long, floor-grazing hemline, or just above it, to achieve that leggy look.
BUN
LR: Designer: Donna Ida, £315, donnaida.com; High Street: Sosandar, £89, sosandar.com
Designer: Donna Ida, £315, donnaida.com
High Street: Sosandar, £89, sosandar.com
Charlie’s Angels eat your heart: the denim jumpsuit continues to reinvent itself.
This season you can keep it fitted with a fitted, leg-length top half, which will work well with a wedge heel or platform sandal.
The pocket detail on the front (as opposed to the side) prevents widening of the hips. Baggy jumpsuits haven’t gone anywhere either, and soft ecru tones and lighter pinks abound at Wyse and Hush. Opt for ric-rac trim or scallops if you like a feminine finish.