Trends might come and go, but one thing that always remains are our trusty jeans. Few things in our wardrobe work quite as hard as a good pair of jeans, in fact, they can truly pair with almost anything in your closet.
But these days there are so many styles, cuts and washes that standing in front of a wall of denim has become a little overwhelming. To make the choice a little easier, we’ve broken down each of the different jean styles and how they differ from one another, so you can find your perfect pair.
Wide-Leg Jeans
What they look like
Wide-leg jeans are a chic, relaxed silhouette that flares from the hip or thigh to the hem. They create an elegant, effortless shape that’s reminiscent of the iconic flared variety we loved in the 70s.
The fit
Usually designed to sit high-waisted or mid-rise, wide-leg jeans offer a roomier fit. Meaning that they sit higher and firm around your waist through to your hips, but your thighs and legs have more room.
How to wear wide-leg jeans
Create balance to the wide-leg fit by wearing either a fitted or structured shirt and draw attention to the fit of the jeans by giving your shirt a little tuck to the top of the pants. Draw inspiration from your favourite celebrities such as Cindy Crawford, Julianne Moore and Oprah Winfrey.
Barrel-Leg Jeans
What they look like
Initially called ‘horseshoe’ jeans, barrel-leg jeans offer a trending, rounded, voluminous and sculptural fit.
The fit
Barrel-leg jeans can sit anywhere from low-to-high rise, ballooning out around the hips and legs then tapering in at the ankles for a slightly cropped length.
How to wear barrel-leg jeans
The fashion set are adopting barrel-leg jeans as an easy-to-wear everyday style. Style it with a simple, classic white tee and refined black loafers for an elevated look.
The Weekly’s tips
“Barrel leg has fast become the statement jean over the past year. They can be worn in a relaxed manner styled with trainers and a sporty anorak, or for an elevated look try adding a pump and statement blouse for nighttime. When selecting a wash opt for a classic wash, a mid blue or black and let the silhouette do all the talking.” – Mattie Cronan, Style Director
Straight-Leg Jeans
What they look like
Straight-leg jeans are a classic jean shape that don’t date with trends. The style runs from hip to hem in a uniform width.
The fit
Running in a straight line down your leg, the clean shape of the straight leg jean doesn’t taper or flare around the ankle and are commonly associated with sitting at a high-or-mid-rise.
How to wear straight-leg jeans
Wearing straight-leg jeans is effortless. They’re your go-to everyday pair of jeans that you can throw on with a blazer and a pair of heels or equally with a T-shirt and sneakers.
The Weekly’s tips
“My go to every day jean is always the straight leg. Not only are they effortless but they are incredibly flattering. The versatile cut runs from hip to ankle creating one straight line that is flattering for all body types. As a short girl, I tend to opt for a darker indigo denim or a black and pair it back with a short, heeled boot to really elongate my legs (works every time!)” – Lilly Veitch, Market Editor
Slim-Leg Jeans
What they look like
While Slim-leg jeans and straight leg jeans do look and seem very similar, slim leg jeans offer a closer-to-the-body fit, tapering into a more classic ‘straight’ leg finish from knee to hem.
The fit
Slim-leg jeans fit snug on your body without being too tight. Because of this fit, you’ll likely find slim-leg jeans material composition offers some stretch to be able to retain their form-fitting shape.
How to wear slim-leg jeans
Slim-leg jeans can be paired with oversized tops to balance the look. To make the style feel a little more elevated, opt for structure such as a blazer and a heel that elongates your leg.
Girlfriend Jeans
What they look like
Where traditional ‘boyfriend’ jeans are baggy, low-slung and often distressed, girlfriend jeans are the feminine take. The girlfriend jeans sit higher on the waist, with a slightly less baggy fit.
The fit
Designed to fall somewhere in between baggy and straight, a girlfriend jean still feels somewhat tailored to your body with a hem that sits cropped around the ankle.
How to wear girlfriend jeans
Girlfriend jeans are an easily wearable jean choice that lends itself to winter styling. Pair the style with a floaty cardigan and leather boots for a comfortable, daytime look.
Skinny Jeans
What they look like
A classic style love by millennials in the mid-2000s to 2010s, skinny jeans are super-fitted jeans that hug every curve and sit high on the waist.
The fit
Often cropped at the ankle, the ultra-tight skinny jean tends to have some stretch to their fit, allowing you to occasionally land a pair that genuinely feels comfortable to wear. Maybe not quite as comfortable as the ‘jeggings’ dupe that came as an answer to the style, but still not as uncomfortable as one might think.
How to wear skinny jeans
Will skinny jeans make the reappearance we’ve been waiting for? Unsure, but if you’re still a die-hard fan of the flattering fit, choose to balance proportions with an oversized top. Whether that’s a button-up or chunky knit, we’ll leave that detail up to you.
If you’re still feeling a little lost on how the women’s jean styles’, lengths and rises will actually fit your body, Target has created a denim fit guide to help you feel confident in your choice. And if you’re looking for styles that cater to petite leg lengths or plus size, Target have that covered too. Explore the range online or head in-store to try on each jean silhouette to find the style that suits you.
Looking to refresh your space? You’re right on Target! From cosy bedding to stylish homewares, furnishings, and décor, Target Australia has everything you need to transform your house into a home. Shop online or in-store today!
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