In 1962, the magazine American Fabrics stated, “If we were to use a human term to describe a textile we might say that denim is an honest fabric – substantial, forthright, and unpretentious.” These days, denim is a little more ambitious and as autumn draws in, jeans become a wardrobe staple. So what’s on offer this season?
Ysatis
Ysatis are the jeans to be seen in if you can remember the 60s but have since developed a sense of fashion. These are definitely ladies’ jeans, to be worn to coffee at Pralina or brunch at the Hilton. Superbly comfortable, incredibly soft and warm enough for mild winter evenings. The details are mainly understated, though the front button is rather larger than the norm. Slightly worn on the front for a slimming effect and longer at the back than the front – perfect for the over 40s who don’t want their underwear ogled.
Price: ?46.50
Available from: Ermes
Passion Voyage
Like sparkle? You’ll stand out like a Christmas tree in a forest in this pair! Not only do you get glitter rivets on the front, there’s a shiny design on the back pocket in black crystal. More? OK: how about white zips that go all the way up both sides? Alas, the excitement ends there: unzip to reveal more denim – bare flesh is out this winter! Passion voyage is a name – so you’re buying designer (although thanks to TAG, at a discount price). If you’ve got the legs and confidence this pair could take you right through to spring – unless the magpies get you first.
Price: ?79.95
Available from: TAG
Bershka
Be warned – these are tiny jeans for tiny teens! Perfect for size eights or tens, the lighter colour, flared bottoms and long, long legs are only flattering for those who think Kate Moss is on the large side. That said, the material is very soft, the pockets are fashionably cut on the diagonal and the light blue stitching blends into the material. If you can survive being in a shop where the shop assistants look about ten and the customers no older, then your daughters will thank you for buying Bershka.
Price: ?14.90
Mango
Mango have gone back to the original workwear style of jeans. These are a rough, dark denim, cut in a fashionably 50s style. Pass on the white socks, and you’ve got a go anywhere do anything winner. The details are different: back pockets with a flap, short turn-ups and a looser fit ensure these are jeans that look as good on me (with cowboy boots and cardi) as on my mother (loafers and white shirt). And at a price that won’t blow either of our bank accounts.
Price: ?29.90
Miss Sixty (‘Perkins’ design)
Fancy yourself as artistic, edgy and cool? Don’t kid yourself, you’re still buying mainstream with Miss Sixty, but these are definitely jeans aimed at the hipper youth. Cut from a sturdy, dirty denim, these are a regular fit with funky details: a front button that could double as a satellite dish (for when you can’t pick up MTV any other way), red, white and blue stitching (obviously not patriotic, as these are made in Italy) and the pi?ce de resistance – a massive eyelet on the back pocket, in case you don’t lose enough change the normal way. If you’ve money to burn and places to be seen, Miss Sixty’s for you.
Price: ?69.00
Available from: Miss Sixty/Debenhams
Zara
Zara does several styles of jeans. All are good, all are reasonably priced and all will last you a good few seasons. This particular pair is smart and understated, cut from a tough blue-grey denim and worn down the front for a slimming effect. Fashionably creased at the top, they’re cut low at the waist, but higher over the bottom – fantastic if you don’t like your jeans round your knees when you sit down. The back pocket boasts a glittery design in shades of gold, and the stitching is orangey-yellow to match. Perfect to wear with all those earthy winter shades, and warm enough for apr?s ski – if only we had any!
Price: ?29.90
7 for all mankind
If you’re going to take seven, why not 7 for all mankind? In the who wears what stakes, these are a clear first. If you fancy wearing the same togs as Cameron Diaz, Deborah Messing and Drew Barrymore, but don’t have the same salary, try TAG. These jeans retail in the States at over $200, so you’re getting a bargain. Smart and simple, this pair is boot cut from indigo denim – and the obligatory back pocket design is made with Swarovski crystals. Sat on the wrong chair? …7 comes with extra Swarovski studs (though you’ll have to buy your own glue gun).
Price: ?79.95
Available from: TAG
