This post is sponsored by Collect Plus
Denim, denim, denim. It needs no introduction on my blog, I love it, and you all know that! So when CollectPlus asked me to put together a denim guide about my Top 5 favourite styles, I jumped at the chance. If you are an avid online shopper then you will already know CollectPlus - a delivery service that allows you have to have parcels delivered to a local shop so you don't have to worry about being in to sign for it. When you guys see me hot footing it around town laden with parcels in my weekly vlogs, that's doing my rounds for parcels... CollectPlus really is my life saver when it comes to actually being able to leave the house and not just waiting for the postman.
So, I went into my wardrobe and picked out my Top 5 denim styles, and thought I would share with you why I like them so much. To read more about this you can go to CollectPlus' blog too, as I have written a post for them as well! All the retailers here offer Click and Collect delivery too.
1. Distressed Denim
A while ago I was all about ripped knees in my denim. Now, not so much. I prefer a more subtle distressing, and the frayed hems that have been everywhere this season perfectly tick that box! These ASOS Jeans are an amazing pair (there were in a Testing Basics that you can watch here too). They are a thick and structured denim which lends itself so perfectly to a bit of distressing, especially a raw hem! I think the best thing about a bit of tattered denim is that it's such a subtle update on a classic piece - it doesn't make the denim any less versatile or easy to style up, but it does make it that little bit more exciting!
Worn with: MSGM Coat | & Other Stories Knit | Whistles Boots
2. Cropped Denim
I find cropped denim a tricky one. It can chop your legs off in the most unflattering way, but it can also look so so effortlessly cool! I have had this pair from Weekday for a loonnnggg time now. I love the slight kick flare which definitely makes them feel a little more wearable for me, especially during Winter when all the ankle boots come out. I think these ones are flattering because the slight kick flare gives a little bit of balance to my hips too. The boots also help to balance the look, especially 'sock' style boots that are super tight over your ankles. Also picking out a mid or high rise pair is a great way to lengthen the legs again. I tend to try and style min up with pieces I can tuck in, which can mean pretty blouses like this one, but also your fave chunky knit!
Worn with: & Other Stories Shirt | Aritzia Belt | Loeffler Randall Boots
3. Boyfriend Jeans
Oh I do love me some boyfriend denim. They are the cornerstone of my casual wardrobe, and I am constantly inspired by the way with people style them. I think they can be unflattering too, and the key is all in a structured denim. As with the distressed style, and thin and stretchy denim is going to make a boyfriend jean look really cheap. You need some structure there, so they don’t just hang from your hips in a way that does nothing for anybody’s figure. A heavy denim also looks great with some turn ups. The way you turn up your jeans can really alter the shape too - one neat turn up will create a straight leg, whereas lots of roll ups at the bottom with cause the denim to taper in a little bit. It’s a good way to update this depending on what shoes you’re wearing too (as a very general rule, I like a straight leg with a shoe that covers my foot, such as a boot of a trainer. And a tapered leg with any shoe that exposes the foot, such as courts or sandals). Levi’s 501s have to be the ultimate boyfriend jeans. Whether you’re going for vintage or new, they have a huge sizing range meaning you can get the perfect leg length, and are the most amazing heavy denim too!
Worn with: Gucci Loafers | & Other Stories Coat | Isabel Marant Knit | Loewe Bag
4. Flares
I think flares have the potential to be the most flattering style of denim. They always make me feel like the most effortlessly chic Parisian lady, which of course is my life goal! That is, if you get the fit right. Get it wrong, I feel like I am about aged 10 going to a school disco wearing some hideous flares and one of those tops from Tammy Girl with the long sleeves underneath… do we all remember those monstrosities?? Flares make everyone look taller, and you average height ladies have the most choice out there - the high street will generally cater to a 32inch leg with flares, which on many people will come to that perfect floor skimming length. Shorter girls you can tap into the frayed hem trend too with a bit of customisation, chopping off the bottoms to make them the perfect length for you. Us taller girls will struggle a little more on the high street, aside from tall brand concessions, we are destined for an unflattering-not-quite-long-enough length. Which is why I recommend looking for high end flares. Generally designer denim tend to have a greater selection of leg lengths (I look for at least a 34inch leg) - this particular pair are from Frame, and were a sale find from a year or so ago. I recommend checking out the selection at Very Exclusive and John Lewis for some great designer denim options.
Shop a selection of flares here.
Worn with: Monki Coat | Loeffler Randall Boots | Uniqlo T-Shirt
5. Skinny Jeans
The ultimate classic style of denim. No wardrobe is complete with skinny jeans, and they are definitely the most versatile style of denim there is. The high street is getting better and better at producing incredible denim, so there is no need to shell out a fortune on the perfect pair (more on that here). I have skinny jeans in every wash imaginable; light blue, dark blue, mid blue, grey, black, white… if I had to pick the two you really need, it would be light blue and black. Light wash denim goes so well with all colours, and can be a great piece in Winter against a dark outfit. And black skinnies are as versatile as any piece can be; from workwear, a night out, to everyday… a pair of black skinnies can work for everything. Other than picking your wash, the other aspect to focus on is the rise. I am a fan of a mid rise as I think it’s the most flattering - both a low and high rise can draw unwanted attention to your tummy if you tend to carry around a food baby from time to time. Mid rise manages to be both leg lengthening and flattering on the tummy, win win! My all time favourite style of skinny jeans are the Weekday Thursday jeans, which are available via ASOS in an array of different washes.
Work with: Isabel Marant Boots | Jigsaw Jumper | Aritzia Belt