Sartorially speaking it’s not the most exciting time of year. Party season is a distant, glitter-doused memory, but the cold weather means that sparkles have been replaced by a rotation of enveloping jumpers.
To add a bit of oomph to your January uniform, I suggest finding a new style of jeans – one of the easiest updates you can give your workaday wardrobe.
You may recoil in horror at the notion of straying from your favourite denim. I, for one, am devoted to a trusty pair of flares from Boden (sadly now discontinued).
But this season the shops are awash with fresh and flattering pairs – at a startling range of prices, with styles costing as much as £480.
So we’ve picked the best jeans in five key styles for 2025.
For each, we’ve included one standout pair worth splurging on – and one (remarkably similar) budget-friendly style.
See if you can tell which is which…
Wide leg
Chic wide-leg flares look good with everything.
Opt for a hipster style and a loose fit around the thighs.
Don’t assume they’re only for casual wear; instead, dress them up with a pair of smart boots.
Uniqlo’s £39.99 style delivers relaxed elegance.
Turn-up
Veronica Beard is one of the Princess of Wales’s favourite casual designers, and this designer version of turn-ups (£365) would no doubt look great on her, too.
If you’re balking at the price tag, these ones by Primark (£18) have a similar retro feel.
Boilersuit
Boilersuits are in for 2025 – if you don’t own one, then be converted by denim legend Donna Ida’s £330 splurge – or Sosandar’s playful version, reduced from £89 to £44.50.
Wear a thin base-layer polo neck underneath – try Uniqlo’s monochrome stripe style for a touch of French elegance (£9.90, uniqlo.com).
Bootcut
If you still find it hard to ditch your skinnies, try a Nineties bootcut which is universally flattering.
Choose a mid-blue wash and make sure they have enough length to skim the ankle.
A-listers including Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Lopez are fans of Mother denim – their bootcut jeans will set you back £265.
Next’s £32 style also has a similarly flattering fit.
Embellished
Designers including Stella McCartney sent diamante embellishment down the catwalk this season.
Opt for jeans with small adornments as they make a statement but won’t look over the top.
While Anthropologie’s style (£148) has a smattering of pearls, Self Portrait’s (£480) is emblazoned with rhinestones for serious wow-factor.
