ELLE UK’s readers have a near insatiable desire to know everything about denim. They want to know the coolest silhouettes, brands and washes, and they want to know them yesterday. Denim Download ensures they have just that.
A well-fitted pair of jeans is an absolute essential when building a capsule wardrobe, and while rigid denim might be the style du jour, those with curves might prefer designs that are made with a little more waist and hip in mind.
When shopping for your next favourite pair of jeans, organic cotton with a hint of stretch is ideal for plus-size, mid-size, and curvy women alike. Unlike traditionally stiff styles, stretch denim is much softer and more comfortable – meaning there’s no needed to break in your jeans, as they will fit beautifully from the very first wear. Better still, there’s no gape at the waist, and curves are smoothed by the gentle stretch of the fabric.
‘Comfort-stretch fabric ensures flexibility and shape retention,’ says Marianne McDonald, creative director at Citizens of Humanity, who recommends the brand’s Palma and Lyra Crop styles for women with curves.
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As for fit, you can’t go wrong with a classic pair of straight-leg jeans that lean into the ‘90s aesthetic, or wide-leg, slouchy styles that nail the relaxed-yet-sophisticated look and offer a bit of movement to boot.
Calvin Klein 90’s Straight Jeans
Citizens of Humanity Palma Straight-Leg
Tastemaker Abisola Omole told ELLE UK that when shopping for jeans, she always looks for brands that have a good range of sizes. ‘I don’t want my size to be the biggest they do, I want someone who has options, so I can change my ideal fit,’ she says, pointing to Calvin Klein and Good American as her go-to brands.
And as we ease into AW24, Omole says she is finding herself drawn to super baggy boyfriend jeans in particular: ‘I love having the excess fabric surround a really feminine and simple shoe like a Manolo Blahnik mule – that’s easily my go-to.’
Rails Getty Wide Leg Jeans
Good American Good Waist Wide Leg
Citizens of Humanity Lyra Wide Leg
If you prefer a louche look, then an effortlessly cool baggy jean is for you. ‘Our baggier fits are designed for comfort and style and work on all body shapes,’ says Karen Phelps, Agolde‘s creative director. ‘The Low Slung Baggy jean features an ultra-relaxed yet ultra-flattering silhouette. This upsized fit sits low on the hips with a directional, baggy straight leg.’
A slouchy silhouette might seem like a style challenge, but it’s easier to wear than you might think. Taller women can pull off a long, layered look by pairing baggy jeans with an oversized shirt and slipping on a longline jacket come autumn. Meanwhile, a fitted tank top is a smart way to play with proportions by creating a lengthening effect. Pair the look with ballet flats or strappy sandals for added polish, and finish with a relaxed blazer on cooler days.
Frame 90’s Utility Loose
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7 For All Mankind Tess Stretch Jeans
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Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Editor
Kara Kia is Hearst UK’s Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Editor, working across ELLE, Red, Harper’s Bazaar, Good Housekeeping, and Esquire to create shopping content, style advice, and beauty reviews on skincare, makeup, and curly hair. Kara’s most popular guides include ‘Affordable Jewellery Brands to Know’, ‘The Best Lingerie Brands’, and ‘How to Build a Holiday Capsule Wardrobe’, while she also covers deals events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Since starting her career as a journalist in 2018, she has held the role of Fashion Content Editor at NET-A-PORTER’s Porter Magazine, Associate Editor at PopSugar, and written for Refinery29 and LOVE Magazine, where she reported on fashion and beauty news, trends, and features. An experienced interviewer, Kara has spoken to Zendaya, Alicia Keys, Simone Biles, and Tyla about life, work, and style. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Kara lived in Toronto, Canada before moving to London.
Follow Kara on Instagram at @kara.kia
