Denim has come a long way from being the “weekend-only” wardrobe staple. And for me, I live in them every day, even at work. If you have a more rigid work uniform environment, fear not! There are more polished styles that will pass the traditional “workwear” test.

Now available in all different shapes and styles, we’re reaching for our jeans when getting dressed up just as much as for dressing down. Investing in new denim styles to pair with your favourite tops, jumpers and jackets is a simple way to upgrade your styling and outfit silhouettes.

Wondering which jean styles to invest in for spring? We’ve rounded up classic and trending new styles in a format of basic, better, best. We’ve also curated a range to suit all price points and fashion appetites, from iconic brands to emerging smaller labels who champion recycled materials and sustainable practices, such as Albaray. From wide-leg to polished slim styles, here is our GH insider guide to all things denim.

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Wide-leg jeans

Don’t be put off by the name, wide-leg jeans don’t have to be super wide. This cut makes for a great off-duty/weekend choice when worn with a rollneck under an oversized shirt.

Pair with your trusty trainers for now, but get ready to swap them out for a pair of Birkenstocks come summer.

Lyocell™ Blend Wide Palazzo Leg Jeans
M&S Lyocell™ Blend Wide Palazzo Leg Jeans
Credit: Marks and Spencer
High Rise Wide Leg Jeans
Boden High Rise Wide Leg Jeans
Credit: Boden
Western Bay Wide-Leg Jeans
Seventy + Mochi Western Bay Wide-Leg Jeans
Credit: Anthropologie

Flared jeans

The 1970s called and they want their flares back. This surprisingly wearable style keeps denim looking super chic and, not to mention, extremely flattering for bottom-heavy and hourglass figures.

Dark Blue Supersoft Flare Jeans
Next Dark Blue Supersoft Flare Jeans
Credit: Next
Light Indigo Relaxed Flare Jeans
Mint Velvet Light Indigo Relaxed Flare Jeans
Now 70% Off
Credit: Mint Velvet
Bonnie Mid-Rise Flared Jeans in Black
Reiss Bonnie Mid-Rise Flared Jeans in Black
Credit: Reiss

Slim-fit jeans

Slim/straight-fit jeans appeal to the effortless Parisian chic look we’re all striving for. When you find your perfect pair of jeans in this trusty style, it’s worth investing in a mix of colours and shades. Darker washes look more polished than faded ones.

The Way-High Slim Jean
Everlane The Way-High Slim Jean
Credit: Everlane
Straight Jeans
& Other Stories Straight Jeans
Credit: & Other Stories
Lyra Slim Leg Stretch Jean - Indigo
Wyse Lyra Slim Leg Stretch Jean - Indigo
Credit: Wyse

Barrel Leg

Many brands are wising up to the new micro denim trend hitting the streets, bringing a breath of fresh air to the usual denim styles. The Barrel-leg jean is tapered at the inner leg, creating an oversized ballooning affect. As trends lean towards the laid-back effortless vibe, the barrel leg will help you achieve this aesthetic better than the structured slim-fit style. Choose darker shades to maintain a more luxe feel, paired with ballet flats and slim-fit blazers. For a more androgynous yet casual style, go for khaki or light-wash denim.

Hourglass Blue Barrel Cotton Jean
Next Hourglass Blue Barrel Cotton Jean
Credit: Next
Relaxed Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans
Albaray Relaxed Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans
Credit: Albaray
Extreme Tapered Jean
ME+EM Extreme Tapered Jean
Credit: ME+EM