Make way barrel leg jeans, this chic jean style has started to take over - and it's royal approved

The rumours are true: slimmer-fitting jeans are creeping back into mainstream fashion. Sure, wider, more comfortable styles like barrel leg jeans aren’t going anywhere, but tighter silhouettes from the ’80s, ’90s, and noughties are enjoying a revival, with the retro style cigarette jean now stealing the spotlight.

You might be wondering: what exactly is a cigarette jean? Named after the distinctive shape of the leg, the cigarette jean features a straight-cut silhouette, reminiscent of, well, a cigar. This retro denim staple typically grazes the ankles, making it perfect for showing off your favourite shoes, an outfit formula that, for instance, The Princess of Wales knows well. The royal has worn plenty of cigarette style jeans over the years, with her favourite pair coming from & Other Stories.

But she isn’t the only royal to sport the preppy look. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, has been seen in a true blue pair, Meghan Markle has worn charming ripped styles, and of course, Princess Diana was no stranger to the silhouette either.

So, we searched to find the best to buy now, so you can replicate their style.

Leading the way, Mint Velvet’s dark indigo slim jeans bring the classic charm of dark denim. New Look offers a stylish vintage pair (also called stovepipe jeans) that pair perfectly with a denim shirt for a Canadian tuxedo look. Elsewhere, Marks & Spencer’s Harper jean comes in a classic blue, but with a modern twist: turned-up hems for a contrasting touch. Hush adopts the same styling with their Agnes jeans.

For something a little different, Boden’s green corduroy jeans are soft, cosy, and perfect for the coming cold snap. Pair them effortlessly with a black oversized blazer and crisp white mohair-style jumper. Similarly, Arket’s Jade jeans come in a wine-red hue, adding a pop of colour to your usual blue and black rotation. We’d suggest styling these scarlet jeans with black leather loafers, a sophisticated black waistcoat, and a tailored coat for a polished finish.

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