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- The 2021 Jeans Cheatsheet
YOUR GUIDE TO THE MOST-COVETED JEANS SHAPES OF THE SEASON
Iconic and perennially stylish, there’s nothing quite like the enduring appeal of a denim jean. Dressed up or down, classic or high fashion – the humble jean has become an omnipresent building block in every woman’s wardrobe, no matter her shape, size or sartorial persuasion.
But one jeans shape does not fit all, and with so much choice on the denim market today, it can be overwhelming to find your perfect pair. We’ve narrowed it down for you, with a guide to the top 9 jeans shapes of the season – plus the most stylish ways to wear them now.
THE WIDE LEG JEAN
The denim star of the season has to be the wide-leg jean – preferably in a trending bright-white wash. Offering an A-line shape that skims over hips and nips you in at the waist, this is a contemporary fit with real impact. Wear with knitwear or tops tucked in to save your outfit drowning you.
The denim star of the season has to be the wide-leg jean - preferably in a trending bright-white wash. Offering an A-line shape that skims over hips and nips you in at the waist, this is a contemporary fit with real impact. Wear with knitwear or tops tucked in to save your outfit drowning you.
1. THE WIDE LEG JEAN
The denim star of the season has to be the wide-leg jean - preferably in a trending bright-white wash. Offering an A-line shape that skims over hips and nips you in at the waist, this is a contemporary fit with real impact. Wear with knitwear or tops tucked in to save your outfit drowning you.
THE FLARED JEAN
The s/s 2021 catwalks were awash with 70s looks, so it’s no surprise that the flare would make a comeback. To save things getting too Woodstock, keep the styling modern: a subtle black flare will feel more polished than blue and looks chic with a crisp white blouse and classic trench coat. Roll up the sleeves for extra style kudos.
The SS20 catwalks were awash with 70s looks, so it’s no surprise that the flare would make a comeback. To save things getting too Woodstock, keep the styling modern: a subtle black flare will feel more polished than blue, and looks chic with a crisp white blouse and classic trench coat. Roll up the sleeves for extra style kudos.
2. THE FLARED JEAN
The SS20 catwalks were awash with 70s looks, so it’s no surprise that the flare would make a comeback. To save things getting too Woodstock, keep the styling modern: a subtle black flare will feel more polished than blue, and looks chic with a crisp white blouse and classic trench coat. Roll up the sleeves for extra style kudos.
THE RIBCAGE JEAN
Is this the most flattering jean ever created? The Levi’s ‘Ribcage’ has got everyone in the fashion world waxing lyrical about its shape-enhancing magic. Inspired by a pair of 90s-era vintage 501 Originals, its button fly and extra-high rise fit help define your waist and elongate your legs. We recommend the straight fit iteration, dressed up with a blazer.
Is this the most flattering jean ever created? The Levi’s ‘Ribcage’ has got everyone in the fashion world waxing lyrical about its shape-enhancing magic. Inspired by a pair of ‘90s-era vintage 501 Originals, its button fly and extra-high rise fit help define your waist and elongate your legs. We recommend the straight fit iteration, dressed up with a blazer.
3. THE RIBCAGE JEAN
Is this the most flattering jean ever created? The Levi’s ‘Ribcage’ has got everyone in the fashion world waxing lyrical about its shape-enhancing magic. Inspired by a pair of ‘90s-era vintage 501 Originals, its button fly and extra-high rise fit help define your waist and elongate your legs. We recommend the straight fit iteration, dressed up with a blazer.
THE BOYFRIEND JEAN
History credits Marilyn Monroe for kicking off the concept of ‘boyfriend’ jeans, after she wore a pair of men’s jeans on the set of 1961 movie The Misfits. The understated, relaxed fit has been a cyclical fashion trend ever since, but today you should be wearing it with feminine, prairie-style blouses and Western ankle boots.
History credits Marilyn Monroe for kicking off the concept of 'boyfriend' jeans, after she wore a pair of mens jeans on the set of 1961 movie Misfits. Its understated, relaxed fit has been a cyclical fashion trend ever since, but today you should be wearing it with feminine, prairie-style blouses and Western ankle boots.
4. THE BOYFRIEND JEAN
History credits Marilyn Monroe for kicking off the concept of 'boyfriend' jeans, after she wore a pair of mens jeans on the set of 1961 movie Misfits. Its understated, relaxed fit has been a cyclical fashion trend ever since, but today you should be wearing it with feminine, prairie-style blouses and Western ankle boots.
THE CROPPED JEAN
This shape will flatter for myriad reasons: firstly, it’s cut mid-calf to show off the slimmest part of your leg, giving the illusion of extra leg length. And Jigsaw’s mid-rise waist also flatters most body shapes. Wear yours with ankle boots in the winter, swapping out for a block heel when the weather turns warm.
This shape will flatter for myriad reasons: firstly, its cut mid-calf to show off the slimmest part of your leg, giving the illusion of extra leg length. And Jigsaw's mid-rise waist also flatters most body shapes. Wear yours with ankle boots in the winter, swapping out for a block heel when the weather turns warm.
5. THE CROPPED JEAN
This shape will flatter for myriad reasons: firstly, its cut mid-calf to show off the slimmest part of your leg, giving the illusion of extra leg length. And Jigsaw's mid-rise waist also flatters most body shapes. Wear yours with ankle boots in the winter, swapping out for a block heel when the weather turns warm.
THE BARREL LEG JEAN
A key player for spring, the barrel leg is having a fashion moment. High on the waist, loose-fitting on the leg and slightly cropped at the ankle, this shape may be a little different to what you’re used to, but most find it unexpectedly flattering. Take the Whistles barrel leg pair as evidence: a bestseller for seasons now (and available in five colours).
A key player for spring, the barrel leg is having a fashion moment. High on the waist, loose-fitting on the leg and slightly cropped at the ankle, this shape may be a little different to what you’re used to, but most find it unexpectedly flattering. Take the Whistles barrel leg pair as evidence: a bestseller for seasons now.
6. THE BARREL LEG JEAN
A key player for spring, the barrel leg is having a fashion moment. High on the waist, loose-fitting on the leg and slightly cropped at the ankle, this shape may be a little different to what you’re used to, but most find it unexpectedly flattering. Take the Whistles barrel leg pair as evidence: a bestseller for seasons now.
THE CIGARETTE JEAN
If you only buy one pair, make it the cigarette cut. While skinny jeans follow the line of the leg and fit snugly from hip to ankle, the cigarette is cut straight from knee to ankle for a straighter, more classic shape. They will go with everything – from slick denim jackets to feminine blouses.
Take your denim and make it work-appropriate. This style from John Lewis & Partner’s in-house label Kin is designed in a vintage-inspired balloon shape for the ultimate relaxed-yet-tailored look, with a back buckle for added practicality.
7. THE TAILORED JEAN
Take your denim and make it work-appropriate. This style from John Lewis & Partner’s in-house label Kin is designed in a vintage-inspired balloon shape for the ultimate relaxed-yet-tailored look, with a back buckle for added practicality.
THE CROPPED FLARE
If you’re not ready to go full 70s, this is the shape for you. A mostly straight leg fit with a subtle kick at the hem makes this an entry-level look into the trend.
If you’re not ready to go full 70s, this is the shape for you. A mostly straight leg fit with a subtle kick at the hem makes this an entry-level look into the trend. Wear them with a blazer and mid heels at the office, with a cami underneath for post-work revelries.
8. THE CROPPED FLARE
If you’re not ready to go full 70s, this is the shape for you. A mostly straight leg fit with a subtle kick at the hem makes this an entry-level look into the trend. Wear them with a blazer and mid heels at the office, with a cami underneath for post-work revelries.
THE SKINNY JEAN
There’s always a place in your wardrobe for the faithful skinny jean. With over 300 pairs to choose from at John Lewis & Partners, we’ve got every wash and colour covered. A classic black skinny will prove the most versatile; but make it summer-ready with a linen blouse and sliders.
There’s always a place in your wardrobe for the faithful skinny jean. With over 300 pairs to choose from at John Lewis & Partners, we’ve got every wash and colour covered. A classic black skinny will prove the most versatile; but make it summer-ready with a linen blouse and sliders.
9. THE SKINNY JEAN
There’s always a place in your wardrobe for the faithful skinny jean. With over 300 pairs to choose from at John Lewis & Partners, we’ve got every wash and colour covered. A classic black skinny will prove the most versatile; but make it summer-ready with a linen blouse and sliders.