I'm not trying to brag, but I get a lot of compliments on my winter outfits. To me, there's an easy elegance to cold-weather styling, and as someone who works in fashion, I'm often asked for advice on building the perfect capsule for polished winter dressing that feels effortless. Of course, every wardrobe edit needs its slightly “trendier” pieces, and even as a minimalist, I like to dip my toes into trends now and then to add interest to my looks. However, I’ll forever be a classic dresser to my core, and whilst it's all well and good to hop on the latest fad, the most put-together collections are built on those ageless staples that can be relied upon time after time.

Most recently, the women in my life wanted me to help curate a winter capsule wardrobe for them that’s versatile, easy to throw on and timeless enough to stand the test of time. And after a quick browse of my saved folder on Instagram, I was able to create an easy but chic winter wardrobe that feels fresh for 2026 but remains classic enough to wear on repeat for years to come. Think of elevated basics that can be dressed up and down with ease, mixed and matched to create a wide range of looks, and, most importantly, will never become "dated".

And the best part? I've compiled the exact list I created for them below—shopping links and all! So if you, too, are in the mood for an elegant wardrobe refresh ahead of the new season, keep scrolling to discover my seven-piece winter capsule wardrobe. From designer outerwear investments that you’ll reach for year after year to affordable accessories that look way more expensive than their high-street price tag, below you’ll find the staples that will see you through the rest of 2026 (and way beyond).

I Just Built a Polished Winter Capsule Wardrobe With These 7 Staples

1. Boxy Wool Coat

Style Notes: I’ve spent this unusually long autumn longing for the days when my heavier outerwear styles can act as the focal points of my outfits, and for winter 2026, there’s nothing that will bring instant polish like a boxy wool coat. Not only is this more tailored silhouette a proportional dream, bringing definition to an outfit, but the sharp shoulders will look considered and intentional, even when paired with the most casual of staples. Me personally? I’ll be using this flattering outerwear style to dress up my jeans and relaxed jumpers for the office.

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2. Crew-Neck Jumper

Style Notes: No knit feels quite as versatile as a crew-neck jumper. The rounded silhouette helps to balance out shoulder width without making them look overly prominent, plus this smooth neckline fits seamlessly under coats, jackets, and blazers. Not to mention, they can be dressed up and down for any occasion with ease, from pairing well with a pair of jeans and ballet pumps in the day to a slip skirt and knee-high boots for an evening out with friends. Of course, you can find expensive-looking iterations at every price point; however, to keep your outfits looking polished, prioritise natural fibres and muted hues,

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3. Straight Jeans

Style Notes: I was very grateful for my linen and cotton trousers earlier on in the year, but as soon as temperatures started to drop, I packed them away to make room for my trusty denim. Comfortable, easy to style and timeless, a pair of jeans has a place in my capsule wardrobe no matter the time of year. My silhouette of choice for winter 2026? Elegant straight and stovepipe cuts that feel smart enough for the office and also bring that ‘90s edge to an outfit that I love. And the best part is that this staple looks expensive at any price point, from budget-friendly H&M buys that can easily pass as designer to investments from Khaite and YSL that you’ll keep forever.

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4. Knee-High Boots

Style Notes: Boot season is finally here! And the first pair I'll be reaching for is sleek knee-highs that practically create my outfit for me. Heels or flats, leather or suede or croc, I know I'm going to live in this footwear staple from now until next spring. Not only will they look extremely chic with a pair of leggings or straight-leg jeans tucked into them, but they’ll also bring a sense of comfort when I’m wearing a mini skirt and want slightly more coverage. The gorgeous burgundy Jimmy Choo pair below has been on my wish list for years now, but there are also plenty of more affordable options that I currently have my eye on

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5. Bowling Bag

Style Notes: If you appreciate a good handbag as much as I do, you probably agree that the right bag has the power to completely change your outfit. And after hours of browsing the feeds of my favourite fashion influencers, it turns out that the trending silhouette for winter 2026 is not actually new by any means, but rather the classic bowling bags that have dominated the wardrobes of chic dressers for years now. It’s timeless, elegant, and roomy enough to fit all of my essentials. To keep your outfit looking expensive, stick to natural materials such as leather and suede, as well as neutral hues that won’t date.

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6. Pleated Skirt

Style Notes: When jeans feel a little too casual, I always reach for a midi skirt. And pleated iterations have found their way back into the wardrobes of elegant dressers for winter 2026. Gone are the days when this preppy style was considered “dated”, and now pleated skirts are very much being appreciated for their ability to bring an instant sense of polish to an outfit, pairing well with boots, heels and loafers alike. They’re flattering and polished, and the length sits well within my comfort zone as someone who tends to stick to the more modest side of dressing.

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7. Fringe Scarf

Style Notes: Every capsule wardrobe needs at least one “trendier” item that will keep things feeling fresh and elevated, and for winter 2026, I’m all about the fringe scarf. A statement accessory that somehow also manages to feel inherently sophisticated, a fringe scarf will look good draped around the neck or waist this season. It’s the perfect staple for minimalists, bringing texture and movement to an otherwise pared-back outfit without the need for the bold colours or busy patterns that feel a little too out there for pared-back dressers like myself. Not to mention that it gives a subtle nod to the Opera dressing aesthetic that’s set to dominate this season.

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Yves Saint Laurent said he wished he had invented them, Andy Warhol wanted to be buried in them and Giorgio Armani said they represent “democracy in fashion”; jeans are worn, admired and beloved by us all, including the most influential tastemakers. Yet the past few years have seen something of a shift in how denim is perceived. What remained an accessible, everyday staple for decades has now been glazed in the sheen of ultra-luxury. They may still be worn every day, but contrary to Mr Armani’s declaration, they have become a signifier of wealth and decidedly undemocratic—at least where price is concerned. Banish thoughts of logo pockets and flashy labels, though; the styles people are spending the most money on now could not—to the untrained eye—be identified on first sight. What they have in common is an obsessive focus on fit and quality, and as a result, even the most expensive pairs (up to £1000 in some cases) are flying off the shelves. Why are so many of us prepared to pay more than ever for our jeans?

“The change in attitudes towards spending on denim seems to be in line with the drift towards a desire for and appreciation of craftsmanship,” says fashion psychologist Dr Dion Terrelonge. “In a world of polyester and AI, people are seeking craft; clothes that feel pure and real to the touch. People like to own special items, and for something as personal as a pair of jeans where the fit is everything, that idea of what’s special can come from owning a more luxurious version of something that is, by nature, functional.”

Interestingly, the brands flourishing in this space include smaller, independent labels rather than fashion’s power players; retailers such as Net-a-Porter consistently cite The Row, Khaite, Toteme, Alaïa, Agolde, Ossou and Rùadh as their best-sellers. The most in-demand pairs are usually straight-leg or with a subtle bootcut and come in indigo or darker washes. Shakaila Forbes-Bell, fashion and consumer psychologist, says that this is because “studies show that dark-coloured jeans are often associated with higher prices and therefore make the wearer appear to have greater access to resources.”

It’s no surprise that these more timeless designs resonate most with customers paying a higher price—they have greater longevity, after all—but their outward simplicity belies the technical prowess behind their construction. Benjamin Talley Smith is a designer known as the “Denim Whisperer” who currently works with brands including Dôen, Reformation, Ulla Johnson, J.Crew and Gigi Hadid’s Guest In Residence. He is also the man responsible for Khaite’s best-selling Danielle jeans, which, despite a price tag of more than £600, continue to sell out and have inspired countless TikTok videos praising their fit.

“People ask me all the time if a higher price equals better quality,” he says. “We make Khaite’s products in Los Angeles, which is why I live there. We are in the factory every day, and we work on all the prep and fitting to make sure [the jeans] are great, [and] we also review them after every single wash. If there’s an issue, I’m there to deal with it, and when the products are being finished in the final stages, they’re sent to my office, where we review them again. I just can’t do that with a brand like J.Crew, which is bigger. That, to me, represents a higher level of quality, which is why they’re more expensive.”

Talley Smith says it’s a subject he “goes back and forth” on, citing some luxury brands that charge more than £1000 for jeans he says aren't worth it. “In those instances, maybe you’re just paying for the name instead of what I do, which is fit to perfection. The stuff we charge £600 or £700 for deserves that price tag; if you look at any of the TikTok videos about Khaite jeans, for example, everyone always starts by saying they don’t want to pay [that sort of money] so they’re going to return them. Then they put them on, and they’re like, ‘I’ve never looked or felt better in my life.’ That is worth it.”

Jac Cameron, founder and designer of Rùadh, is one person Talley Smith cites as a fellow “denim person”. She, too, she says, has spent her entire career “obsessing” over the way jeans fit, concentrating on how they feel on the body before then looking at proportions, rise, leg shape and pocket placement. “A lot of the process is very hands-on,” she explains. “We develop our patterns and samples in New York and Los Angeles, and I spend a great deal of time trying on, adjusting and refining each fit. Small changes can make a huge difference: the angle of a pocket, the height of a rise, the way a leg falls from the hip or how much ease you have through the thigh.”

This, of course, informs the cost, but so do the details, says Cameron. “Our shank buttons are made from recycled brass with a semi-precious real gold finish, and they’re produced in Italy by a storied factory that specialises in high-end hardware. It’s a small detail, but one that I think speaks to our overall philosophy. We’re considering every element of the jeans and choosing the best materials and specialists we can. Those details may not always be immediately visible, but they contribute to the quality and feel of the finished piece.”

Another commonality shared by the brands creating the most successful luxury denim right now is that they all cite longevity as a priority; these designers are making pieces that will look good on you in years to come, not just right now. Nina Khosla and Talia Shuvalov, creative directors of Ossou, say this is partly why jeans are now considered to be a luxury item. “This is a material you can actually wear for years; it will respond to the wearer and become more personal over time. We want our denim to evolve with you. We like to start with something a little more fitted, and let it relax as we wear it.”
Talley Smith has a similar approach to his work; he refers to jeans as a “living, breathing thing” and says that, when it comes to innovation within his design process, he’s often looking to vintage styles to create something new. This isn’t simply to satisfy the current appetite for nostalgia but because, he says, “they were better made because they were made for work. Even the production system was set up in a way that meant denim was made to last 10 years or more, as opposed to the fast-fashion situation we see today.”

The appeal of a “worn”, lived-in look could also be why pre-loved sites like eBay are seeing growing demand for secondhand luxury jeans. Between August and September 2026, the online marketplace says searches for “luxury denim” increased by an impressive 308%, and some of the most coveted brands are The Row, Toteme and Agolde. Marie Blanchet, vintage curator and founder of Mon Vintage, has also received more requests for denim of late. “As part of my permanent collaboration with Printemps, the Parisian department store where we have the largest vintage space in Europe, I source Levi’s 501s—but only the American pairs from the ’80s and ’90s,” she says. “They are highly sought-after there, but I’ve also had some of my most demanding private clients asking for them. I have to say that they are the jeans that give you the best butt!”

Perhaps this is why, when it comes to fashion’s biggest houses, the only one name-checked in my conversations with retailers is Gucci, and they’re talking about Demna’s Horsebit style, which costs nearly £900 and is based on creations from the ’90s and ’00s. Stock has almost entirely sold out at Net-a-Porter and MyTheresa. Before long, no doubt, more brands will be taking the same tack. It is, after all, a major growth category that, if done well, can yield impressive results in a challenging economy. Talley Smith tells me that some “pinnacle luxury brands”—he won’t reveal which—are now seeking his help to make their “£1000+ denim” a viable, attractive prospect for customers. In other words, they want what Khaite’s got.

In many ways, jeans are, it seems, the new handbag. Leather goods used to be the entry point, or at least a more affordable way of owning a piece of your favourite luxury label, but this has changed. As Talley Smith puts it, “It’s like the gateway drug. You can’t afford the £5000 Khaite leather jacket, but you can afford the £600 jeans.” This is really just the beginning; already, it’s clear that leading names in luxury are cottoning on to the power of truly great jeans—just look at Matthieu Blazy’s work at Chanel, where he created a couture take on denim trousers that went viral when model Bhavitha Mandava wore them to the Met Gala.

As Professor Carolyn Mair, a psychologist, says, “The boundaries of luxury have broadened. It’s less confined to traditionally prestigious categories and is increasingly attached to everyday items. An ordinary product, therefore, can acquire extraordinary symbolic value.” Symbolic or not, the question remains: how do you really know if a pair of jeans is worth it? “Just make sure your butt looks great,” says Talley Smith. “I call it the magic triangle: It’s the placement of the back pockets and where they sit in conjunction with what we call the yoke seam. If it’s placed perfectly, it makes your bum look really great. I always say that’s my real job: to give you the perfect butt.”

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Even after the busyness of fashion month has calmed down, you'll still spot a certain kind of woman in every "fashion" city right now. She’s probably walking quickly, coffee in hand, dressed in an outfit that looks effortless but has clearly been considered, and, more often than not, she’ll be wearing jeans. Though they may have started as workwear and evolved into a throw-on-and-go staple, across London, Copenhagen, Paris and beyond, jeans are being styled with a new sense of intention, proving that even the humble piece can still feel fresh, but most importantly, polished.

For a while, denim trends seemed to swing between extremes: skinny jeans kept threatening to make a comeback, whilst oversized and ultra-baggy pairs dominated street style. Now, however, women are settling on shapes, styles and silhouettes that feel personal rather than prescriptive, from practical straight-legs to relaxed, vintage pairs, but the real talking point isn't just what they're wearing, but exactly how they’re wearing them.

And of course, denim moods can shift from city to city, just like any other trend. For example, Londoners often prefer to be a little more eclectic and undone, whilst Californians are effortlessly pared-back and Parisians lean into timeless silhouettes and understated accessories. But whether styled up with heels or kept casual with a tee and flip-flops, it's clear that jeans are no longer the thing you reach for when you don’t know what else to wear; they’re actually the foundation of some of the most compelling outfits around.

So, if your own jeans have been feeling a little "samey" lately, consider this your sign to look at denim differently. These women in the world’s most stylish cities are making a convincing case for bringing them back into focus—and their outfits just might give you a few ideas for how to wear yours next.

How People in Stylish Cities Are Wearing Jeans Now

1. London

"My go-to fit is a straight, non-stretch mid-rise, with a slight crop that hits the lower ankle at just the right point. I have Citizens of Humanity's French jeans in a washed black and keep meaning to get them in the classic blue wash too. Another pair of forever great-fitting jeans is the Agolde Pinch; they literally fit me like a glove without being super uncomfortable, and again, no stretch; I don't like denim that ends up baggy and unflattering by midday.

"I may have a penchant for a slight crop at the lower ankle, but I also really love long, lean jeans that pool slightly, often worn with kitten heels or loafers, a simple white tee, an oversized, dark-grey wool blazer and perhaps a playful accessory to add a little extra charm." — Lucy Alston, stylist and content creator

2. New York

"My favourite everyday denim style is an easy, light-wash, straight-leg, but next on my wish list are ’70s-inspired wide-leg, low-rise jeans with ankle-length hems. I love the nostalgic, effortless feeling they give, and they create a cool, 'back in the day' vibe whilst still being incredibly versatile and easy to style. I wear denim almost every day because it’s a staple in my wardrobe; the right pair can instantly elevate even the most simple outfit and perfectly capture my personal take on New York style." — Amy Julliette Lefévre, model and content creator

3. Copenhagen

"I'm new to barrel jeans, but I’m obsessed with the fit and shape. They’re relaxed and have a loose fit without feeling too baggy, and I think the curved leg makes them feel more feminine and, most importantly, so comfy. I’ll definitely be rewearing these over and over this season. I may have already ordered a blue pair as well." — Karoline Dall, artist and content creator

4. Paris

"There’s something about classic straight-leg jeans that I’ll never get tired of. I love their effortless fit, timeless appeal and the way they instantly make any outfit look cool without trying too hard. I love them most with a T-shirt paired with a cashmere sweater, a blazer or even a button-down. They're a forever staple in a Parisian wardrobe." — Géraldine Boublil, content creator and founder, Things From

5. California

"I am always on the hunt for denim. My rule is simple: if I find a better pair, I have to get rid of a pair. For a while, there was a revolving door of denim coming in and out of my closet, but lately things have slowed down, and I’ve found myself genuinely satisfied with a really wonderful curation of jeans that I love equally.

"For everyday, errand-running denim, I love a baggy jean paired with a simple tee, a good bag and a flip-flop. Vintage Levi’s are my go-to, and I’ve found some great pairs at RLT [an L.A.-based denim brand]. Lately though, I’ve been reaching for the Saint jeans from Eterne almost daily. Spending the time trying on pairs and curating a small selection for every occasion is the key to never feeling like I have nothing to wear." — Madeline Rose, content creator

6. Tokyo

"I love Zara jeans because they have a genuinely straight fit that works really well for my body type. Sometimes, jeans labelled as 'straight fit' end up looking a little too baggy on me, but these have a low waist and a true straight-leg cut that feels really effortless. I also love the wash, and the exposed button fly adds just the right amount of character to an otherwise classic pair of jeans without being over the top. I own quite a few pairs of denim from more premium brands, but sometimes a great pair of Zara jeans is just as good, especially when you feel like experimenting a little with different styles and cuts.

"Japanese style is all about effortless, understated dressing with a touch of the unexpected. I naturally gravitate towards classic pieces, but I love playing with proportions, interesting cuts and subtle details to make an otherwise simple outfit feel a little more special. I think it’s often those small things that make the biggest difference in creating a chic outfit without looking like you’ve tried too hard." — Emma Jang, content creator

7. Oslo

"I, like many others, love the 501 from Levi's. They’re my favourite, and I actually have them in a light wash, as well as in a dark wash for winter. I feel like the 501 works for several body types, as well as mine. My style is very Scandi, and the jeans fit right into my aesthetic. They’re not too much, just simple. And they’re not too baggy or too skinny either." — Nnenna Echem, content creator

Few things in a capsule wardrobe work quite as hard as denim. It's the fabric we reach for when we don't know what to wear, the dependable foundation of just so many outfits and, depending on the cut, wash and styling, something that can feel entirely different from one day to the next. It's also one of fashion's great levellers: jeans are democratic by nature, but that hasn't stopped designers from returning to them season after season, never seeming to run out of new ways to make an everyday staple feel worthy of the runway. So what better time to take a look at what the spring/summer 2027 collections have in store for us in terms of denim trends?

After all, spring/summer is often where denim gets to have a little more fun. Whilst autumn/winter tends to bring us back to familiar cuts, traditional washes and the sort of jeans that make sense with a good coat, the warmer months give designers room to experiment. And S/S 27 has been particularly interesting in this respect. Looking through the collections, I was struck by just how many different directions denim was taking. There were the expected classics, of course, but also jeans that appeared to have been sliced apart and sewn back together, coated in high-shine finishes, covered in flowers or distressed to within an inch of their lives.

Some of the results were decidedly full throttle. Micro shorts barely passed as shorts at all, embellishments were applied with admirable abandon and even the most familiar denim jacket was given a reason to feel exciting again. Elsewhere, designers found ways to make jeans feel new without radically changing them: a deeper indigo wash—rather unexpected for spring—an interesting proportion or a simple combination of denim and a perfectly quaffed striped shirt was sometimes all it took.

That, in my opinion, is what makes this season feel so refreshing. Denim isn't being pushed in one definitive direction, and there's no suggestion that you need to jilt a pared-back wardrobe in favour of something more extravagant; the collections made room for both. You could embrace a little more personality through a floral print or an unusual fastening, or stick to the jeans you know you love and give them a slightly different context. See what I mean about democratic?

There's also something reassuring about seeing designers continue to find new ideas in a fabric we all know so well. At times, fashion can feel as though it's revisiting the same silhouettes and styling tricks on a loop, but these collections offered plenty of evidence that denim still has room to surprise, inspire and even shock us. Granted, some ideas will be easier to take into your own wardrobe than others, but that's part of the fun. From subtle updates to looks that demand a little more commitment, these are the denim trends that stood out to me (or screamed for my attention) for S/S 27.

12 Denim Trends to Know, Wear and Name-drop in 2027

1. Reworked Construction

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A seam is usually one of the least interesting things about a pair of jeans. It's there because it needs to be, running neatly down the leg without asking for much attention. For S/S 27, however, designers are making a feature of the construction itself, twisting seams, extending fastenings and rethinking the placement of details we've become accustomed to seeing in the same place. At Balenciaga, chunky seams travel around the leg rather than following the usual straight line, giving slouchy, vintage-wash jeans a slightly wonky, grungy feel. Eckhaus Latta used a similar approach to exaggerate the leg shape, whilst Ottolinger experimented with a sliced-up waistband and asymmetric zip fastening.

It's not just the seams that are being reconsidered, either. Take Stella McCartney’s illusion of two pairs of jeans layered over one another, with a lighter wash appearing to sit unbuttoned over a darker base. Elsewhere, designers played with contrasting denim around the waistband and fly, or moved pockets to unexpected places. It's a surprisingly broad trend, but the common thread is a desire to make the construction itself the focal point. Some interpretations are decidedly out there, but an asymmetric fastening or an unusual seam placement can be a subtler way to embrace the idea. Either way, it makes you look at the humble pair of jeans a little differently.

2. The Capri Comeback

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Capri trousers have been working their way back into the conversation for a few seasons now, but denim might be the version that finally makes them feel less intimidating. After so much focus on wide, baggy and barrel-shaped jeans, a close-cropped style is a fairly bold change of direction; make no mistake, there's nowhere for the silhouette to hide, but the familiarity of denim makes it easier to get your head around than a more overtly tailored or technical version.

The runways offered plenty of interpretations, from the ruched, relaxed proportions at MM6 to hedonistic embellishment at Roberto Cavalli, where feathers, beads and diamantes made the capri feel distinctly un-shy. Ganni added a sweeter note with ruffles at the knee, whilst Ottolinger played with curved seams and an asymmetric fastening. In terms of styling, I'd be inclined to keep things easy: a roomy shirt, an undone collar, a silk scarf or a simple V-neck will stop the silhouette feeling too studied. Add a heel and a blazer, and there's also a case for taking denim capris into the evening.

3. Skirting the Issue

Skirts were one of the bigger trend stories across the S/S 27 collections, with knee-length and pencil silhouettes particularly prominent (see Prada, where denim was very much part of that conversation). The difference from the denim skirts many of us remember is the range of shapes and finishes on offer. Rather than relying on the familiar straight cut, designers played with volume, asymmetry, layering and length, giving the piece a lot more personality.

Carven made a convincing case for a dark-blue maxi skirt worn with a matching jacket, a white shirt and simple sandals: an outfit that feels considered without being the least bit complicated. At the other end of the spectrum, Diesel experimented with a draped, asymmetric shape, whilst H&M's button-front skirt, worn open at the thigh and accessorised with belts and knee-high boots, had a more maximalist, '80s-inflected feel. Put simply, the appeal is in the versatility. A denim skirt can feel pared-back, on-trend or pretty, depending on what you wear it with.

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4. Full Bloom

The S/S 27 collections have a notably romantic streak, with floaty fabrics, draping, pleats and sheer layers appearing across the runways. Denim might not be the first fabric you associate with that mood, but designers found plenty of ways to bring the two together. At Acne Studios, painterly roses ran down blue jeans, their almost cracked, old-master quality giving the floral motif a sense of age and texture. Toga went in a more baroque direction with wide-leg denim covered in tapestry-like blooms, whilst other collections favoured embroidered, beaded or hand-drawn botanical designs.

What makes this feel more interesting than a straightforward floral print is the contrast. Denim has an inherent toughness, one that has direct connotations with hard labour, and as such, the prettiness of the decoration often feels all the more striking against it. Lovebirds, for example, paired black-and-white jeans with a fluid, floor-scraping caped top. Elsewhere, florals appeared on skirts, shorts, jackets and coat-like denim pieces, so the idea extends well beyond a statement pair of jeans.

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5. Piece By Piece

As someone who's worked in fashion for almost 16 years, you'd be surprised by just how many times I've seen patchwork denim crop up. So much so that I wondered if it added anything new to the conversation in 2027, regardless of its obvious presence on the runways. Yet somehow the S/S 27 collections managed to offer some interesting takes on the idea.

Rather than simply piecing together scraps of fabric for a deliberately haphazard effect, designers played with larger panels, contrasting washes and carefully considered placements. Gabriela Hearst used stark differences between light and dark denim to make the joins more pronounced, whilst Balenciaga favoured a more tonal approach, with panels that had been cut apart and sewn back together to create a subtler effect.

Placement also made a difference to the silhouette; panels were deliberately positioned at different points down the leg, drawing the eye vertically and exaggerating the length of the jeans, which would frequently pool over shoes. Asymmetric construction added another layer of interest. Either way, the result is a trend that can be as bold or as understated as you want.

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6. The Jacket Reboot

I was recently asked whether denim jackets were “dated”, which is perhaps a sign of how dependable they've become. It’s one of those wardrobe staples that is difficult to imagine ever truly disappearing, but I'll admit that before looking through the S/S 27 collections, I wasn't necessarily excited by the prospect of them, nor have I felt compelled to buy one. That changed fairly quickly. Designers have given the denim jacket enough personality to make it feel like a genuine fashion item for 2027, rather than simply something to throw on when you're still holding out hope you won't have to.

Again, the interpretation was broad. Diesel played with contrasting knitted collars whilst Cecilie Bahnsen added shimmering floral beadwork against a backdrop of faded black. At Aje, unusual, oversized stud buttons down the placket and sleeves gave a sandy-coloured jacket a more sculptural feel, and perhaps more styling bang for your buck if said sleeves are indeed detachable.

These aren't necessarily pieces that demand an entirely new way of dressing; rather, they give a reliable layer a little more character. A denim jacket might never be the most surprising thing in your wardrobe, but this season's versions make a convincing case for giving it a second look.

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7. Denim in Distress

Distressed denim is one of those trends that tends to come back around just when you think you've seen every possible variation of a ripped knee. And yet, for S/S 27, designers found plenty of ways to make jeans look as though they'd lived several lives. At Balenciaga, rips ran from the waistband down towards the thigh and knee, giving the denim the impression of having been caught up in a rather unfortunate encounter with a paper shredder. Dior went for heavily grazed knees and fringed tears, whilst Ralph Lauren paired distressed, yellowed denim with gold heels and a brocade jacket trimmed with faux fur.

The interesting thing is how the distressing has been executed. In some cases, the raw patches and fraying almost become a pattern in their own right, as at Aje, where broad areas of pale, frayed denim created a graphic effect against blue. In others, the contrast comes from styling; a pair of heavily ripped jeans looks all the more striking when worn with something polished, whether that's a tailored blazer or a pretty evening shoe. It's less about recreating head-to-toe '90s grunge and more about giving denim a lived-in quality, even when the rest of the outfit feels considered.

The takeaway: If your jeans look as though they've survived several cage fights—and lost every single one—you're probably on the right track.

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8. The Dark Side

Whilst looking through the collections, I repeatedly had to remind myself which season I was researching. Alongside the leather and darker colour palettes, there was a striking amount of deep indigo and almost-black denim—shades that might traditionally feel more at home in autumn than spring. Area, Carven and Tibi were amongst the designers leaning into darker washes, giving denim a depth that felt noticeably different from the pale blues and sun-faded finishes often associated with the season.

It's a useful reminder that the way we dress no longer has to be dictated by such rigid seasonal rules. Dark denim can work just as well with a white tank and sandals as it can with a chunky knit, and it brings a slightly sharper edge to spring's softer colours. Think butter yellow, cream, beige and pastel shades, all of which look particularly good set against a deeper indigo.

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9. Short Story

If the past few seasons have been all about giving ourselves more room in our jeans, S/S 27 has a rather different proposition. Micro denim shorts were everywhere, with hemlines falling into the hot-pant category, and some pairs looking more like underwear than something you'd traditionally wear out of the house. Diesel took the distressed treatment to extremes, with denim so shredded it looked as though a rottweiler had been using it as a chew toy. Exposed pocket linings, frayed edges and torn hems made even the smallest shorts feel deliberately undone.

The styling helped give the look some after-dark edge. Seven For All Mankind paired tiny shorts with tailored layers and a glimpse of black lace, whilst other designers leaned into lingerie-inspired tops and cinched belts. Indeed, this isn’t necessarily the most straightforward trend to translate into everyday life, and that's rather the point. After seasons of very generous denim, the return of the leg feels like a proper change of pace. You don't have to go quite as far as the runway to get the idea, either: a shorter hemline and a more considered, dressed-up top can bring a little of that energy into your 2027 wardrobe.

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10. Extra Something

There were very little designers who weren't willing to add to a pair of jeans this season. Beads, studs, brooches, lace, feathers and rhinestone-like details all made an appearance, ranging from elaborate, almost costume-like decoration to smaller touches that felt surprisingly easy to take into a real capsule wardrobe. At Dolce & Gabbana, brooches brought an ornate, almost heirloom quality to classic blue denim, whilst other looks leaned into studded, Western-adjacent detailing.

One of the most interesting ideas was the placement of the embellishment. Rather than covering the entire jeans, designers used pocket edges and seams as points of focus. At Stella McCartney, decorative details clustered around the pocket opening, giving a simple pair of vintage-wash jeans a lift without overwhelming them. It's a useful reminder that embellished denim doesn't have to mean going all in; a small detail can be enough to change the feel of a familiar pair. If you're in the mood for something more expressive, however, the runways have given you plenty of permission to go further. The question is really how much decoration you want to live with.

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11. Glossed Over

Turns out, denim doesn't always have to look like denim. For S/S 27, designers played with coated finishes that gave the fabric a high-shine, almost liquid appearance, taking it somewhere far removed from the faded blue jeans we might usually associate with the warmer months. Acne Studios experimented with an acid-like green-brown coating and lace-up sides, whilst Diesel's yellowish finish appeared cracked in places, revealing the blue denim beneath. The effect was almost as though the fabric had been dunked into a coating before forcibly shaped into a pair of jeans. How this will translate to the market, I'm not sure, but I can't wait to find out.

Not every interpretation was quite so dramatic. Gucci's near-black denim had a more restrained sheen, whilst Jonathan Simkhai showed how a glossy finish could feel surprisingly simple when paired with a plain white tank. At Matières Fécales, a mock-croc texture and extra-long, flared legs gave the trend a rebellious feel. It's this range that makes coated denim particularly interesting: it can be high-impact and slightly outlandish, or simply offer a different finish to a familiar silhouette.

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12. Less Is More

After years of quiet luxury dictating the trends, the fashion industry has spent the past couple of years making more room for personality. As a minimalist myself, you might be surprised to hear I'm all for this, as there's only so much one editor can write about suede bags and trench coats!

Since the collections shown in 2025, there's been a much-needed shift towards expressive dressing. And whilst maximalism will certainly have its moment in S/S 27 (case in point: the trends above), designers also took a diplomatic approach by incorporating some clean lines into the equation. This was particularly evident where denim is concerned, because sometimes, the best thing you can do with a good pair of jeans is not much at all.

Calvin Klein's collection leaned into a distinctly '90s sensibility, with straight-leg denim, white blazers, nude tanks and oversized bags that felt effortlessly polished. Gabriela Hearst took a similarly restrained approach, pairing wide-leg jeans with a sharp camel blazer and suede clutch (see what I mean about suede bags?). Elsewhere, striped shirts, denim button-ups and boxy jackets made for the kind of combinations that are easy to imagine wearing on repeat.

What makes these outfits work is the attention to proportion and the pieces around the jeans, rather than statement pieces fighting against each other. A relaxed pair of classic blue jeans with a striped shirt is hardly a radical proposition, but it feels fresh nonetheless.

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You used to be able to list what you needed from a "good" pair of jeans on three fingers: a comfortable waistband, a nice fit on the bum and, if we're being purists, a rigid-enough fabrication that gets better, softer and more lived-in over time. Those criteria still stand, but what’s changed is that we, the consumer, want more. You've still got "bog-standard" jeans; the kind that you pull on and off without a second thought. And then you've got "extreme jeans". These don't fit the '90s mould (straight on the leg and cropped at the ankle), and certainly don't associate with the word "skinny". Instead, they have exaggerated shapes, puddling hems or dramatic rises, marrying denim's utilitarian history with a ripping-up-the-rulebook approach to what a pair of jeans can be.

"Denim's ability to constantly reinvent itself is one of its greatest strengths," says denim expert Kelly Harrington, a designer, trend forecaster and archivist. "At a time when fashion can feel increasingly homogenised, exaggerated denim offers a way to push back against sameness. Extreme proportions become a tool for individuality, self-expression and personality, whilst still wearing something familiar and accessible," she says.

“Personality” feels like the appropriate word to describe the denim that emerged from fashion month. Whilst straight-leg jeans still appeared on the streets, there were also sightings of the opposite—jeans with super-wide legs and slanting hems; jeans with a little peplum frill instead of a waistband; jeans with not just frayed knees but shredded legs from thigh to ankle. Essentially, extreme jeans are no longer confined to the runways. Harrington confirms the change. "Exaggerated proportions have always had a place in denim, but we've seen a clear shift from niche, early-adopter dressing into the mainstream. What was once largely reserved for fashion shows and directional brands is now translating into more accessible, everyday silhouettes."

This is also reflected by retailers. Although straight-leg denim is still immensely popular at Net-a-Porter, the luxury e-tailer has been witnessing "a shift towards wider, more exaggerated silhouettes, particularly from designer brands, where the shape feels like more of an intentional styling choice," according to buying manager Faye Squire, who particularly rates the denim from Ann Demeulemeester, Sacai, Acne Studios and Ssstein.

This inspired me. I’ve filtered through runway shots, street-style trends and new denim collections to find six examples that will take your denim into extreme-jeans territory.

But don’t fret; you can wear them with something as simple as a white T-shirt or a grey jumper. In fact, “boring” is almost best to make the contrast between extreme and easy, dramatic and dialled-down, even more obvious.

6 Anti-Classic Jeans Trends Taking Over

1. Barrel Cuts

Style notes: Barrel-leg jeans are probably at the mainstream end of the extreme-jean spectrum, but they're popular for a reason, marrying curvaceousness with the wearability of a classic. "Agolde is my go-to for most shapes, with their barrel-leg being a particular favourite," says Squire, who also enjoys the barrel pair from Lemaire, "which strikes the perfect balance between cool and effortless, yet with a more polished feel."

Agolde’s Spiral jeans offer, "a sculptural, refined take on the curved silhouette, with a mid-rise waist and softly tapered leg," says the brand's creative director Karen Phelps, who also recognises the sea change in popular cuts. "There's a growing interest in more directional silhouettes and exaggerated proportions." Long-time barrel-leg fans can also go a step further this season with an extra something. A runway example to consider is Tolu Coker, whose barrel-leg has white top-stitching coupled with a wider leg than most, giving the jeans larger-than-life proportions.

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2. Epic Proportions

Style notes: At eBay, searches for "super-wide-leg jeans" increased by 142% month-to-month from August to September 2026, outstripping searches for "wide-leg jeans", which increased by 31% in comparison. The message? Go as wide as you dare—then create contrast on top. In Paris, one show-goer achieved this by styling her super-wide jeans with leather biker jacket over a lace bra, balancing out heft with nakedness.What's also surprising is that super-wide jeans can be whip-smart (Dior's autumn/winter 2026 show paired pleated-at-the-hip palazzo jeans with double-breasted tuxedo blazers).

One thing to bear in mind is shoes. Agolde's Phelps swears by a pointed, heeled boot for wide-leg occasions. "The elongated toe and slight heel create length through the leg and provide a clean counterpoint to the volume of the denim," she says.

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3. Long Legs

Style notes: Instead of neat ankle crops or a straight cut that just brushes the top of your boots, legs have grown exceptionally long, with hemlines that puddle on the pavement gaining popularity—despite their impracticality. eBay has seen an increase of 83% in searches for "puddle jeans", with shoppers seemingly keen to drag their hemlines (a little bit of dirt never hurt denim, right)? At Erdem, this silhouette was paired with a fringed sandal that looked a little bit like a mop head, making the floor-sweeping joke even more pertinent. In reality, you could raise the hem off the ground ever-so-slightly without losing the pooling effect by styling your jeans over a square-toe, block-heel boot and tucking a corner inside.

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4. Intriguing Waists

Style notes: A wide-leg jean with an intriguing waistline might be the best example of a truly extreme jean. Examples of what constitutes "intriguing" include a row of tassels from zipper to pocket, a peplum frill or a second waistband that floats above the first. Sacai has a pair where the fly is styled open to reveal a pair of flannel trousers underneath. Net-a-Porter's Squire is a big fan. "I love these jeans! I'm a big fan of Sacai outerwear, so I'd style them with a simple white tank and one of their shell or bomber jackets, finishing the look with a Phoebe Philo ballet flat—my current shoe of choice."

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5. Hybrid Jeans

Style notes: Extreme jeans are nothing if not a vehicle for rule-breaking, which is why some aren't content with just being jeans. Instead, they're part-skirt, part-jeans, with examples at Dior, whose stonewashed take features wide legs and draping on either hip that essentially gathers into ball gown-esque fullness. Loewe's draped jeans feature a crossover waist that almost gives the impression of a wrap skirt until you see the slouchy legs. Hybrid jeans are especially good if you want the decadence of eveningwear but the practicality of denim. Just add a velvet coat or a satin cape.

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6. Cargo Pockets

Style notes: Disrupting streamlined denim with pockets isn’t a new idea—see just about any outfit worn by a girl group in the 1990s—but what is new is their mainstream prevalence. My Gen Z colleagues describe them as “classic” and “not even a trend”, which perhaps proves the point. Denim with direction is now a mainstay, a way to get dressed without having to think too much. Personally, I see the appeal in cargo pockets allowing you to do something very practical at a moment’s notice. That and not having to carry a bag around—liberating.

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Among the many pleasures autumn brings—crisp blue skies, brown leaves and amber light—are the brisk-weather days that make it my favourite season for stomping around in my all-time favourite shoe: the loafer. With the perfect (albeit fleeting) backdrop for wearing them now upon us, I'm making the most of loafer season and honing in on the jeans pairing that makes them look their best.

Taking inspiration from off-duty models and a plethora of chic Parisians, I've come to one conclusion: the most stylish people are wearing their loafers with cropped jeans this autumn.

By leaving a little ankle on show, this denim silhouette builds on the preppy feel of a polished pair of loafers, bringing an easy smartness to an outfit that few other flat-shoe-and-jeans combinations can quite replicate.

Wearing hers with a button-down shirt and boxy blazer, Elsa Hosk leaned into the polished feel of the pairing. Elsewhere, across the Channel, I've spotted similarly chic combinations styled with chunky knits and dramatic collars for an equally preppy, put-together effect.

Jeans and flats don't have to feel casual. If you're looking to give your everyday denim a more elevated spin this season, read on to shop the best cropped jeans and loafers I've found below.

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If you've tried your hand at styling bootcut jeans, you'll know that finding the right shoe pairing isn't always as easy as it seems. Whilst heels never fail to elevate this denim silhouette, they're hardly the shoes I feel compelled to wear on a daily basis. Which leaves me with flats—a notoriously tricky match for bootcut jeans. So, when Kate Moss stepped out this week wearing hers with a sleek pair of black loafers, I knew I'd found a combination worth revisiting.

My usual issue with styling bootcut jeans with flats is that the extra fabric tends to pool around the hem, leaving the overall look feeling a little too slouchy. Loafers, however, offer a clever solution. Whether it's their collegiate associations or their sleek, often glossy finish, they bring a sharper, more polished edge that balances out the relaxed feel of the denim.

Keeping things unfussy but cohesive, Kate layered a black knit with a chunky black belt and a pair of black sunglasses into her look. With a pile of magazines tucked into the crook of her arm, the model's look—from the denim to those mags—is one I can see myself coming back to throughout the cooler months and well beyond.

Inspired by Kate once again, read on to shop the bootcut jeans and loafers I'd recommend below.

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Graphic tees are back, and if you’re considering adding this classic staple to your wardrobe, might I suggest a chic new-season denim trend to wear alongside it? Courtesy of ’90s It Girl Chloë Sevigny and New York cool girl Dakota Johnson, I’m now convinced that chocolate brown is the chicest jeans colour to pair with graphic tees right now.

Clocking the cool combination, I spotted Chloë out earlier this week wearing a deep navy graphic raglan tee with chocolate brown jeans, cropped and flared just above the ankle. The rich, earthy denim added depth to her playful top, bringing an autumnal energy to her casual look. Finished with loafers—always my favourite footwear choice for a kick-flare silhouette—the jeans and tee pairing felt easy and elevated.

Doubling down, Dakota Johnson was also spotted out wearing chocolate brown jeans this week, this time cut to a slightly baggier silhouette and styled with a black graphic tee. With its rich, chocolatey finish, dark brown denim feels particularly well suited to the colder months ahead; meanwhile, graphic tees offer an easy way to keep the look relaxed.

If you’re inspired by the pairing, read on to shop the brown jeans worth wearing with graphic tees this season.

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If Elsa Hosk steps out in a new-season trend in October, you can bet the rest of us will be wearing it come December. So, when I spotted the model styling straight-leg jeans with one of the chicest jacket trends I've come across in recent months, I knew it was a look worth paying attention to.

Putting leather jackets and bombers to one side, Elsa took a more luxurious approach to getting dressed, opting for the season's emerging ornate jacket trend. Cast in a soft sage-green shade and finished with an ultra-fluffy fur trim tracing the collar, her elegant layer felt both statement-making and sophisticated—and a joyful retort to the stricter, '90s-inspired silhouettes that have ruled for so long.

With its lavish textures and considered details, this emerging jacket elevates a jeans-and-heels outfit in one swift move, making it a particularly chic choice for winter. And whilst Elsa may be among the first to debut the trend this season, several key retailers are already backing it, from Doe's decadent fur-trimmed designs to Rixo's cult favourite. Read on to shop my edit of the chicest ornate jackets below.

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I'm a jeans-and-heels person through and through, but years of experimenting with the pairing have taught me that not every one works. So, when I spotted Daisy Edgar-Jones stepping out in New York in a timeless pair of black pointed-toe pumps and my favourite style of jeans, I found a combination worth sharing. Opting for a long, straight-leg silhouette, Daisy allowed the sharp point of her shoes to peek out beneath her denim, creating a sleek, polished finish that felt elevated but not overly dressy.

Whilst I sometimes find that the curved shape of horseshoe jeans or the kick of a cropped flare can feel a little at odds with a tall, streamlined heel, a long-line stovepipe pair always delivers the kind of elongated silhouette I'm after.

Daisy completed her look with a cropped trench coat in a rich midnight blue, introducing a tonal element that made her outfit feel all the more considered.

Neither swallowed up by oversized, wide-leg denim nor set against skin-tight jeans, they're, for me, the denim silhouette to wear with this classic shoe trend this season. If you're tempted to try the pairing yourself, read on to shop my edit of the best jeans and heels to wear together.

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Whilst straight-leg jeans have certainly earned their place in your denim drawer, I implore you to look beyond them when styling boots this season. Taking my inspiration from Florence Pugh, I spotted the actor stepping out this week in an ankle-boots-and-jeans combination that felt far more elevated than any straight-leg jeans and boots combo I've thrown together for some time.

Spotted styling a pair of cuffed jeans with black ankle boots, Florence's denim cropped neatly at at the ankle, the turned-up cuff pulling attention to her boots and preventing them from pooling over her footwear or falling into a straight hem.

For petite dressers, in particular, this is a boots-and-jeans pairing I keep recommending. Whilst longer, wide-leg styles can sometimes overwhelm a smaller frame, a neatly cuffed hem brings balance to the outfit, all the while revealing the chic shoes that lie beneath.

If you're looking for a low-key way to update your denim wardrobe, read on to shop the cuffed jeans I recommend this season below.

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Whilst jeans as a category are an enduring wardrobe staple, certain cuts and crops ebb and flow with the seasons. Where skinny jeans once ruled the roost, relaxed, straight-leg styles have largely taken their place. But beyond these bigger shifts, each new season brings its own smaller denim trends to the fore. And as we settle into autumn, I've started to notice one particularly chic style circulating in fashion circles: cuffed jeans.

Taking the trend out for a spin this week, I spotted Zendaya stepping out in a mid-wash blue pair finished with a generous turned-up hem. Styled with black shoes—specifically, a pair of heeled ballerinas—her look brought together two of the season's biggest denim and footwear trends in one. Finished with a longline leather coat and a simple white tee, the outfit was simple, but the thoughtful combination of jeans and shoes made it feel so distinctly 2026.

Beyond adding an extra dimension to the denim, the thick cuff creates a cropped effect that taps into another key silhouette of the season. Paired with sleek black heeled ballerinas, it feels polished yet unfussy, with a distinctly French-girl energy that makes the combination all the more appealing.

Inspired? Read on to shop the cuffed jeans and heeled ballet flats I'd recommend below.

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Honestly, every fashion person I know has a soft spot for Uggs. Perhaps they stomped around in them throughout the '00s as their interest in fashion began to take root. Perhaps they slipped into a pair against their will, only to discover that the cushioned footbed is nothing to be sniffed at. Or perhaps, like me, they’ve scrolled through enough street style and celebrity images to realise that the ubiquitous slouchy shoe can, in fact, look chic—if you know how to style it.

And I think I’ve found one of the easiest ways to do so: take your cue from Jennifer Lawrence and swap your usual blue jeans for grey denim.

Stepping out in New York this week, JLaw styled a relaxed pair of tan Ugg boots with a soft-wash pair of grey jeans. As an elevated neutral, grey jeans create a sleek foundation for the warm beige tones of the boots, balancing their inherently casual feel. Whilst blue jeans and Uggs can feel distinctly off-duty, grey denim makes the combination feel a little more considered—and, dare I say, chic.

Layered with a warm beige trench coat and finished with an oversized scarf in an inky shade of black, Lawrence’s outfit is the kind of comfortable, polished look I’d happily wear all season.

Forever taking styling tips from JLaw, I’ve rounded up the Ugg boots and grey jeans I recommend below.

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I've spent the past week street style spotting in Paris, and I've noticed that the French fashion set has taken a more pared-back approach to their Fashion Week wardrobes this time around. Still, there's one styling trick I kept seeing on repeat: bright pops of red worn with blue jeans.

Rather than reaching for the usual autumnal shades to anchor their denim, Paris's chicest dressers have been using flashes of red to bring their favourite jeans to life. I've seen the colour worked in all sorts of ways, from lightweight tees and cosy knits to smaller hits courtesy of lipstick-red bags and accessories.

Perhaps one of my favourite wearable styling tricks to come out of Paris Fashion Week this season. I've always found that red makes denim feel fresher for autumn without requiring a complete rethink of your wardrobe. Against everything from pale blue washes to rich indigo, the contrast feels polished—and is an easy way to add colour without straying too far from a classic jeans-and-knit formula.

It also goes to show that you don't need a complicated outfit or excess layers to make denim feel new. Sometimes, all it takes is the right colour.

So, if you're looking for an easy way to refresh your jeans rotation this season, consider this your Paris-approved cue to add a little red. Shop my edit of the chicest red pieces to wear with denim below.

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If you're looking for fresh jeans-and-shoe styling inspiration, you've landed in the right place. A Parisian pairing is suddenly making its way out of France, with some of the chicest women in London and New York putting their own spin on the timeless two-piece.

Whilst bootcut jeans and ballet flats has long been a fixture in the wardrobes of France's best-dressed women, this week I spotted Dakota Johnson stepping out in New York, giving the look a NYC spin. Wearing it with Valentino's Wool Crepe Jacket (£4300), Dakota tapped into the fur-trimmed jacket trend that's gathering pace in the city. Her ever-so-slightly cropped bootcut jeans brought a relaxed edge to the polished jacket, while a pair of black ballet flats kept the look sleek and grounded.

Then, across the pond, I spotted Lila Moss roaming around London in almost exactly the same combination. Whilst Dakota's jeans finished at the ankle, Lila's fell slightly longer, but both shared the same gently flared silhouette that feels effortlessly French and just a little retro.

With sightings now spanning Paris, New York and London, this specific jeans-and-shoe pairing is looking increasingly like a contender to knock straight-leg jeans from their long-held top spot. If you're feeling inspired by the stylish crowd, read on to shop the bootcut jeans and ballet flats I'd recommend adding to your autumn rotation.

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Honestly, I find this time of year one of the trickiest to dress for. We’re no longer at the point where we can leave the house without a layer, but it’s not quite cold enough to reach for our favourite full-length coats either. So, for now, I’m relying heavily on my rotation of jackets to keep my outfits looking polished. The only problem? So many of the styles I love hit right around the hip, and I’ve never quite worked out which trousers make them look their best.

Cropped jackets are often an easier styling option, but they’re not always practical when the temperatures start to dip. So, lately, I’ve been on the hunt for a trouser trend that works particularly well with a hip-grazing jacket—and, while street style spotting in Paris this week, I think I finally found it.

Spotted not once, not twice, but thrice outside the Balenciaga show, fashion people and celebrities were pairing their hip-length jackets—from leather styles to cotton bombers—with bootcut jeans. Where I’ve often found that a jacket hitting at the hip can visually shorten the frame, the subtle flare of a bootcut jean creates a lengthening effect from the waist down, balancing out the proportions for a sleek silhouette.

Among the stylish faces I spotted were Sarah Pidgeon and Shailene Woodley, both wearing their jackets with this slightly flared denim shape. Whether teamed with an hourglass peplum style or an oversized bomber, the jeans gave each look a polished finish.

With plenty of mild weather still ahead and our shorter jackets doing much of the wardrobe heavy lifting, I’ve rounded up the hip-length jackets and bootcut jeans I’m recommending below.

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It’s safe to say that COS has redefined high street shopping. Taking a peek at the Great British high street, the brand has carved out its own space, focusing on refined pieces with a minimalist edge, and has become a one-stop shop for great staples and trending styles alike. Looking for sleek tailoring? COS has you covered. Wondering where to find the best white Tee on the market? It’s the Clean Cut T-shirt I always recommend. And if you’re wondering which COS item is currently at the top of every editor’s wish list, it’s the Chord Straight-Leg Jeans.

One of the most defining denim trends of 2026 has been the stovepipe cut. A little more streamlined than a classic straight-leg, with an innately French finish and refined silhouette, stovepipe jeans have been steadily making their way into great wardrobes across the globe, and of them, the best affordable version is COS’s pair. If you're yet to try out COS's stellar denim collection, this is a great place to start.

It’s not just me who thinks this either. As a denim-obsessed editor, I’m often recommended styles to try out, and recently all my stylish friends and colleagues have been raving about the Chord Jeans. Naturally, I decided to put them to the test.

True to form, COS has got these jeans just right. The fit is true to size, the denim is soft and comfortable, and the high-rise waist sits in just the right place. As I like my research to be thorough, I headed to two different stores to test out different shades of the Chord jeans. Whilst both my try-ons featured a neutral top and ballet flats, I've also seen these taken to evening with heels and a leather jacket, or worn casually with a soft knit and trainers for the perfect off-duty look.

As a now-classic cut, the Chord jeans have become part of COS’s capsule collection, available in a series of sleek washes from a vintage-look light blue to a versatile black.

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I find myself going back and forth on whether jeans really work with heels. Sometimes, there’s too fundamental a mismatch between the utilitarian nature of denim and the polish of a heel; other times, the two look like a match made in heaven. In my opinion, the difference comes down to the jeans. Seasonal shifts in styling preferences play a part, too—I can’t see many of us rushing to pair skinny jeans with heels this season. So, which jeans-and-heel combination feels right for autumn/winter 2026 and actually looks great? I’ve done the research, and according to the style set, the answer is puddle jeans and heels.

Cascading past the ankles and grazing the floor, puddle jeans create an elongated silhouette that works particularly well with the sharp point of a heel. And I’m not the only one newly sold on the combination. In fact, I was put onto the pairing after spotting it multiple times on the streets of New York.

Styling the look for a Chanel event in the city, Halle Berry wore her low-rise jeans pooled at the floor, concealing much of her chic Chanel heels underneath. Finished with a single-breasted jacket, the look had me fully reconsidering jeans with heels.

While Halle’s take felt sharp and considered, Riley Keough approached the combination in a more relaxed way, styling her low-rise, baggy jeans with a tonal denim jacket. Worn over a simple white tank, the heels added a touch of elegance to the otherwise laid-back look, creating the kind of comfortable, wearable silhouette I’d gladly borrow.

With celebrity sightings under its belt, I’m now convinced that puddle jeans are one of the chicest denim styles to wear with heels right now. If you’re feeling inspired, read on to shop the puddle jeans and heels I recommend below.

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