Looking to add a standout piece to your denim wardrobe?

Wide-leg jeans are making waves, and rightly so: they should be fairly fitted from the waist to the thigh, then flare out at the hem to cover stilettos and ankle boots elegantly. And don't forget that the waist should sit high, at or above the navel. A fine example of a polished, dressed-up wide-leg jean in raw denim comes from Notify.

A woman sitting on a stool in black high-waisted Notify jeans

Somewhere between a skinny and a straight cut, with creases and folds at the ankles and an iridescent fabric, this low-rise jean from Notify works with a top and high heels. Low-rise is unforgiving: if in doubt, keep high-waisted jeans for everyday and save low-rise for days when you won't be sitting on the floor.

Raw denim, gold stitching and horseshoe pockets: this is the cowgirl jean from True Religion. Fitted to the calf and flared at the hem so only the tips of your court shoes show.

J Brand excels at jeans, from skinny to wide-leg, including the basic, and this pair is wide but not too wide, raw and low-rise. Here is an ideal everyday pair to wear with ballet flats for a comfortable day.

Grey bootcut jeans with sky-blue stitching on the pockets, for those who like the fitted feel of a skinny with the option of a flare over the shoe. Concord Kelly Bootcut jeans, Citizens of Humanity. The thing to watch is the drape and the length: too long, and it swallows the shoe. We like it to break once over the top of the foot, or to be sharply cropped above the ankle with flat trainers.

Slim Pop Art jeans from Citizens of Humanity, in on-trend red, stretchy and skinny with an ultra-low rise; no chance of going unnoticed.

A woman in red skinny jeans walking down a cobbled street in the morning
A woman in red skinny jeans walking down a cobbled street in the morning

A basic to keep whatever the denim trend of the moment may be, fitted and slightly flared at the hem: the easy jean you will enjoy wearing again and again. Citizens of Humanity jeans.

Slim jeans in thick denim, with a clean line from hip to ankle
Slim jeans in thick denim, with a clean line from hip to ankle

The hardcore bootcut from J Brand, fitted from waist to knee; no half measures. A word of warning: if you are not used to a bootcut, steer clear, and ease into this shape gently. A partner for ankle boots and heels: it widens just enough to cover the shoe. The alteration that makes all the difference: have the hem shortened by a tailor. A small cost, a clean finish and a length that is finally right.

J Brand bootcut jeans covering just the top of a black leather ankle boot
Product shot inspired by black J Brand bootcut jeans, US size 24, cotton and elastane

Grey super-skinny jeans that fit like a second skin, perfect for showing off ankle boots and a range of boot styles, and for a boho look that is right on trend. Ba&sh jeans.

Skinny jeans in thick denim wear like a legging, but they stretch far less. For a first purchase, slightly stretchy denim is a good compromise. And if you are after a piece that lasts, charity shops and second-hand shops are full of already broken-in pairs, often at reasonable prices.

Wash less, wear longer: jeans should be washed inside out, cold, occasionally, and never in the tumble dryer. A little white vinegar in the first wash is said to help set dark indigo.

Jeans hung upside down on a drying rack in a bright utility room

Nothing is more basic or easier to dress than a good old pair of jeans. A chic, boho, trend-led, casual or sporty look: jeans adapt to your mood and needs for the day; you just need to choose the right accessories to pair with your denim. Raw straight-leg jeans with stilettos and a classic roll-neck, or even a blouse, for work; wide-leg jeans, ballet flats and a floral blouse for a quiet day; low-rise skinny jeans, ankle boots and a fitted top for a date... the combinations are endless, so the looks you love are all yours.

Start by noting the measurements of a pair that already fits, then look for the same cut in raw denim. Two well-chosen pairs of jeans are better than six bought on impulse. Then you are set for chic, boho or casual looks, according to the mood of the day.

A woman holding Citizens of Humanity jeans at waist height in a shop
Close-up of the waistband of high-waisted Citizens of Humanity jeans in a loft
In the mid-range, thicker denim and a more considered cut

Budget

As for price, budget around £50 to £100 for a mid-range pair in thicker denim, and more like £130 to £220 for the brands mentioned here, whose cuts are often more considered. Under £45, there are good finds in charity shops and second-hand shops, provided you check wear at the knees and crotch. The price varies mainly with the fabric — non-stretch raw denim generally lasts longer than thin stretch denim — and with where you buy: high-street stores, designers or vintage shops.