Name a pair of jeans with as much nostalgic value as Topshop jeans. If you’re a millennial, who knows their Jamie from their Joni, you’ll be hard-pressed.
I remember buying my first pair in the skinny jeans heyday – they were dark indigo and I’d wear them every weekend. Not only were they a pair of jeans I’d actually chosen for myself, they were Topshop and therefore cool. They weren’t just any old jean, they were the Jamie.
To the delight of 16 year old me, I then branched out to a blinding white pair of Joni jeans for dressing up in. So high waisted they made your legs look like toothpicks. They’d merit actual discussion at school (who was wearing which pair), all of us signing straight up to the cult skinny jean following (yes, it was that Ugg boot phase too).
Even though this was over a decade ago, I still have both pairs of jeans tucked away at the bottom of my wardrobe and I can’t bring myself to get rid of them. Why? Yes, they’re nostalgic, but they also look just as good as the day I bought them, regardless of how many times I’ve washed and worn them.
Do I miss wriggling into them and falling over trying to get them off? No. Do I prefer straight leg or looser and wide leg styles now? Yes.
But, unlike other styles I’ve bought over the years (at both ends of the price range) that have either lost their softness or have lost all their stretch completely, my Topshop jeans haven’t really changed. And just as that sturdy-denim-to-stretch ratio has stayed just right – so has the price point. Granted, no jeans are invincible and I’ve got friends with pairs that faded and ripped over the years. But for cost per wear, who can really knock them?
What has changed, of course, are denim trends. Out went skinny jeans and in came the mom, flares, wide-leg jeans, and baggy jeans. As last year’s Klarna’s Shopping Index data suggests, sales of skinny jeans in 2021 were down -21% while flared jeans were up +37%. Despite being the ultimate day to night outfit essential (and surely the reason behind our holy catchphrase, the almighty jeans and a nice top), skinny jeans were “cancelled”.
Skinny jeans
In millenial defiance, if I was to buy some skinny jeans today I’d pick a pair in this darker rinse, wearing them with biker boots and an oversized concert tee, because despite Gen Z’s TikTok take-down of them, yes you can still wear skinny jeans with the right outfit.
Flare jeans
My first foray into anything other than skinny jeans was the Jamie Flare in black, with a skinny fit on the thigh and flare at the ankle. Thanks to the figure-hugging shape and soft denim fabric they still feel smart enough to wear for going out now, especially with a pair of heeled ankle boots or cowboy boots from autumn to spring. They’ll still get compliments for their flattering fit and questions as to where they’re from. It’s no longer an obvious answer, like in those throwback teenage days, and instead people are often pleasantly surprised to hear they’re from Topshop.
While I bought mine in the infamous Oxford Circus store, it’s good to know Topshop jeans are still available to buy on ASOS and I’m actually tempted by the dark rinse pair for autumn, to wear with jeans and an oversized blazer.
Baggy jeans
If you’re fully invested in the resurgence of Y2K denim trends, a 70s flare is unlikely to be your vibe. Likewise, if you’re looking for jeans that are extra comfy and relaxed. That’s where Topshop’s Baggy jeans come in. Yes, there are cheaper jeans available on the high street, but there are also jeans that are double the price (if not more).
Mom jeans
Moving through the decades, Topshop’s offering of 80s mom jeans is also strong, with sturdy denim that gives the jeans a more expensive and premium feel despite their relaxed fit.
Straight fit jeans
Let’s not forget the classic Editor jean, with their flattering straight fit and high-rise waist. This is now my go-to pair of going out jeans for wearing with different tops. If you’re after a bit of stretch the Straight Cotton Jeans are also a good option.
Shop the edit
*Eliza may earn commission on sales from these product links
For the same straight shape with an ultra high waist and longer leg silhouette, try the Kort or the 90s flare jean. Or, if you want a mid-rise in a similar loose fitting style go for the Dad jean.
Shop the edit
*Eliza may earn commission on sales from these product links
Denim tops
Moving to 2022, denim’s a popular choice everywhere, from bucket hats and camis to trench coats (up +431% in 2022 compared to 2021) and corset tops. Something Topshop hasn’t missed a trick on either. The only thing that’s missing? Those iconic household names.
Shop the edit
*Eliza may earn commission on sales from these product links
;
