Get inside the brains of our fashion experts with our insider pieces that’ll provide heaps of niche style advice, arming you with fashion knowledge to make shopping smart and getting dressed that bit easier.
Ask any of your friends about shopping for jeans and I can guess their response – groans followed by comparisons to root canal treatment. Yup, it’s a truth universally recognised by even the most stylish women – finding the perfect pair of jeans is not only a giant pain, but sometimes just downright impossible.
It’s a hard relate for me. Jeans form a staple part of my wardrobe but post-pregnancy I have struggled more than ever to find a style that I love. It’s not something I’m proud of, but I can’t tell you how many pairs of jeans I’ve ordered online and returned in the past year. I’ve tried almost every style recommended by friends and influencers, with designs ranging from £20 high street finds to £300 designer pairs.
But none have fit the bill – high waisted, straight leg, exactly the right wash, a zip fly instead of button fly, and various leg length options – since, unsurprisingly, what fits a 5’2” frame won’t fit me at 5’9”. I was beginning to think I was expecting too much and resigned myself to compromising on this wardrobe staple.
Which high street brand does the best jeans?
Until now that is, because *drumroll please*…I have found the ultimate pair of straight leg jeans that tick every single one of these boxes – and for only £40.
Weekday Rowe Extra High Straight Jeans: our verdict
If you’re not yet familiar with Weekday – the Swedish high street brand with a strong street style influence – its Rowe Extra High Straight Jeans will quickly convert you into a fan.
Are Weekday jeans made from real denim?
Made from a rigid organic and recycled cotton denim, these are proper jeans; they’re cut for a flattering high-waisted fit that is balanced out by a relaxed straight leg.
Do Weekday jeans suit every body shape?
They’re the kind of straight leg jeans that suit almost everyone – as the brand’s use of different size models show.
Do they come in a range of colours?
And the Rowe jeans come in a whopping 26 shades – from classic blue denim to white and black, and every wash in between, so you’re sure to find your perfect pair (or four, like me).
Is Weekday denim sustainable?
Besides their style credentials, another reason to head to Weekday for these jeans stat, is that their denim is some of the most sustainable on the high street. The brand uses only organic cotton and hemp (and an increasing amount of recycled cotton every season), plus even their thread and zipper tapes are made from recycled fabrics. All the washes that they offer are considered ‘green’ according to their Environmental Impact Measurement score – all in all, quite a feat for such affordable denim.
What to wear with straight leg jeans
And if all of that still isn’t enough to convince you, let me share just five of the ways I’ll be wearing my Rowe jeans this season – and then race you to checkout as I add another pair to my cart.
Jeans outfits for the ultimate office look
Offices are increasingly becoming more smart-casual, but even if denim is the norm in your workplace, smarter is always better – and the Rowe jeans fit that brief perfectly. If you plan on wearing yours primarily to work, a darker wash like the Sea Blue would be a great purchase.
For a simple yet put together look, pair your jeans with a slightly oversized blazer, a crisp white t-shirt and classic loafers. You’ll have a simple but stylish go-to look for your office days.
Jeans and a nice top for date night
We all need a chic date night look we can throw on in a hurry – whether it’s for a spontaneous date night with your long-term partner or because your Hinge match has finally asked you for a drink. And yup, you guessed it – these jeans are exactly the kind of denim that’s perfect for a date night.
The extra-high waist emphasizes your waist and would pair well with a fitted top, like a bodysuit, to create a flattering silhouette. Complete the look with a slim leather belt, a pair of strappy heels and some great gold hoops, and you’re guaranteed to make an impression.
The perfect jeans for a stylish weekend
Even if you don’t wear denim to the office, and tend to opt for dresses for smarter occasions, there’s no denying that a pair of jeans is a must-have for off-duty style. True, the Rowe jeans are a rigid denim so they aren’t exactly made for lounging in, but they will look incredibly stylish for a relaxed lunch, market browsing or impromptu shopping days. And the easiest way to style them for a casual weekend is with a lightweight striped top and trusty trainers (I’m wedded to my Veja V-12s), which makes for a failsafe formula that will never go out of style.
The Jeans you should wear to a bottomless brunch
Jeans and a nice top are a brunch go-to for just about every millennial woman, and for good reason – it just works. And these Weekday jeans work particularly well with this outfit formula no matter your ‘nice top’ style; the Rowe cut isn’t clingy like skinnies so you can go for a more fitted top like this but equally the straight leg of the jeans won’t be swamped by an oversized shirt either. Whichever silhouette you opt for, classic ballet pumps or pointed flats which look particularly stylish with a full-length straight leg jean – so if they’re your footwear of choice, consider buying a full-length rather than cropped leg for a more modern look.