BUYING a new pair of jeans is my least favourite thing to do. And, to make matters worse, I’ve gone jeans blind.
This is a condition I think every middle-aged, midsize mum can relate to, but, fortunately, I’ve found the cure.
Anniki in her trusty barrel jeans – which have left her ‘jeans blind’ Credit: Supplied
Stylist Emily Regan helps Anniki open her eyes to new styles of jeans Credit: Supplied
Going ‘blind’ – as the lot on say – is to lose interest, an understanding or lack of awareness in what truly looks good on you.
Which I fear is what has happened to me.
For the past four years, my trusty Marks & Spencer‘s £30 barrel jeans have been (loosely) glued to my legs.
They’re comfy, a nice wash and go well with trainers – but are they really the perfect pair for me? I’m not sure.
As a teen my go-tos were second hand Levi’s 501s from Camden market, while -approved skinny jeans were my favourites in my 20s.
After having my daughters, Rae, 12, and Greta, seven, I went through a phase of only wearing very baggy denim dungarees. Now my barrels are my crutch.
Inconsistent sizing, poor fit and low quality fabric makes jeans shopping more of a chore than a joy for me.
Nearly half of Brit women agree, and also struggle to find a properly fitting , according to a study.
Nothing knocks a woman’s confidence more than shopping – and my relationship with my size 16 body has always been tricky.
At primary I was and used for comfort during difficult times. I was bullied and called ‘Fatty’, which stuck with me for life.
I lost weight in my early teens, but now, aged 52, I’ve gained weight thanks to the .
My says it’s common and down to falling oestrogen levels. As they drop, fat shifts from the hips and thighs (though, unfairly, I seem to have retained weight there) and towards the abdomen.
My tummy bulge – which no amount of will shift – is truly depressing. It makes me feel self-conscious, especially in jeans and I will cover it with a longer shirt.
I’m never sure whether to go high waisted, and pull jeans over the bulge or to opt for a low rise.
Get jeans right and everything else falls into place. But I need to get out of my barrel blind spot and experiment more.
All the online quizzes promise answers, but really the only way to know is to try them on.
Fortunately, Stylist Emily Regan has a selection of styles she thinks may work for me – and hopefully you, too.
The barrel, £30, Marks & Spencer
Barrel jeans offer a stylish yet relaxed off-duty look Credit: Lorna Roach
These are my current jeans. I’m bored of them and I don’t think they elongate my legs.
But I’ll keep them in my top three favourites because they’re comfy.
Emily says: give a stylish yet off-duty, relaxed look while also being super comfortable.
The wide leg doesn’t cling to the skin while the tapered ankle provides structure. Great for a straight frame or accentuating your curves.
4/5
The skinny, £20, ASOS Design
Skinny jeans cling to highlight curves, define the waist and elongate the legs without Credit: Lorna Roach
Sorry , these were my least favourite! They felt tight and unflattering. Definitely not for me. I’m not sure they even suited me when I was younger.
Emily says: Skinnies cling, highlighting your curves, defining your waist and elongating your legs – without adding extra bulk.
They suit taller frames, but are worth trying if you want to accentuate your waist and bum. Pair with baggier styles on top for balance.
1/5
The turn ups, £28, Boohoo
Turn-up jeans add interest to a simple outfit, drawing attention to the hem Credit: Lorna Roach
I loved the dark denim, which feels more flattering and polished. The turn-ups were quite fun and different.
They were still quite long though, they would be dragging on the pavement!
Emily says: Turn-up jeans are a great way to add something extra to an otherwise ‘normal’ outfit.
Drawing attention to the bottom of the jeans and adding weight to the lower leg can balance out broader shoulders.
3/5
The mom-jean, £30, Marks & Spencer
Mom jeans are ideal for hourglass figures Credit: Lorna Roach
I loved these. The higher waist helped disguise my tummy and the lighter wash is also perfect for warmer days.
I’ve knocked half a point off because of the name – yes, I’m a mum but clothing doesn’t need to remind me of that.
Emily says: The high waist design and relaxed hip holds you in in all of the right places while the slightly skinnier straight leg adds structure.
With more material around the hips, the mom style is great for those with hourglass figures.
4.5/5
The wide leg, £34.99, New Look
Wide-leg jeans are great for petite frames and best paired with a fitted top Credit: Lorna Roach
These were not that different to the barrel design I’ve become bored by. There was a lot of fabric and didn’t give my figure much shape.
Emily says: are brilliant if you’re conscious of your legs but want to show off your waist.
The high-waistband sits above the hips and the flowing cut elongates the legs, which is great for petite silhouettes. Pair with tighter fitting styles on top.
3/5
The flares, £28, Very
Flared jeans strike the perfect balance between fitted and tailored, hugging in all the right places Credit: Lorna Roach
Flares may be back in but they felt old fashioned on me. They also felt quite tight on my thighs and not very comfy. I definitely prefer a looser style.
Emily says: Flared jeans are the perfect middle ground between tight and tailored.
They hug you in the right places, highlighting your waist and showcasing your curves. They also add retro flair and help balance proportions.
2/5
The straight leg, £16, Primark
This straight-leg cut Flatters the body without over-emphasising any single area Credit: Lorna Roach
I wouldn’t wear them in real life as I didn’t feel confident. They exaggerated all of my flaws.
The wash was OK but the fabric wasn’t very supportive and felt quite thin.
Emily says: While baggy or wide-leg styles can often overwhelm a smaller frame, this straight leg adds structure without the bulk.
By maintaining a uniform width, they expertly skim the midsection and calves to create a clean, uninterrupted line that flatters the body without over-emphasising any single area.
2/5
The white ones, £49, River Island
When styled well, white jeans are a summer staple Credit: Lorna Roach
I LOVED these! They were surprisingly flattering and made my outfit feel fresher.
I was afraid of white at first but I say try them. I can imagine wearing them with a lovely blouse or classic white T-shirt.
Emily says: White jeans are often met with hesitation, but when styled correctly, they’re a staple. Yes, they need a little extra care to keep pristine, but nothing beats a crisp look that denim blue can’t match.
Forget the myth that white highlights every imperfection; high-quality, well-structured denim provides all the coverage you need to feel confident.
5/5
Overall verdict
I think I’ve fixed my jeans blind spot! I loved wearing the white denim and the mom jeans is definitely a style I’ll be buying again.
I felt really confident in them and I’m tempted to try different styles in the future.
Emily says: Anniki looked fantastic in her barrel jeans, but exploring new silhouettes really paid off.
The white denim is a total standout that will elevate her summer style, while the mom jeans provide a familiar yet more relaxed alternative to her favourite barrel fit.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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