Stylist Loves
9 denim jeans that are perfect for summer (and beyond)
By Kitty McGee
Updated 4 years ago
Say hello to the jeans you need for summer – from wide-leg culottes, to white jeans and the best vintage-wash styles.
The rise of conscious consumption has influenced our wardrobes in a number of different ways. Hopefully, many of us are now shopping with a more classic, long-term approach to fashion and trends. We are are buying pieces that we hope we will want to keep and wear forever, or for a long time at least.
In terms of denim – which is, incidentally, one of the worst items for the environment, due to the amount of water used in the washing process – we have witness a return to classic, straight-cut jeans, as well as purchasing vintage denim from thrift stores and websites like eBay and Vestiaire Collective.
Another result of shopping in a more sustainable way is that we are buying more classic accessories and clothing in general. Knitwear, shirting, blazers, bags and shoes all work very well with a great pair of jeans. Because, as we all know, a pair of “jeans and a nice top” is pretty much a guaranteed recipe for success.
But how should we be navigating this new world of summer denim?
Slim cut, light or mid-blue jeans look great with light dresses and shirts, and can be dressed up with a statement handbag and low-heel sandals as easily as they can be dressed down with trainers and a more androgynous choice of top like a vest top.
Loose, boyfriend-style jeans in light tones, meanwhile, look great with a slim vest and blazer. And white and cream jeans work best in a cropped, wide-leg silhouette with other tonal pieces like a white denim jacket.
With that in mind, here are some of the best styles that will see you through summer and beyond…
Best summer jeans
Agolde jeans
These loose-fit, straight blue jeans are the ultimate update on that perfect nineties silhouette we all chase. Wear them with a basic T-shirt and ankle boots for an effortless day-to-day look.
Re/Done jeans
Getting into skinny jeans in summer may not sound like a fun plan but these are far from spray-on styles from the 00s. Loose-fit in the leg, they look so good with trainers.
Shop Re/Done comfort stretch ankle crop jeans at net-a-porter.com, £235
Samsoe Samsoe jeans
The cropped length of these jeans mean you can show off your new summer sandals and the looser boyfriend fit makes for the perfect pair of cool summer strides.
Gap jeans
A favourite with influencers Alexis Foreman and Modest Mira, these white jeans look great with an oversized, matching white denim jacket.
Lindex jeans
All Lindex denim is made from sustainable or recycled cotton, with substantially less water and energy used in the production process. These cropped beige jeans are really easy to style; just add trainers and a crew neck T-shirt or a light jumper for easy off-duty style.
Shop Hanna wide leg jeans with cropped leg at Lindex, £29.99
Citizens of Humanity jeans
Bootleg jeans are back and Citizens of Humanity have bought them back in the coolest way possible. The casual, slightly slouchy shape will be so good with chunky sandals and a baggy T-shirt for an off-duty look.
Shop Citizens of Humanity slim-fit bootleg jeans at Selfridges, £290
Raey jeans
A loose-fit pair of Raey jeans will last you a lifetime. You can wear black jeans across all seasons and this style will look as good with trainers as it will strappy heeled sandals.
Rag & Bone jeans
A loose-fit jean is of course going to keep you from sweaty during the warmer months. This pair, when teamed with a baggy T-shirt is an easy combo to wear on repeat.
Levi's 501® Original Crop
A pair of classic 501 Levi’s jeans will always be a part of your capsule wardrobe across all seasons. Style up or down with accessories to make them work all year round.
Images: courtesy of individual brands
undefined
By signing up you agree to occasionally receive offers and promotions from Stylist. Newsletters may contain online ads and content funded by carefully selected partners. Don’t worry, we’ll never share or sell your data. You can opt-out at any time. For more information read Stylist’s Privacy Policy
Thank you!
You’re now subscribed to all our newsletters. You can manage your subscriptions at any time from an email or from a MyStylist account.