9 Styling Ideas That Will Give Your Jeans A New Lease Of Life

From flares to mom jeans and back again

We know that it still feels a tad premature to start thinking about spring fashion (especially when it's sunshine one minute and a blizzard the next), but as we find ourselves in that awkward period between the seasons, we've found the transitional solution to our outfit woes: jeans.

They're the bedrock of our wardrobes, the sartorial fail-safes we turn to in times of need and the fashion industry's most democratising item of clothing. So much so that right now, denim has become more of an ultimate round-the-clock staple rather than the weekend throw-on as it was once considered, but with such constant wear comes certain outfit boredom. Given that we wear jeans at every possible opportunity, how are we supposed to get inspired about styling an item that has become the closest thing we have to a second skin?

TRENDING TODAY: A Lesson In The Art Of Layering – So Spring Trends Are Yours For The Taking

Well, that's where we came in.

As our denim styling workshop at M&S proved, jeans have the potential to unlock countless clever and refreshing outfits. From the classic blue wash to more trend-driven detailing, we consulted the latest runways from all the major cities, as well as stalking our favourite street stylers to see just how we should be putting a spring-spin on our denim. Keep scrolling to see our favourite jeans outfit ideas of the moment and, of course, shop them along the way…

mom jeans + teddy bear coat + trainers

Key Trend: Bright Pinks

Neutrals will always be our favourite, but it’s acid brights that are suddenly super on-trend right now, offering an easy way to inject some colour into your winter wardrobe. We styled this weekend-perfect look with mom jeans, for a nod to the 80s and trainers. 

M&S Collection Mom High-Waist Ankle Grazer Jeans, €34, SHOP 

Teddy Jacket, €77, SHOP

Cashmilon Round Neck Jumper, €20, SHOP

Small Messenger Bag, €27, SHOP

cropped jeans + leather jacket + mules

Key Trend: Leather

Leather was once again hugely popular at the fashion weeks just gone, street-stylers were wearing it buttery-soft and in all shades imaginable. Some even rocked leather, on leather, on leather - jacket, pants and shirt! Here we decided to keep things simple yet chic by pairing a utility cropped jean with a classic biker jacket.

M&S Collection Utility Wide Leg Cropped Jeans, €34, SHOP

Lace Insert Blouse, €47.50, SHOP

Leather Biker Jacket, €339, SHOP

Leather Leopard Print Belt, €32, SHOP

Leather Square Toe Mules, €55, SHOP

STRAIGHT LEG jeans + denim jacket + cowboy boots

Key Trend: Western

Americana-inspired pieces that tick the trend box, without being too overtly 'cowboy' are about to be everywhere for Spring. For a grown-up take on western, play with textures like shiny silk against matte denim.

M&S Collection The Sienna Jean (straight leg), €27, SHOP

Button Detailed Denim Jacket, €49, SHOP

Button Detailed Utility Shirt, €40, SHOP

Suede Cowboy Boots, €90, SHOP

Oriental Floral Scarf, €17, SHOP

cigarette jeans + pinstripe shirt + trench coat

Key Trend: Trench

No wardrobe is truly complete without a trenchcoat. Classic, but undoubtedly still cool, we’re loving the spring outerwear essential worn slouchy and androgynous. The majority of the spring 2020 collections included a riff on the classic trench coat – quite possibly because these double-breasted silhouettes are both timeless and practical for an unpredictable transitional weather season. 

M&S Collection The Harper Jeans (Super Soft Cigarette Highwaisted), €40, SHOP

Double Breasted Coat, €77, SHOP

Striped Utility Blouse, €40, SHOP

Leather Ring Strap Loafers, €90, SHOP

Slim leg jeans + cardigan + teddy bear coat 

Key Trend: Sage Green

The surprise most-chic colour of the year so far, sage green can be hard to pin down. Almost a pastel but not quite. Close to khaki, but not that either. What we do know, is that we’re so into it for spring…

M&S Collection The Lily Jean (slim leg), €27, SHOP

Pure Cashmere Round Neck Cardigan, €120, SHOP

Teddy Jacket, €77, SHOP

Chelsea Anke Boot, €42, SHOP

mid-rise jeans + blazer + ballet pump 

Key Trend: Classic Bouclé

A favourite with Instagram’s coolest French girls, we’re inclined to just follow their style formula for elevating everyday jeans with a Breton stripe and Chanel-inspired tweed. Tweed jackets have come a long way since the stuffy two-piece suits of the 80s. This season’s styles are oversized, with statement buttons, metallic threading and military details for added interest. 

M&S Collection Relaxed Mid Rise Slim Jeans, €34, SHOP

Tweed Longline Blazer, €110, SHOP

Pure Cotton Striped Top, €34, SHOP

Leather Bow Ballet Pumps, €49, SHOP

flared jeans + pop of orange + platform heels 

Key Trend: 70s

One particular decade serving up major inspiration for a collection isn’t anything new, but when you see designer after designer sending out models that look like they just stepped out of an episode of That ’70s Show, you know something’s up. For a groovy vibe that feels chic as opposed to costumey, take your cues from designers like Celine and Louis Vuitton. 

Per Una Tencel Rich High Waist Slim Flare Jeans, €47.50, SHOP

Check Print Coat, €120, SHOP

Colour Block Short Sleeve T-Shirt, €34, SHOP

Two Part Almond Ankle Strap Platform Heels, €49, SHOP

skinny jeans + polo neck + oversized blazer 

Key Trend: Oversized check blazer

Great tailoring isn’t going anywhere for the new season. Replicate this look for any smart-casual dress code by injecting some personality with the brighter check print and lift it even more with the white boot. 

M&S Collection The Ivy Jean (skinny), €27, SHOP

Checked Double Breasted Blazer, €90, SHOP

Pure Cashmere Roll Neck Jumper, €120, SHOP

Block Heel Ankle Boots, €55, SHOP

skinny jeans + white shirt + utility jacket

Key Trend: White Embroided Blouse 

Blouses like this one come back spring after spring. The perfect balance of feminine and cool, it’s an easy layering piece that looks great with jeans and boots and works equally well with pastel-coloured suits. While Ganni’s peter pan-collared version is on top of every cool-girl’s ‘Want List’, (it’s pretty much sold out worldwide), we’d advise acting fast when it comes to this high-street version.

M&S Collection The Magic Jean (shaping high waist skinny), €47.50, SHOP

Soft Touch Utility Jacket, €65, SHOP

Pure Cotton Striped Blouse, €40, SHOP

Leather Bucket Bag, €110, SHOP

Leather Open Toe Ankle Straps, €95, SHOP

watch: 

How to style jeans for Spring!

Our editors Sarah Macken and Amy Heffernan were on hand last week, February 27, in M&S Mary Street, as they talked through the key trends for the season over bubbles and canapés. Below is everything you missed...

Main image by Leon Farrell

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