In my many years in the fashion industry, there are a few lessons I’ve learned for sure. The first is that good-quality statement outerwear is the ultimate sartorial distraction technique (who cares about what’s underneath?) The second is that jewellery is never a bad investment (Pond London is the brand fashion insiders are really going wild for this year) and the third has been the transcendent power of a good pair of jeans.

milan, italy september 22 emili sindlev wears sunglasses, earrings, a necklace, a green red and white striped logo wool knit cardigan, a black leather bag, blue denim wide leg jeans pants, red pointed shoes, outside gucci, during the milan fashion week womenswear springsummer 2024 on september 22, 2023 in milan, italy photo by edward berthelotgetty images
Edward Berthelot

Now, there are a few things that distinguish a good pair of jeans from a perfect pair of jeans. Firstly, they needn’t be too tight or too loose. Finding a pair that fit properly without hugging too much or too little is a fine dance. Secondly, they shouldn't be too saturated a colour. In order for jeans to perform their function of acting as the most hard-working member of your wardrobe, they ought to be able to hold their own in the colour realm while never being overtly muted or saturated. And thirdly, once you’ve found the pair of jeans that ticks all of these boxes — which also make you feel like a million dollars while wearing them — stock up on them in every colourway and treasure them. Good jeans are worth their weight in gold, and take that from somebody who’s kissed more than a few denim frogs.

Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans
Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans
Now 25% Off
£111 at The Reformation
Credit: Reformation

For anybody that believes the perfect jeans don't exist, think again.

Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans
Reformation Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans
Now 25% Off
Credit: Reformation

Brown is everywhere this season, in the form of dresses, skirts and jackets, but we didn't know we needed brown jeans until now.

Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans
Reformation Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans
Now 25% Off
Credit: Reformation

For when summer whites feel like too much, consider a gentle pinstriped jean instead.

Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans
Reformation Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans
Now 25% Off
Credit: Reformation

Add a touch of texture to your denim arsenal with these studded Carys.

It is with great pleasure then that I introduce to you the best pair of jeans I have ever worn: enter, Reformation’s Cary wide-leg jeans. I started amassing my collection of Carys after receiving six — yes, six! — compliments on my blue pair in one day. I did a double take in a hallway mirror in the office and realised that the woman with the great jeans staring back at me was indeed me, clad in my Carys.

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It only felt natural to then treat myself to a pair in inky black, which felt essential given my proclivity for wearing moody shades of greys and slates during winter. All I have to do is add a pair of OTT earrings and a slick of gloss and I feel together. Next up on my list are the newly-introduced white, brown and the striped shades.

best denim to buy now 2023
Christian Vierig

The reason that the Cary jeans are quite so good is that they are just the perfect mix of slouch and style. I like my jeans neither too tight nor too baggy and, while that is a hard balance to strike, the Carys have proved that it can be done — and excellently at that.

Abby High Rise Straight Jeans
Reformation Abby High Rise Straight Jeans
Now 25% Off
Credit: Reformation

The Abbys sit high on the waist and are perfect for those who prefer a more tapered leg.

Wilder High Rise Wide Leg Jeans
Wilder High Rise Wide Leg Jeans
Credit: Reformation

Just add a slick of lipstick and your favourite T-shirt.

Val 90s Mid Rise Straight Jeans
Reformation Val 90s Mid Rise Straight Jeans
Now 25% Off
Credit: Reformation

The popularity of 90s jeans show no signs of waning.

Wilder Stretch High Rise Wide Leg Cropped Jeans
Reformation Wilder Stretch High Rise Wide Leg Cropped Jeans
Now 25% Off
Credit: Reformation

For those who prefer a little bit of stretch in their jeans, Reformation's Wilders ought to be their go-to.

Reformation has other great jeans too, many of which I’ve also tried. For those who like their jeans to cut at the ankle, the Abbys are a no-brainer. For those who like a cropped jean, the Wilders are ingenius. For those who have fallen for retro-style jeans, the Val 90s are a foolproof choice.

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Cambrie Knit Top
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Frankie Dress
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Ritz Knit Dress
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Zenni Satin Dress
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Francesca Moto Boot
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Credit: Reformation
Bethany Ballet Flat
Bethany Ballet Flat
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Silves Dress
Now 33% Off

Maybe it’s my slightly curvier shape — I’m larger on bottom than I am on top — and I have long legs, which makes finding the right fit and length in denim difficult, but the Carys balance me out the way a good pair of jeans ought to. After a lifetime of sartorial misfires I have found my match, and my love-in with my Carys is now the most reliable relationship I have with anything in my wardrobe. So, what're you waiting for?


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