6 ways to wear jeans or jeggings for autumn-winter 2017

Sponsored by Marks & Spencer (Australia)

I’m excited to have teamed with Marks & Spencer (Australia) to showcase six ways to wear jeans or jeggings this season. All of the looks I’ve featured below are trans-seasonal so perfect for now and ideal for layering later.

Buying a pair of jeans or jeggings for autumn-winter is akin to the summer swimsuit purchase. It’s something we should do because it expands our wardrobe capabilities but it’s not always a pleasant experience.

Sure we don’t have to bare as much skin as we do when wearing a swimsuit but, as women, we are notoriously harsh on ourselves when it comes to being critical about our bodies.

Legs, tummies, bottoms, thighs, calves and ankles can be in the firing line of our incessant negative internal chatter. I’d tell you to simply mute that chatter but I know that’s easier said than done.

Instead, I’d love you to lower the volume button a little, to step out of your comfort zone and into a pair of jeans. If it’s been a few years between attempting to wear jeans then you will be pleased to hear that times have a changed.

The biggest change we have seen is in the fabrication of denim – and the accompanying comfort levels that comes with this new fabrication. Gone are the days that I tread heading out for the day in a pair of jeans. No! These days I only choose jeans that feel as comfortable wearing as a pair of tracky pants.

The bonus? You look much more dressed up than if you were wearing a pair of tracky pants.

6 ways to wear jeans or jeggings for autumn-winter 2017

M&S Collection Sculpt & Lift Skinny Leg Jeans in Indigo Mix (I’m in size 14) | M&S Collection Striped Long Sleeve Jersey Top (not current)

Easy casual

This would have to be one of my go-to autumn-winter looks. Stripes are always a good idea but when teamed with comfortable jeans and sneakers, it’s a casual look that always looks smart. Add a scarf and jacket for cooler days.

These M&S Collection Sculpt & Lift Skinny Leg Jeans are The Business when it comes to creating a great skinny leg jean look but with a whole lot of comfort thrown in. It’s a true skinny leg style but the super stretch denim means that you can get them on easily and sit down in the jeans without feeling out of breath! The stretch also gives you shape and some clever back stitching lifts your bottom. This indigo colour is a classic that will always serve you well in your jeans-robe.

M&S Collection 5 Pocket Mid Rise Super Skinny Jeggings in Bright Blue (I’m in size 14) | M&S Collection Relaxed Short Sleeve T-Shirt in blush (I’m in size 16) | M&S Collection Blush Skinny Scarf Necklace

Warmer days

Not all autumn days are on the cool side but if you still want to work an easy jeans or jeggings, look into your everyday style then opt for a simple tee and jeans look. A mule-style shoe is a great trans–seasonal option and the addition of a metallic scarf or necklace takes this basic outfit up several notches. These M&S Collection 5 Pocket Mid Rise Super Skinny Jeggings are ridiculously comfortable. I do love a mid-rise – it works like a high-rise on my short waist – for smoothing over the tummy and hips. The stretch fabric makes them a jegging but there is still a button and zip fastening. I’m in love with this bright blue wash as an autumn alternative.

 M&S Skinny Leg High Rise Jeggings in Black (I’m in size 14) | M&S Collection Floral Print Scarf | Per Una Longline Open Front 2 Pockets Cardigan (I’m in size 16)| M&S Collection Relaxed Short Sleeve T-Shirt in White (I’m in size 16)

Black beauties

Black will always be a solid autumn-winter option but, this autumn, why not “lighten” up your black with one of this season’s on-trend colours, blush. A long-line cardi is an effortlessly casual piece and works beautifully with proportions in a jeans outfit. Add a neck scarf (yes, they’re SO back!) to complete the outfit. These M&S Skinny Leg High Rise Jeggings are pull-on in style. Where this style of jegging comes into its own is if you want to have a completely flat front without an zip or button bulges. It’s not suitable for tucking in tops or shirts but it is great for any tops or tunics that float over the tummy area.

 M&S Collection Mid Rise Super Skinny Jeans in Blush Pink (I’m in size 14) | M&S Collection Slash Neck Calypso 3/4 Sleeve Jumper (I’m in size 16)

Pink power

Blush is so hot right now. If you want to make a statement with your jeans this season, make blush your coloured jeans choice. These M&S Collection Mid Rise Super Skinny Jeans have fabulous stretch and the waist height is just right for my short waist. This style is also available in other fashion colours including khaki, cobalt and mole. Don’t over-complicate a coloured-jeans look. Work it back with white. I love this top for its fluted sleeve detail. {And yes, Clem the Schnoodle couldn’t resist getting in on the action!}

M&S Collection mid-rise cropped straight leg jeans (I’m in size 16) | M&S Collection Relaxed Short Sleeve T-Shirt in White  (I’m in size 16) | M&S Collection Faux suede waterfall jacket (I’m in size 16)

Shades of grey

My love of skinny leg jeans runs very deep but I’m prepared to step out of my comfort zone this season in these M&S Collection mid-rise cropped straight leg jeans. This style is hot right now and does work with an ankle boot. There isn’t stretch in this denim – it will give a little but nothing like in a stretch jean or jegging. I’ve gone for my regular size to accommodate that. The grey wash has a little bit of ’90s grunge to it, so I’ve softened than with a blush jacket. A simple, white tee completes this dressy casual look. 

Designed by Twiggy Plait Skinny Leg Jeans (no longer available – substitute Per Una Skinny Jeans) | Limited Edition Pure Cotton Striped Fluted Sleeve Blouse (no longer available – substitute M&S Collection Pure Cotton Stripe Flute Cuff Jersey top)

All dressed up

For a dressed-up jeans autumn look, take a pair of white jeans with detailing, add an on-trend cotton top and heels. This is the kind of outfit that would take you out to lunch with girlfriends or on a date night. White jeans need not be just for summer. It’s what you wear with them that makes them look and feel like a trans-seasonal outfit. These two pieces are no longer available but check out the links for alternatives.

Style and buying tips

1. Because the key to comfortable jeans is in the stretch of the denim, it is so important to buy your stretch denim firm. If you don’t, they’ll be saggy and baggy within an hour. The general rule of thumb is if you can get any more than two fingers between you and the waistband then they will be too big. Try down a size if you can.

2. When it comes to styles of jeans, you know my thoughts on this, don’t you? I do dabble in the boyfriend and cropped straight leg style but it is the skinny jean creates a silhouette that just works for me – for the everyday or for dressing up. I don’t have to worry about what height heel I wear, they work equally well with flats and heels. 

3. Still holding on to the notion that a boot-leg jean will balance out your hips? Read my case for the skinny jean here. The post is from the archives but I still stand by what I wrote.

4. Don’t be afraid of having the lengths of your jeans altered (taken up and seams narrowed). I always say that taller people don’t have the option of adding length on to their jeans. We shorter specimens do. Also, look for cropped or 7/8 styles … these can fall to full length on shorter women. All the jeans featured above come in two lengths – regular or short. That means potentially less altering required.

5. Look for jeans with a waist rise that works for your waist. This waist will sit differently on different bodies but for smoothing through the tummy area, you’re looking for a style that sits at about belly button level. A high-waist jean may sit mid-waist on someone with a longer bottom half to their torso. Combined with the stretch in the denim, this will work to minimise any muffin creation.

6. Consider creating a denim-robe filled with comfortable jeans in a range of colours. Once you’ve found a brand and style that works for you, why not slowly add to your collection? Indigo is a great place to start – always a classic and always in style. Add in a light wash, a black, a white and colour.

So tell me, what style of jean or jegging do you like to wear? What is your favourite look from above? Have you shopped with Marks & Spencer (Australia) online?

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About Marks & Spencer (Australia)

I was first introduced to the wonder that is Marks & Spencer as a 12-year-old visiting the UK for the first time. So I was super excited to hear last year that Marks & Spencer had launched an Australian online store. Delivery is free for orders over $100 and returns can be sent to an Australian address. I placed my order on a Thursday and received everything the following Wednesday.

This sponsored post was coordinated by Shopping Links. The products featured were gifted to me for review and inclusion in this post.