Fashion editor, broadcaster and writer Jo Elvin uses her expertise to decode this season’s key jean shapes and how to style them.

There’s been a real denim revolution of late and I’m here for it. Gone are the days when one style was declared ‘the’ one and only look to be seen in. We’d pour ourselves into drainpipe skinnies, until some faceless fashion entity decided that flares, and only flares, were it. The result was that legions of us were grinning and bearing styles that didn’t work for us. I’m sure it’s why so many of us have an angst-ridden relationship with shopping for jeans.  

Thankfully, times have changed. The modern way to wear denim? Styled specifically for you - your shape, your lifestyle, your mood, your taste. There is no ‘in’ or ‘out’, but simply finding the look you love, that works for you. It’s the intelligent approach to style that ME+EM does so well and of course, when it comes to denim they have you covered. Here are my personal favourites from the ME+EM denim collection and how I’ll be wearing them. 

Those added side-panels are the twist, and it’s a clever one that gives your casual look that little bit more edge. The slouchy vibes of this cut are a perfect match for your most loved and lived-in old knits. But they can still hold their own for dressier moments: try a buttoned-up tux jacket with nothing underneath, or a pair of glamorous metallic flats. 

Boot cut styles had been banished to Fashion Siberia for far too long, and I for one am rejoicing in their triumphant return. It’s classic ‘70s glamour, from that snug, low-rise hug at the waist that gives way to an endless wide fluid leg; relaxed, yes, but still polished enough to pair with a blazer and look office-ready. Any footwear works, but make sure they’re only just visible under a hemline that’s practically scraping the ground. Keeping your top half more fitted will make the overall look incredibly figure-flattering.

Get in touch with your avant garde side in these artfully distressed, raw-hemmed classics. This is a brilliant cut that will suit most shapes, thanks to the wide leg cropped at the most flattering point at the ankle. It’s a look just made to showcase any of your favourite heels, although add a bare of barely-there summer sandals and you’re instantly the chicest festival goer. 

The reviews are in - and you love the kick flare travel jean so much it’s a new classic. So now it’s available in its original dark wash as well as a mid blue wash for a more dressed-down relaxed vibe. There’s the most perfect hit of stretch in there so while they glide on and look snug and sleek, the feel is more akin to a legging than a tight jean. I live in mine. 

The travel jean is back and this time it’s cropped. Showing off that extra bit of ankle is an easy way to give the illusion of longer legs. And the look works all year round as cropped styles look just as great with a bare ankle as they do with a chunky boot or even trainers and a visible statement sock. 

Possibly the most controversial new jean shape for some time, but there’s a reason that more and more of us are finding ourselves falling in love with the engineer leg. It’s an oversized look, but elegant with it, because the proportions have a slimming effect on the ankle - not to mention being the perfect cut to show off any number of statement shoes, from trainers to a blingy heel. Lean in to the exaggerated leg by keeping the rest of your silhouette pared back and slim-fitting. 

The newest shape in shirts is something of a wardrobe game-changer. Right now, a cropped shirt is the smart buy for anyone wanting to add just enough edge to a closet of classics. Denim is a brilliant way to tap into the cropped shirt trend, as it gives you a hard-working shirt that does effortless double-duty as a jacket. Layer longer length tops underneath to add colour and texture to your everyday looks.

Not to be dramatic, but I don’t think my life will be complete without this and I feel the same might be true for you. Tie at the waist for a lovely nipped-in, feminine structure, or ditch the belt and wear it loose. Either way, this jumpsuit is the most useful ‘one and done’ that hits a real sweet spot of being comfortable and cool.