Two ways to wear black jeans in winter
Photos: Sarah Brick. Hair & makeup in this photo: Lindsey Poole
Sometimes black jeans are all you want to wear. Particularly when Working From Home, or if there’s an icy blast blowing in from the North Sea. For total Hygge Chic, I find the perfect straight, leg-lagging shape helps exclude any draughts, and feels snug with a big cosy jumper and socks and ‘Stocks. Just add coffee and a cardamon bun and a regular Fika break and you’re living Danishly. And yes, I’ve often wondered if I might be a secret Scandinavian…
Now that the days are getting longer (hooray!), my preference for slouchy trousers has come into play. Enter the newer jean shape with a slightly 1980s silhouette (see below). I do like a cropped version with winter boots. It’s one good way to keep hems clean and dry on the dirty London streets.
The black jeans in the top photo are by MiH, a small independent company which sadly disappeared around the time Brexit kicked in. And I’ve been on the look out for another denim brand to fall in love with. The new baggy jeans are an organic denim style from Raey at Matchesfashion. American brand Citizens of Humanity is now working with farmers in the US on a regenerative cotton collection, Community Clothing has some great jeans and the revamped website looks ace. For more organic denim try Albaray, Aligne, Toast and Nudie.
At this time of year, I’m into what my friend Navaz at Disneyrollergirl calls the Fresh White Slice, to help shine a little light on a dull, winter complexion. And, a quick mention for the hoodie which I bought at DKNY in the 1990s and nearly sent to the charity shop, but Mr TNMA rescued it to add to his ‘loungewear’ wardrobe. Needless to say, I’ve reclaimed it. What’s mine is yours and back again…
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STYLE NOTES
First outfit: my old MiH jeans. Charcoal roll neck jumper from Navygrey. Icelandic wool button vest on loan from OMHU. Slingback buckle clogs loaned from Russell & Bromley (and new spring version, available HERE)
Second outfit: vintage MaxMara blazer. Nineties hoodie from DKNY. White T-shirt, my own, from Arket. Lady Yearling boots from a previous partnership with R.M. Williams. Black, organic cotton, baggy boyfriend jeans I bought from Raey at Matchesfashion.com
Discussion (16 Comments)
I believe in preserving the colour and hardly wash my jeans at all, it’s better for the environment – that’s my excuse, anyway!
Patrish says:
Love your look, and love the mention of DKNY. I have several pieces still in major rotation that are at least 25 years old and don’t show their age a bit. Quality garments. I miss Donna Karan. She had a great eye and her ‘seven easy pieces’ philosophy was the basis of my work wardrobe and made my business trips a breeze. (the getting dressed for anything part, not the actual work part). Still using that premise.
Did you read about the Donna Karan relaunch, Patrish? It’s based around the philosophy you mention and ‘system dressing.’ Sadly, nothing to do with Donna Karan anymore….
https://www.wmagazine.com/fashion/donna-karan-new-york-relaunch-news
Thank you, Alyson. I had seen the photo in a NYT ad this weekend but had not read the article in W. I can see myself back in the day in some of the clothing in the W piece. What fun!
I will check out some of the new offerings….fingers crossed the fabric quality will be up to Donna’s old standards.
Mrs Tonia says:
Hello Alyson. I’m also a wearer of black denim jeans. Mine are inexpensive ones from H and M and Fatface with looser straight legs. A very good staple as you say. I have also kept all my black and other coloured hoodies to wear under jackets. They look good with black leather boots or with my dark Brooks trainers.
I agree about less washing. When I do I turn inside out, wash on a rapid cycle and hang to dry.just to say – you look really great in all black – especially the first photo
– not everyone can manage this without looking like a miserable art curator.Thanks Karen – I quite like wearing all-black in winter and proper make-up in the first photo helps reduce the miserable art curator vibe!
lizzie g says:
i love all black in winter, and other seasons. sometimes with a white slice, or a burgundy, green or other slice. a smile, practicality and comfortable shoes, disabuse the miserable art curator vibe.
a shout out for weekday rowe jeans and for finisterre yarrel canvas trousers, both 100% cotton, including in black. good weight for winter. both high rise and flattering for my mid life middle.
Stantonj says:
I’m a fan of Finisterre but recently I have observed a bit of mass production creep. More made in China and less of a sustainability focus for some products.
BettyRocker says:
Pulled on black stretch pants this morning with my navy cashmere boatneck. It wasn’t quite right. Read your post this morning, and switched to my favorite straight leg black jeans. Yay!!
Sarah Stubbs says:
Love the “Fresh White Slice” idea and very fond of the hoodie under a jacket look too. On hunt for a new pair of black jeans now – thanks for the inspiration as always, Alyson.
susan says:
Alyson, help! Why do so many jeans have a substantial proportion of polyester in them? I prefer not to wear synthetic materials. Im finding it almost impossible to find cotton denim.
Lynne Glazzard says:
Hiut Denim are absolutely the best jeans. Made in Wales, near Cardiff. They were recently featured on the BBC series about the factory and it showed the denim being spun and woven in Italy. Then it showed the process of making a pair of jeans. I have some black slightly cropped and some full length ones. I only wear their jeans now and hardly ever wash them.. you have to book a slot now and they are made to order. Definitely worth the money
Oh yes, good call! I met the founder and some of his team at a Design Week event quite a few years ago – they were demonstrating how to repair denim. I think Huit repair your jeans for you, for life?
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I use Woolite for Darks and Denims, alongside Dylon products to revive clothing that may be a little faded or just needs a bit of a boost. I wash darks carefully to keep them looking good and think it is key, if you wear black / dark blues, to think about the products you use to preserve their colour.