I'm Picky, But These High-Street Jeans Have Seriously Impressed Me

I'm 32, and it's only over the last five or so years that I've started wearing jeans. The reason? I could never find a pair that I liked and felt confident in (and that adhered to my budget). Instead, my daily wares centred on dresses and skirts. Still, I found myself poring over images of denim street style, impressed by the sheer versatility of jeans, how cool they looked with blazers and heels or with a simple tee and chunky trainers. Eventually, I bit the bullet, and although they weren't quite right, I bought the closest thing I could find to a pair of vintage jeans on the high street. (I'm yet to find a great vintage pair that actually fits me.) Now, I can't help but think how easy this process would have been if & Other Stories jeans had existed back then.

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(Image credit: @bubblyaquarius)

Influencer Rachael Clifton wears a pair of & Other Stories jeans. 

While & Other Stories has always included jeans in its collections, it's only in the last year that the affordable shopping hot spot has carved out what's fast becoming the sleekest edit of jeans on the high street. The pairs, each of which have been given their own monikers, all look as if you've plucked them from an achingly cool thrift shop on a U.S. road trip, with various washes, never-date cuts, high waists and classic button fastenings.

Of all the revamped & Other Stories jeans, though, there's one style which continues to outsell the rest—unsurprising with the amount of editor and celebrity backing they have. Even Kate Middleton favours them on the rare occasion she's spotted in denim. The Slim Cut jeans, formerly the Favourite Cut jeans, are an iteration on a classic straight leg with a versatile and flattering cut that seems to suit everyone. They've got that vintage feel I've mentioned, but with the flexibility of being able to choose your size and lengths, and from eleven different colour ways.

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Influencer Marianne Smyth wears & Other Stories' Slim Cut jeans in blue. 

Princess Kate's not the only & Other Stories jeans devotee who is singing their praises. Influencer Marianne Smyth of Smyth Sisters has invested in both the mid-blue and grey hues of the Favourite cut. "The Favourite jeans from & Other Stories (now the Slim Cut) are my go-to at the minute," says Smyth. "They're a crop but not too cropped, so work well with trainers, boots and heels. The slight stretch in the denim is perfect for me day to day—very comfortable but they still look chic."

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Influencer Marianne Smyth wears & Other Stories' Slim Cut in grey.

As I wait for my own pair of Favourite jeans to arrive, I have a few initial observations to talk you through. This goes out to all mainstream brands: I'd love to see more size options when it comes to denim (and everything else, of course). Jeans from & Other Stories start at 24 and end at 32. Per the size guide, the 32 should fit someone between a UK 16 or 18. However, in my experience, owing to my curvy frame, I almost always have to size up. And I know many women are the same. 

As for the aesthetic of & Other Stories' jeans, honestly, I think they're currently unrivalled. They look authentically aged, which is very difficult to achieve, and I know the cuts won't date in a hurry (unlike those heavily frayed hems we all invested in in 2016). I can't wait to start wearing mine with chunky knits and ankle boots for right now, and a breton come spring. If you're looking to fall back in love with denim, scroll below to see and shop more of my picks from & Other Stories' jeans department.

Next Up: It's Official: These Are the 10 Jeans Trends Everyone Will Wear in 2023

Opening Image: @smythsisters

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.