When did jeans get so complicated?

[Thingamebobwotsit]

Am after a couple of new pairs of jeans and last time I bought them I think we were on the cusp of the skinny/straight leg revolution. Just gone to buy some more and am now so confused as to what looks up to date without looking like mutton dressed as lamb as there is so much choice now. Last time I wore boot legs I was in my mid 20s. I have never worn wide legged jeans as I am short...

So can you help? I am after a couple of fairly classic pairs to match with white tops and some basic jumpers over the autumn. Mid forties and keen to look well dressed not dated. If you were only going to buy two pairs where would you put your money? Or am I just too old now?

You're the one making it complicated. Go to a shop that sells a variety in your size (so really, one that does width/length sizing - the thing that does look stupid is walking around in trousers too short for you), try on a variety of what they have, and choose something you think looks good on you and that you find comfortable, trying it both standing up, turning around, sitting down.

You will never look 'well dressed' following fashions rather than going with what fits your body and stylistic preferences.

I think the range of options is a bonus rather than confusing. You can basically wear any style jean now which means you can pick whatever suits you rather than trying to follow the skinny/slim/mom/bootcut/flare/wide/cropped/barrel trend

Levi’s 501s OP.

Try M & S, they have a huge range in all colour denims and also try on several sizes, some jeans look better looser, some look better if they're more fitted. I like the Lily (my actual size), Sienna (sized up) & Boyfriend (sized up twice so they sit lower).

Agree with @Niftythrifter re Levi's, their denim, as in colour, weight and markings are excellent - the shop at Bicester also has a tailor in situ on the shop floor, so they shorten jeans whilst you wait.

Selfridges in Oxford Street used to have a good denim department, with all the premium brands.

M&S Lily for me too. They're all I wear at the moment.

I have 3 pairs of the lily's, the first pair fit perfectly, the other two pair in different colours don't fit as good, so you have to try on in the shop if possible.

I live in jeans and have a pair of virtually every style. I would highly recommend M&S, they are pretty unbeatable at the moment for the range of styles and nice fit/quality. Their boyfriend jeans are my absolute favourite and go-to every time.
You can't go wrong with Levi's either IMO and there will be a style of them that suits everyone. Annoyingly they do stretch at the waist though so I've recently started having mine tailored to fit me perfectly and I would really recommend that - it's how to get the perfect fit for you. Personally I love a barrel leg and think they go with everything shoes-wise.

My favourite barrel leg style are Whistles.

I've had various pairs lately. I get them from vinted so dont have to invest a lot before i know if theyre going to work. I did try barrel leg / mom jeans and they are v comfortable, but I find them unflattering on myself. Straight leg suit me and seem not to go in or out of style so I'd start there.

But I've honestly had enough of jeans and am putting mine all into storage. They're so uncomfortable. I've been wearing nothing but dresses lately and feel quite liberated by not having any jeans cutting me in half