Jean Genie

DO YOU struggle to know what jeans suit you, or need help to take your denim from day to night?

JEAN GENIE

Fashion director Tracey Lea Sayer hits River Island to solve all your denim dilemmas

SPONSORED

I want to feel cool at festivals this summer

Jeans shopping is tricky but, thanks to the huge choice of cuts and washes at River Island, I’ve found a pair to suit each of these ladies – and myself! These black Relaxed Straight jeans have a premium feel, and Long is perfect for my size-8, 5ft 8in frame. The denim is soft but the cut feels current – plus, they are tailored enough for work with this blanket-stitch jacket but can easily be dressed down on weekends.

click to buy

Tracey wears: jacket, £75; shirt, £30; jeans, £40; boots, £40.

Vaida, 33, size 6 and 5ft 6in

“I have a few festivals lined up this year, so I need something cool to hang out with friends in. “I’m in love with the patchwork finish on these, and they’re so comfy. “I sometimes struggle to find jeans for my petite frame, but these Stove Pipe Straight ones are wide enough to go over cowboy boots while still having a skinny feel. “I’m ready to rock!” Tracey says: “Vaida looks festival-ready in these high-waist, longer-length jeans – and she’ll have cash left for partying! I’ve added a printed quilted jacket, fringed suede bag and boots for a Coachella vibe.”

Vaida wears: jacket, £65; T-shirt, £20; jeans, £55; bag, £38; boots, £75.

click to buy

Help! I’m stuck in a rut

JessicA, 42, size 10 and 5ft 10in

“You don’t have to convince me to buy River Island jeans, because I’ve shopped the brand’s denim for years! “They wash well and keep their shape. I do want to try a new style though, as I tend to stick to straight leg in a light wash. “So the Flares in Long are a revelation! I’d never have tried them on in a shop but they are so flattering – they elongate my legs and have stretch, but also hold me in. “I feel like a new woman in them.” Tracey says: “I totally get that Jessica feels stuck in a denim rut. I wore the same skinny style for a decade before switching things up. “The Flares look fabulous on her. They make a real statement, especially teamed with a cropped red bomber jacket. “It’s perfect for having a fun lunch out with the girls – chic without trying too hard.”

click to buy

Jessica wears: jacket, £40; jumper, £40; jeans, £48; bag, £35; boots, £40.

I need to smarten up my denim act

Jade, 23, size 16 and 5ft 10in

"I normally wear baggy, skater-style jeans with trainers but I want a smarter look for going out. “I love that Tracey’s put me in casual ripped Straight Leg jeans with a blazer and waistcoat. “I feel like I could wear this during the day with trainers and just add some cool heels for a drink with my mates in the evening.” Tracey says: “Who says jeans can’t be super-smart? I love the juxtaposition of the tailoring with the ripped denim in this outfit. “It was lovely to dress Jade in a chic evening look but still make her feel like herself. She looks amazing and totally rocks these straight-leg ripped jeans.”

Jade wears: blazer, £70; waistcoat, £38; jeans, £48; bag, £35; boots, £40.

click to buy

All clothing from River Island. Shop now at Riverisland.com

click to buy