My ride to work – which snakes from South East London to West Central – usually acts as a good barometer for what people are wearing in the British capital. Come November, for example, and there are so many Acne Studios scarves that you can barely see anything among the billowing alpaca wool and technicolour checks. This year, however, I’ve noticed something strange happening. The usual trousers that we see around this time of year – the wide-legged, the tailored, and such – are distinctly lacking. The same appears to be happening in Vogue HQ. Look around and all I see, including on my own legs, is: denim, denim, denim.
Jeans are timeless, obviously – that’s their whole appeal. But what appears to be happening this winter is more akin to rabid denim fever. Low-rise and mid-rise, straight-leg and bootcut, even the odd skinny jean thrown in there for those channelling Kate Moss circa 2008. If jeans used to be the most casual of garments, next to trainers and a level above sweatpants, they’ve since evolved into more of an everything item. Going to a party? Throw on a pair of “jazzy” jeans. Want to wear something a bit smarter for the office? Opt for a pleated pair with a shirt. Intend on giving off more than a hint of effortlessness? Go baggy and slouchy – yes, even in the rain. This winter, the jean has become more than just a jean. It’s become the go-to item.