The perfect pair of high street jeans exist and here are three IMAGE staffers to prove it

In search of the perfect pair of jeans? Three IMAGE staffers show off their favourite pair to help debunk the age-old myth: does the perfect pair of high street jeans exist?

For some, the idea of a 7:15 am start is a nightmare, but I love it because as the office fills up, I get my own private catwalk show right from the comfort of my desk. Like clockwork, I can tell who’s going to arrive at what time and I take mental notes of how fabulous their outfit recipe is (followed by the occasional applause and hooting). I’m *THIS* close to having a pen and paper in hand to jot down descriptions so I can recreate it at home. Imitation is the best form of flattery, right?

There’s the girl who always wears the most flamboyant and colourful shirts and trouser combinations, and the other girl who has mastered the art of colour complimenting (she’s one of the only women I know to make green and pink look elegant and chic). There’s the understated Art Director who pairs jeans and a T-shirt with a classic pair of Gucci trainers, and the Fashion Director who wears her own knitted designs in – to the jealousy of everyone in the office. What I get most excited about it seeing a simple wardrobe anchor like a pair of denim jeans being styled in ways I wouldn’t have previously tried. Where do they find them on the high street? Do they have a check-list of requirements when looking for the perfect pair? I have so many burning questions and I’m sure you do too.

IMAGE is a far cry from the work-life portrayed in The Devil Wears Prada, but similarly to the movie, everyone here places a sense of importance on what they wear and how they wear it, and it’s a treat to witness! It would be a shame to hide their style secrets, so I’ve recruited three staffers to show us their favourite pair of high street jeans. Let the denim drooling commence.

Luise O’Dwyer, Client Services

High-waisted jeans with cuffed hem, €49.99 at Mango

I think I can speak for all women and men of Ireland when I say a pair of jeans is a key staple in everyone’s wardrobe. I don’t think you can ever have enough great-fitting jeans, however, it is a struggle to find a pair of jeans that tick all the right boxes. I have admired endless pairs of jeans on friends but when I try on the same pair they look horrendous. Proving the struggle – the same pair of jeans is different on everybody. I have been on the hunt for a pair of boyfriend jeans with no rips for the past few months and have been unsuccessful. I came across these jeans trawling through Mango. I loved how they were high waisted and the turn-up at the end. The denim in them feels great, with little elasticity, so they last more than one wear!

Edaein O’Connell, Staff Writer

Mom style jeans, €19 at Penneys (this particular style is not available online but here’s a similar pair)

I had a very fractured relationship with jeans. Being slightly curvier on the bottom, I struggled to find a pair that would fit my bum area and my waist at the same time. After years of searching, I found the perfect pair in Penneys for €19! These are the Mom style and I already have three pairs. They are the perfect mix between structure and stretch. I always feel like they hold me in at the right places but have enough stretch that they move with my body and don’t constrict it. The quality is amazing and is just as good (if not better) than a lot of the offerings on the high street at the moment. Finding the right pair of jeans is so important. I spent years avoiding them, but whenever I wear these now I feel instantly more chic and confident. It’s laborious, but try on as many as you can, and you will eventually find your perfect fit.

Sophie Teyssier, Social Media Manager

Vintage 501’s, €120 at Levis (this particular style is not available online but here’s a similar pair)

I heard so many wonderful things about vintage Levi 501’s, I knew I had to get my hands on a pair. I did a little research and I found this dark denim pair on an online vintage shop. I took a chance ordering them and I’m so happy I did! They’re my favourite jeans in my wardrobe now.

Photographs by Niamh O’Donoghue