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I’ll be honest: I wasn’t actively looking to overhaul my denim rotation. Like most people, I’ve been loyally cycling through the same straight-leg pairs and the occasional wide-leg style, convincing myself they still felt current enough. But then I slipped into a pair of M&S High Waisted Wide Leg Turn Up Jeans – and suddenly, everything I thought I knew about my ‘reliable’ jeans felt a little… dated.
At first glance, they didn’t seem wildly different. The wash? A classic mid-indigo. The fit? Relaxed, flattering, nothing groundbreaking. But it was the turn-up hem that completely changed the game.
That subtle (yet somehow statement-making) cuff gave the jeans an intentional, styled finish that made even a simple outfit – white tee, blazer, loafers – feel considered. Within days, I had multiple friends asking where they were from, quickly followed by, ‘Wait, did you roll them up yourself?’ The answer, of course, is no – that’s the beauty of it.
Fashion editors, influencers and street stylers are all embracing the turn-up jean
Since then, I’ve noticed this styling trick everywhere. Fashion editors, influencers, that impossibly cool woman I saw grabbing coffee in Notting Hill – they’re all embracing the turn-up jean. And it’s not confined to one silhouette, either. Wide-leg styles like mine feel polished and directional, but I’ve also spotted straight-leg pairs with neat, minimal cuffs and even more playful shapes like barrel and balloon jeans with exaggerated turn-ups that verge on sculptural.
What makes this trend so appealing is its versatility. It works across every wash you can think of – light blue for a laid-back, off-duty vibe, deep indigo for something smarter, even crisp white for a more elevated summer feel. Some pairs come with barely-there turn-ups that whisper rather than shout, while others lean into the drama with oversized cuffs that instantly become the focal point of an outfit.
And while, yes, you could technically recreate the look by rolling up your existing jeans, there’s something about a pre-designed turn-up that feels more refined. It holds its shape better, sits at just the right height on the ankle, and gives that effortless-but-intentional finish we’re all quietly aiming for.
Consider this your sign: if your denim drawer is starting to feel a little uninspired, you don’t need a full overhaul. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple turn-up to make your old favourites feel brand new again, and below I’ve rounded up the best pairs to shop now.
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