A high waist updates the slim-legged jean – making legs appear even longer. Choose lightweight denim for a close fit, ensuring that your silhouette looks super trim. High-waisted denims speak of urban cool and ripped and torn patches give a classic punk edge. Think of Poppy Delevingne, Kristen Stewart and Alexa Chung as your icons; breathe in and zip-up.

With the 1970s trend in full flush, flares enter centre stage. Mid-rise cuts, sun-faded denim, contrast stitching and patch pockets deliver an air of footloose nostalgia – Lauren Hutton, Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot are the ideal pin-ups. To wear flares with real flair, team with a voluminous top like a batwing sweatshirt, cropped bomber jacket or folk blouse and elegant stilettos or wedge heels. Add a shoulder bag and a long silk scarf and you will breeze through spring.

With a high waist, round cut and tapered leg, “Mom” jeans (a style named after conservative “soccer moms” in the US) are the underdog in denim’s makeover. Laced with irony and retro charm, they have serious fashion kudos. They look best on curvy figures and give a carefree cool attitude. Blake Lively and blogger Leandra Medine of Man Repeller head up the revival.

Our favourite “borrowed from the boys” jean just got baggier. Styles now slip down from the hipbones, down the thigh and end in a neat, nipped rolled-up hem. Strategic faded patches suggest that you have loved these jeans for a long time. But don’t be fooled by the “comfort” look – the baggy boyfriend works because it hits that note of insouciant perfection.