Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission –learn

By this point in January the only resolution I haven’t failed at yet is a commitment to update my wardrobe.

If this sounds like a daunting task to you, allow me to let you into a little secret: there is only one item you need this year to ensure you are right on trend – a pair of jeans.

Yes, really. Jeans are the single most transformative thing you can own. Get them right and everything else falls into place.

So, what are the rules for 2026? The six key dos and don’ts are outlined here.

And good news . . . this year’s must-haves are simple, timeless classics in wearable colours and sensible shapes.

Nothing thrills me than trends that are actually no-fuss stylish looks that work in real life.

1: Forget stonewash and go dark

Everyone obsesses over shape, but colour is the thing you want to get right this year.

Pale blues and stonewash are out, and a rich, dark indigo is firmly in. Think deep navy tones that almost resemble a tailored trouser.

Be happy about this: dark denim is flattering, looks expensive, and is far easier to wear. New year, new blue – and it’s a dark one.

2: A subtle wide-leg or straight – nothing clever

It’s time to boot aside those exaggerated barrel-leg jeans in favour of a straight but loose-fitting leg, or maybe a relaxed wide leg.

Look to Celine, Chanel and Jil Sander for inspiration and choose a mid-rise, loose leg.

Wearable, comfortable and practical – nothing gimmicky, just a classic cut that will still look good in January 2027, and the year after that.

3: Button yourself in as high waist is back

Low-rise, low-slung styles are officially out, replaced by a high-waisted fit – and I for one am delighted.

There’s nothing comforting than being properly buttoned into a pair of jeans.

High-waisted styles work across all body shapes, particularly if you wear with the Rule of Thirds in mind. Tuck in your top and think of your frame in three sections rather than two – upper torso, waist to thigh, and then below the knee.

When your jeans do two-thirds of the work, the final third just needs to bring a little balance to create a fabulously flattering look.

4: Time to cover those ankles

Do you remember when a flash of ankle was the height of chic?

Well, not any . Denim now wants to skim the floor – so long and loose is what you are after.

Not ideal in the rain, admittedly, but turn-ups are also back, so cuff accordingly when the weather demands.

5: Nothing distressed

Distressed denim of any kind signals you haven’t thought about your jeans in than a decade.

For 2026 you want a smart, even finish: a little shading, yes, but no wear-and-tear and absolutely no rips.

Be honest, you didn’t really like those raggedy hems and dangling threads tickling your ankle anyway.

It turns out denim trends can flatter grown-ups and even pass for office-appropriate. Fabulous news.

6: And finally…

Swap your denim jacket for a denim shirt.