Whether fashion fans are looking for a way to update their office wardrobe, elevate a coffee shop outfit, or amp up date night vibes, these jeans from River Island really can do it all
If there’s one piece of clothing that should earn a spot in every woman’s wardrobe, it’s a great pair of do-all, wear-with-everything jeans. But finding a pair that fit well, make you feel great, and don’t break the bank has previously been a challenge – that is, until River Island stepped in.
The high street favourite has brought out the Blue Classic High Waisted Slim Fit Jeans, and they’re the kind that will seriously earn their cost-per-wear. Coming in a slim fit, they’re like the cooler cousin to skinny jeans, with a more polished feel compared to slouchier styles like barrel leg or wide options.
But it’s their price that’s got everyone talking. Rarely these days can you find a pair of jeans for less than £40, but these ones actually come in under £30. Priced at £29 , they’re one of the most affordable pairs I’ve come across in the last few years, without compromising on quality.
Available in sizes 6–22 in short, regular and long lengths , they’re designed with a high-waisted fit that creates a flattering silhouette, while the slim leg and ankle-grazer cut keep them modern and easy to style with everything from trainers to heels.
Made from 98% cotton with 2% elastane, they have that structured denim feel with just enough stretch for comfort. The only downside is that they’re an online exclusive, which means they’re not available to try on in store, so for shoppers between sizes, they may need to order multiple pairs to find the perfect fit.
Blue Dark Classic High Waisted Slim Fit Jeans
River Island has introduced an affordable pair of £29 slim fit, high waisted jeans perfect for everyday styling
Elsewhere, Marks and Spencer offers these Lily Magic Shaping High Waisted Jeans for £46. They come in sizes 6-22 and three lengths, and are complete with clever shaping technology that M&S says helps in ‘lifting your bum and smoothing your tummy’.
Meanwhile, Next’s Mid Blue Denim Slim Lift And Shape Jeans cost £48 and are designed to ‘support and enhance your natural curves and offer true versatility in styling.’
But carefully balancing price with quality and style, River Island’s Blue Classic High Waisted Slim Fit Jeans can be styled for almost any occasion. Here’s how I’d wear them three ways, from weekend coffee to the office and a date night look.
Look one – weekend coffee shop trip
For a relaxed coffee date, fashion fans want something that feels comfortable but still elevated. While t-shirts are frequently avoided for feeling a little boring, one that looks premium and in a dreamy colour delivers a less is more approach. I paired the jeans with the Brown Premium Boxy T-Shirt (£26), as the structured, boxy shape balances the slim-fit jeans perfectly. While I could have gone for a white tee, this chocolate hue brings warmth to the look and makes it feel instantly more put-together.
Layered over the top is the Cream Collared Long Sleeve Trench Coat . A trench is a timeless wardrobe staple and a match made in heaven with denim. Coming in at £69, it has a belted waist that helps define your shape, while the neutral cream complements the tonal feel.
Accessories can make or break an outfit, but retro trainers are always a winner. These Brown Retro Suede Trainers are £49 , which feels surprisingly affordable for real suede. They’re also exceptionally comfortable, which is much more practical than ballet flats or loafers for a weekend stroll around the park, coffee cup in hand. As an alternative option, M&S has these Suede Side Stripe Retro Runner Trainers for £50.
I finished the look with a £39 Brown Scrunch Slouch Shoulder Bag to add texture and tie in the shoes, completing the look with a Gold Diamond Simulant Double Row Necklace (£15) adds just enough sparkle to prevent the outfit feeling flat.
Look two – The office
Jeans can absolutely work for the office, depending on your company’s dress code. It’s all about picking the right colour, silhouette and how you style them. The River Island jeans come in classic and dark blue . Personally, I think darker hues work best in a professional setting, with the slim fit offering more polish than other options, more closely resembling a tailored trouser.
For this look, I added the Black Stripe Tie Waist Blazer, which costs £64 . The structured shoulders and collared detail instantly smarten the look, while the tie waist cinches you in and enhances the flattering high-rise of the jeans. The subtle stripe keeps it sharp and on trend without feeling too corporate.
For footwear, the £52 Black Skinny Heel Pointed Ankle Boots elongate the leg and sit perfectly under the ankle-grazer hem. The 7cm heel is polished but still manageable for a full workday. What’s more is that these don’t need to be reserved for the boardroom either, because they’ll easily slot into your weekend and evening looks, too.
Rounding off the outfit, I selected these Silver Multi Dome Earrings , which come with a matching gold pair for £12. This offers great value for money but shoppers may prefer real silver, in which case, these Sterling Silver Mini Teardrop Earrings for £20 at Next could be an option if other materials tend to cause irritation.
Then, for those planners, notebooks and other important work essentials that need to be carried around, there’s the Black Nylon Buckle Handle Shopper Bag . Priced at £39, it’s spacious, stylish and honestly, looks a bit designer if you ask me.
Look three – Date night
For date night, the goal was to create a Valentine’s-ready look – and truthfully, when has jeans and a nice top ever failed us? The hero piece here is the Pink Faux Suede Sleeveless Drape Top for £39. The cowl neckline and drape detail, paired with the faux suede fabric, feel luxurious and tactile, with the sleeveless cut offering a feminine edge.
Heels are a must for a glamorous occasion, and these Red Buckle Strap Heeled Sandals. Priced at £46 with a 10cm stiletto heel were perfect. The square open toe keeps them modern, and the ankle strap adds extra support, while the tones work beautifully with the top.
For those who like to follow the matching bag to shoes rule, there’s the £39 Red Patent Cross Body Bag, which adds a bit of personality with its scarf detail and cherry charm. And finally, the Pinterest Predicts 2026 report claims that the ‘Glamoratti’ trend has seen searches for ‘gold cuffs’ up by 50%, so I’ve finished the look with a Gold Wire Cuff Bracelet (£15), to help fashion enthusiasts remain ahead of the curve.
Coming in under £30, with a flattering high waist, modern slim fit and the ability to pair them with almost anything, these River Island jeans certainly do tick a lot of boxes. If worn once per week, their cost per wear would be down to 56p within a year, making them a seriously smart investment for those looking to elevate their denim collection on a budget.
