A decent pair of denim is like a swiss army knife in your closet. The fabric gives good structure to any outfit it’s a part of, regardless of if it's paired with a simple white tee and sneakers to a fancier top and some heels. A good pair of jeans can be used with almost any outfit, the fabric lends itself to so many styles and silhouettes, and by simply switching out one style of jeans for another you have a completely different vibe to your outfit. With so many styles and cuts, its hard to know which ones are the basics that should be in your closet. We’ve broken down our favorite cuts and brands so here’s what you should add to your denim collection.
Straight jeans are the first pair that should make their way into your closet. They’re a versatile style that works with almost any outfit. They’re a good balance between more fitted and loose jeans, giving both comfort and style. American Eagle has a great selection of these between their super high-waisted pair, which is a more classic version of these jeans, along with their crossover baggy straight jeans which gives more volume and creates a more interesting outfit with the crossover waist. If you want to change up the length a bit, the Levi’s ankle cut jeans would pair well with some Chelsea boots for a fall look.
Wide Leg jeans are a fun way to add volume and interest to your outfits. They’re great for more relaxed looks, but can also be styled to appear more elevated. Anthropologie’s Colette cropped wide leg jeans are a fun pair to include. Aside from the contrast between the wider silhouette and the short length, the pockets in the front are a fun addition and make it look more interesting. Alternatively if you prefer a full-length option with a more clean look, Levi’s Ribcage jeans or Loft’s High-rise pair are great additions to your closet. Levi’s Ribcage jeans are super high rise, while Loft’s is a high-rise pair. As someone on the more petite side, I love higher-rise jeans that are fitted on the waist and hips but relaxed on the leg because of how elongates my legs and creates a more flattering shape for my body. For that extra length, pair these with heels or boots and a tucked in fitted top for contrast.
These are quite possibly my favorite style of jeans. Flared or boot cut jeans are often associated with a more boho style or old western look. What I love about the silhouette of these jeans in the fit and flare look that creates such a flattering and feminine shape. Levi’s always delivers on classic pairs, especially with their bootcut high rise flare jeans. The flare is more subtle so it creates a slim silhouette on top with a slight flare on the bottom to balance out. If you want to play with the length more, American Eagle offers a cropped version, which offers the same subtle flare. If you want a more dramatic silhouette, Anthropologie's Mother the Weekender jeans flare out more at the bottom while also using this fun paneling style on the jeans to create more vertical lines that create the illusion of elongated pants.
This millennial classic has slowly made its way into the archives. However, I would like to officially fight to bring skinny jeans back. Skinny jeans have slowly become a dated denim option, but I personally feel like the slim fitting pants do come in handy with some outfits. Like always, Levi’s delivers on classic blue jeans with their darker wash 501 skinny jeans. Everlane offers another classic option with high quality tailoring that is breathable and comfortable. But if you want the slimming style with more comfort, American Eagle’s jegging skinny jeans come in a variety of colors while the fit isn’t like your traditional skinny jeans with a more loose ankle.
It’s everyone’s favorite pair of jeans for a grungy and edgy look. I love the addition of the fun texture in my outfits with a pair of ripped jeans. They work so well for casual looks, while still looking put together and fun. American Eagle’s high-waisted stovepipe pair are similar to straight jeans with a clean yet distressed look. Meanwhile Levi’s 501 '90s straight jeans include bigger gaps in rips creating a more edgy look. If you want the texture of the rips without exposing too much skin, Mango’s straight ripped jeans include smaller rips throughout with patches of denim underneath to cover the rips.
Barrel Jeans have become a new favorite trend as people have been transitioning to wider leg pants. With this style, there is more emphasis on a wider leg around the knees while the whole silhouette remains a baggier fit. Anthropologie offers a pair that plays with the wide leg and creates length through paneling for contrast. Levi’s has a similar pair, playing with different shades of denim in a lattice pattern to create more interest in an otherwise basic pair. While wide leg jeans are often associated with more casual looks, American Eagle offers a pair in white that can be styled with simple accessories like a nice belt and basic top for a more elegant look.
Another classic and favorite style is the Mom jean. Much like straight jeans, they’re relaxed but still fitted, but taper at the ankle. Bershka’s pair is more of a comfort fit, which is great since they’re a non-stretch denim. Meanwhile, Pull&Bear’s pair in white is a great option if you want a pair of more formal jeans. They still work for daytime outfits, but fit well in more elevated and dressier settings.
