Jeans Guide: What I Own, What I love + What I Don’t
The ultimate jean guide is here! Here is your clear & concise roundup of my favorite denim styles for this fall 2022. I tried on every pair of jeans I own to give you the full rundown.
If you’d rather scroll to the bottom, you can peek at this season’s newest styles!
It’s safe to say that one thing I may have too many of are pairs of jeans. What is not to love about a really great pair of jeans that make you look and feel your best? In my opinion, you can never have too many pairs of jeans, especially when each one is so different: straight leg jeans, skinny jeans, wide leg jeans, flared jeans… you could literally wear a different pair of jeans every day of the year and never wear the same twice. O.K. that’s a little overboard, but you get the idea.
So, what are a few of my favorites this year? The Great. The pair of jeans in my closet that are always a constant for me are by The Great - it’s the only style I own, but I love them. Next, I really have loved my Abercrombie & Fitch jeans recently, I have two pairs, and guess what!? They’re under $100!
So, let’s get started. I hope you enjoy and have a cup of coffee or glass of wine ready to go because this is going to get juicy!
Notes: I am 5’4”, 118lbs and generally a size 25
Wide Leg Jeans
I’m a huge fan of wide leg jeans because frankly skinnies make my legs itch. It’s a weird symptom that started during pregnancy and never really went away. Regardless, I like the versatility of wide leg jeans. I can wear heels, flats, mules, sneakers and even boots with this style of jean.
Midrise, super comfortable, all day wear
Sized down
Can be worn with sneakers, flats, sandals or heels
Available now in a clean, dark, indigo wash
High-rise, ankle crop, slender through hips
100% cotton, soft & a little stretchy, great for all day
Tend to ‘stretch out’ during the day
Wearing size 26 because I purchased these during postpartum (slightly big, so I presume I’d take a 24)
Can be worn with any type of shoe (since i’m shorter I tend to wear these with a shoe that shows my ankle (low sneaker, Gucci mule or sandal, simple heel)
Mid-rise, fits well through hips
Made from wool pulp and recycled cotton scraps
Very soft and lightweight
Sized down
More casual look, but can still be dressed up
Distressed Jeans
I’ve recently really enjoyed wearing distressed jeans. I like the texture they bring to any outfit. I think distressing looks better on my frame when its loose on the leg (straight or mom cut) rather than tight like on a skinny jean.
ULTRA HIGH RISE ANKLE STRAIGHT JEAN
Wearing a ‘Regular’ length
High rise, slim fit, feels roomy throughout hips
Soft throughout the leg, 99% cotton
Comes in a curvy fit as well
Wearing size 25 (0)
These have become my go-to!
Super flattering, high waist silhouette
Stiff denim but has enough stretch to be comfortable for the entire day
99% cotton, 1% elastane
Wearing size 25 (0)
Ultra-soft and my favorite skinnies! (similar style linked)
Ankle-length, very stretchy & super soft
Tight in the leg, sometimes too loose in the waist so I need a belt
Wearing my normal size (25)
Non-Distressed Jeans
I used to only buy jeans without distressing. I guess I felt like I could replicate the distressing for the price, but I was extremely wrong. I once tried to distress my own jeans and It was a nightmare. It’s not that the process was hard, it was just tedious, and if you know me at all, I am a perfectionist. When the distressing didn’t have the exact look I was aiming for, I got frustrated and that was the end of that. I guess the Citizens (left) have a little distressing, but not enough for me to clarify them as distressed.
Great stovepipe fit, ankle length, and comfortable to wear all day
Sized down to 24, stretches out around waist and seat with wear
Linked in medium wash
I wear these most with sandals and shoes that reveal my ankle
Super skinny aesthetic, great length, and comfortable through the hip and thigh
Rise is a little short for me (9”)
I don’t wear these often because they make my legs itch
Purchased a 25 and recently decided to take the waist in because I felt the pants were falling down (don’t recommend)
Extremely soft and stretchy, great for all-day wear
Rise is shorter than I like (9”)
Small kick-flare at the ankle makes it a little flirty
Wear this jean with any shoe
