Apr11
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This blog post is part of the Build a Better Wardrobe series. We’ve already talked about the 5 dresses you need, the 5 must-have shoes in your closet, shoes, tops, undergarments, pregnancy wardrobe items, and today we’re diving into the 3 pairs of jeans you need in your closet.
Jeans are the most versatile item in my closet for many reasons. They work for every season, they’re durable and stretch throughout the day so they’re comfortable, they’re appropriate for most occasions, and you can wear virtually ANY pair of shoes with them. I have probably a dozen pairs of jeans (distressed, bright colors, etc.), but there are three timeless pairs I grab over and over. So, if you only get three pairs of jeans, these are the ones to prioritize.
Build a Better Wardrobe: 3 Must-Have Jeans
1. Non-Skinny Jeans
While I’ll always love skinny jeans, there is something to be said about the cute mom-jean trend. And it’s been on trend for a few years so you can still get your money’s worth out of a pair. I’m petite, so I wasn’t sure how the looser fitting jeans would look on me, but I LOVE them. Not only are they flattering, they’re so comfortable. AND they look great with shoes that I typically wouldn’t wear with skinny jeans like sneakers! All of my favorite non-skinny jeans are linked in this post, but my current favorites are Abercrombie’s Ultra High Rise Ankle Straight Jeans, Joe’s Blake High Rise Crop, and FRAME Le Pixie Palazzo Jeans. If you get just ONE, I’d get the Abercrombie pair since they’re under $100 and come in tons of colors.
Here are some photos of the Abercrombie jeans.
These come in a few washes, and I actually have them in 4 different colors (some distressed, some not). Since they’re under $100, these are the jeans I always recommend to everyone. In addition, I have the “short” length and I’m 5’1″.
The Joe’s Blake pair of jeans is a very fun cropped, looser fitting style.
They’re high-rise, which I love. And they also aren’t over $200 (which is somewhat hard to find from designer jeans these days!). I got my true size. Here are some photos! P.S. they’re on sale right now!
And the last pair I’ve been loving this season are the FRAME Le Pixie Palazzo Jeans.
The “pixie” style is the short version of FRAME’s basic Palazzo jeans, which are better if you’re taller than 5’5″ I’d say. So if you’re short like I am, go for the Pixie version.
Shop all three pairs of jeans here!
2. White Jeans
White jeans are another favorite of mine. In fact, I used to only wear them in the spring and summer. But this past year I wore them a good bit in the winter too with sweaters. They also work with fun tops and casual t-shirts. The trick with white jeans is to find a pair that are REALLY flattering. I tried on 15 different pairs (seriously) before landing on the best ones: Madewell (currently on sale!). Read all about why I love them so much in this post. I also tend to wear sandals, loafers, sneakers or wedges with them.
3. Flattering Skinny Jeans
Like I mentioned earlier, I will always love skinny jeans. While the mom-jean trend is great, skinny jeans are a classic for a reason. They’re the most flattering option with booties, boots, and heels or wedges. My favorite brands of skinny jeans are Good American or Paige! Good American has a bit more stretch (but don’t stretch out). So if you get just one, get those.
Bonus – Jean shorts
I am a HUGE fan of jean shorts for the warmer months and into the fall with sweaters. In fact, I ordered multiple pairs to try this summer and have landed on two favorites: Agolde Parker Long short and the Madewell Relaxed Jean short which is now sold out.
Here are photos of the Agolde Parker Shorts. These are much more rigid than Madewell’s and also stretch nicely throughout the day. When they get too loose, I wash and dry them. I also love that they’re a true denim short.
Madewell’s shorts are always a hit each summer, and I’ll update this post when they come back in stock!
Do you have a pair of jeans in your closet you swear by?
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2 responses to “Build a Better Wardrobe: 3 Must-Have Jeans”
Are all non-skinny jeans now considered mom jeans? I remember when normal straight-leg jeans were just–straight-leg jeans. And how I’ve always seen them advertised as that… *shrug*
HOWEVER: thanks to your post I now have the Madewell straight vintage jeans on my radar!!
haha yes I think anything not-skinny is now being labeled as momjeans. And it’s all young women without kids who are wearing mom jeans and not skinny jeans… it’s all so confusing. 😉