HAPPY FASHION WEDNESDAY! I love jeans. They’re one of my favorite articles of clothing. I used to not care about denim but I really do now and it’s been kind of a fun world to dive into. I’ve realized how much they can make or break an outfit – and I kind of want all of the jeans now. I used to feel like you really only needed a few key pairs but I now I feel like the type of denim can really add another dimension to an outfit. SO. I have put together a denim guide for you to refer to: what style and fits mean, the difference in rises and lengths and a few of my favorite brands at every price point. Let’s dive into this.
DENIM GUIDE: The best fit, price and style!
Finding YOUR Fit:
Style:
Skinny Fit.
Skinny fit is a universally flattering fit. Pretty much everyone can wear this style of denim, and it almost ALWAYS looks really good. This silhouette looks really effortless with endless amounts of tops, shoes, jackets, styles. If you want a slimming effect – go for a solid, dark wash. If you want something that’s more stylish, go for a distressed light wash.
Straight Leg.
This style has evolved a LOT over the last 10 years. There is your traditional straight leg – it is fitted in the rear, but straight down to the ankle. There is no fit to your leg. It works for a lot of women who aren’t looking for something that stands out and they’re very comfortable. More recently, there a more fashion-forward straight leg that has a bit more edge and style. You’ll recognize it by the raw hem, distressed knees/thighs. Alternatively – you can have clean lines and crisp edges. Both styles transition really well from sneakers to heels.
Relaxed Fit / Boyfriend / Mom
This is my personal favorite style of denim right now. It’s SO realized and comfortable (which is perfect for chasing around my little one). They’re so versatile. I love pairing mine with a clean blouse and heels – but also they look amazing with a graphic tee and sneakers. I love my mom jeans with a raw hem because it looks so undone which I love. They feel broken in RIGHT away so they’re just ultimately so perfectly comfortable.
Bootcut.
I do not typically gravitate towards this cut – but I think they definitely have their place. I am a sucker for a really DARK, DARK wash bootcut with a killer heel and a tight body suit and crisp denim jacket. It looks SO classy and they’re perfect for date night or a night out with the girls.
Length:
Regular Length.
I almost never go for regular length jeans. I really prefer when I can see my ankle – it slims the leg and just breaks up the jeans and the shoe. BUT I like when I have regular length denim to wear under tall boots. So this length has a purpose.
Cropped.
This length typically stops 2″ above your ankle. I like cropped denim to have a nice cuff to it. They always look cute with a fun little bootie. You can see your ankle and a bit of leg. I love a cute light wash or white cropped denim in the spring.
Ankle.
This is my FAVORITE length. It’s the PERFECT length for almost every shoe. It’s great with heels, sneakers, flats, booties. You name it, I guarantee it works. It is great because you break up the space between your denim and your shoe which adds a really nice length to the leg and slims the leg, as well.
Rise:
Low Rise.
This is my least favorite rise for denim. I don’t love having to worry about bending over or squatting down when I have my jeans on – and with my little boy, I just can’t be worried about that because I have to bend over and pick him up all the time. I don’t think I own any low rise jeans.
Mid Rise.
I have a few mid-rise jeans – I actually preferred these when I was super pregnant because the rise sat right below my baby bump. Not pregnant, I don’t reach for this rise quite as much. All of my bootcut jeans are midrise and a few pairs of my boyfriend jeans, too.
High Rise.
AHH my favorite rise!! I love this rise. They’re the MOST flattering with every cut, in my opinion. It hides any imperfections in the hip and waist region (an area that I’m insecure about since having a baby) and it slims everything out evenly. It is really perfect for tucking tops in or doing a French tuck. It breaks up the center of the body and adds length to the legs.
Ultra High Rise.
This is a really cute cut – but it can sometimes be too much depending on the cut of the denim! This is perfect for bootcut or skinny jean in my opinion – but not relaxed fit or straight leg.
Pricing ( + favorite styles):
Low-end:
Target ( Wild Fable / Universal Thread) – $20-30
Favorite styles:
Universal Thread – high rise skinnies, straight distressed denim, high rise cropped wide leg
Wild Fable – distressed mom jeans, high rise straight leg ankle
Mid-range:
Old Navy – $30-40
Rockstar super skinny, power slim straight, flare
American Eagle – $50-70
High rise skinny, mom jeans, high waist denim jogger
H&M – $20-40
Mom jeans, embrace high ankle jeans, vintage slim high ankle jeans
High-end:
Madewell – $80-130
High rise skinny crop jeans, perfect vintage, boy jeans
Citizens of Humanity – $200-300
Emerson slim fit boyfriend, Charlotte high rise straight fit, Chrissy high rise skinny fit
PIN THIS FOR LATER:
I hope this round up was super helpful for you! If you are just now getting into denim kind of like I have been – this is a great jumping off point. I plan on adding more denim to my collection and really playing with different washes and styles.
What denim style is your favorite? Let me know below!
