I know we’re all fans of #sweaterweather but how about #denimweather?

I am a jeans girl through and through and while I definitely own my fair share of good jeans, I certainly play favorites, too. And frankly, sometimes shopping for jeans can be really hard. I for one find model photos often not representative of the styles due to height. I am 5’5″ so often need to see jeans on my own frame and sometimes if I love the fit of a pair I will tailor them or cut them. 

I definitely have a variety of favorite pairs and I’ve updated my denim wardrobe over the years to account for certain styles ebbing and flowing in popularity. This post breaks down all my favorite pairs of jeans and how I wear them.

My Favorite and Most-Worn Jeans

AGolde Nico High Rise Slim Fit Jeans

Firstly, the AGolde Nico High Rise Slim Fit Jeans. These may be the most flattering pair of jeans I own. They slim everything out and I love how they look good with so many types of shoes.

I sized down to a 27 which makes them snug but I think helps with how they wear, too. Thanks to the rigid denim and button fly closure (hidden), they really tuck everything in and they don’t ever stretch out which makes them a great jean to travel with. Also wore them in Instagrams here, here & here. Original Post.

I now own this pair in several other styles/washes.

This is the distressed AGolde Nico version (size 27) here:

Check out my whole Agolde Denim Guide, too.

And I also recently got the Agolde Nico jeans in the Stretch version in the Ovation wash as seen styled below. Size 27.

Agolde Toni Jeans

The Agolde Toni Jeans are wear-them-every-week jeans for me. The perfect slim fit, the perfect ankle crop, the perfect style for sneakers/flats/heels/you name it – these jeans are truly perfection. I wear them in a size 27. I so hope they bring this style back! Original Post.

I bought the Agolde Toni in this darker wash with distressed hem as well. Size 27. Original Post.

Levi’s Wedgie Straight Jeans

These Levi’s Wedgie Straight Jeans jeans are just so comfy and I absolutely love how they look with heels. I get questions on these every time I wear them on Instagram and truth be told I tried A LOT of pairs of Levi’s before I found these and fell in love. I wear them in a size 28 and they’re a little baggie like the mom-jean style should be. For just $98 you can’t beat the price and wear on these jeans. Original Post.

The Levi’s Straight Wedgies

The Levi’s Straight Wedgies with no-distressing are a perfectly chic jean. Bought these immediately after I wore the other pair so much. Original Post.

Seen also here with an ankle boot:

Black Levi’s Straight Wedgie Jeans

I also own the Black Levi’s straight jeans. Wearing size 28. Original Post.

Agolde Riley Jeans

My favorite straight leg, cropped jeans are the Agolde Riley Jeans. These are a pretty rigid denim in certain washes/fabrics (like the ones above) but I love how flattering they are and that they hit me right above the ankle. I wear them in a size 28. Original Post.

Given their popularity, the brand has released them in a variety of washes, lengths, rises and fabrics. That being said, I recommend buying more than one pair to try and see which suits you best!

I also bought them in a dark wash for Fall and Winter wear. This wash has a bit more give than my others. I believe the brand has started listening whether that particular denim has stretch or not.

Levi’s 501 Crop

Iconic jeans for good reason! At 5’5″ I love the Levi’s 501 crop because of where they fall above my ankle. These are kind of like the original straight leg jean. They have the signature button fly, a high rise and are fitted through the hip and thigh. They are a super flattering jean on I think!

They come in loads of washes and colors. I wear my usual size 28.

Gap 90s Jeans

My most comfortable pair of jeans these wider leg, slouchy Gap 90s jeans are casual perfection. I wear them in a size 28.

Everlane Cheeky Straight Jean

The Cheeky Straight Jean by Everlane is right up my alley. Mom jeans but make them chic. This pair is so good with slingbacks and heels in particular. Wearing Ankle length. Above I am wearing the Sky Blue color but I also own them in a classic Indigo Blue wash. I’m a size 28. Original Post.

The Cheeky jean comes in a variety of other styles such as Curvy, 90s and Original.

I really like that the brand has introduced your ability to choose your inseam length for a more tailored look. 

Also check out my full Everlane Denim Guide.

Madewell High Rise Slim Jeans

The Madewell High Rise Straight Leg are so flattering. Love how they slim everything out and pair perfectly well with booties. Original Post.

I bought this pair in 2020 and have never seen them back sadly. They are my most asked about jean! I had bought mine at Net a Porter when they used to carry Madewell back in the day. This pair looks similar at the hem though if that’s the look you’re going for.

Madewell 10inch High Rise Jeans

These are a great comfy, stretchy jean. I most often wear them tucked into over the knee boots. If we’re being honest, they’re a jean I reach for if I’ve gained a few pounds or if I’m feeling bloated. They have a good amount of give!

Darker wash available here. I also have the pair in black.

Paige Sarah Straight Ankle Jeans

It had been a long time since I bought a pair of Paige denim but these are great. The denim is lightweight with a bit of stretch and some light distressing and casual fading. They hit perfectly at my ankle and I like the slimming effect they have.

J.Crew Slim Boyfriend Jeans

These are a stretchy, comfy slim boyfriend jean. I size down to a size 27 but they are so stretchy  could have probably done down two sizes to be honest. They are an on-trend style hitting just below my ankle and pair well with sock boots, ballet flats and even Mary Janes as seen recently here.

Agolde Parker High Waist Crop Relaxed Straight Leg Jeans

I love lighter wash denim as transitional denim. Perfect for Spring into Summer and Summer into Fall. This pair by Agolde are a great example of how when a jean does not look in person like it does on the model. I like this pair with its slight distressing for casual looks.

Agolde Vintage High Rise Boot Jeans

Based on how these looked on the model I was expecting a different jean that was more ankle length but the model must have been very tall! Regardless, I actually like how on trend this style looks on me – more of a 90s jean. 

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I should caveat that I do believe in investing in “designer denim” so to speak. I wear my jeans a lot and I believe in having pairs that make you feel GD awesome when you put them on. The above are the brands that do that for me. I’ve tried tons of brands and styles and have figured out the brands that I like on me and the styles that are go-to and those that let me embrace certain denim trends. I recognize that $200 for jeans is a lot but think it allows you to think critically about what styles you’ll get the most wear out of.

If you can’t wear jeans to work you may want to try trendier styles for nights out or weekend adventures. If you work in a casual environment, it may make sense to invest in a pair that’s able to go from desk to drinks with the right styling. Try lots of pairs and take photos in the mirror and see what you think! That’s generally how I figure out what pairs I love best. Levi’s make my favorite affordable denim followed by Madewell.

Like my jeans collection? Check out My Favorite and Most Worn Shoes + How I Take Care of Them and My Bag Collection.

You May Also Like:

• • Fall Denim Refresh.
  • Agolde Jeans Review.
  • Some of My Wardrobe Favorites Under $200.

 

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