It’s all about good jeans, baby.
Fun fact: when I started working at Bloomingdale’s Lenox in Atlanta allllll those years ago in 2004, I started on the sales floor as a “Denim Specialist.” Sounds fancy, doesn’t it? While I sold everything, denim was my focus, and I took it very seriously. I tried on every pair (and bought a whole lot of them, too).
So I guess you could say that’s where my love affair with denim began. Take a step into my closet and you will see an embarrassing number of jeans that I’ve collected over the years. I have my favorites (like these babies that I wear constantly).
And while I do believe that there aren’t rules in fashion, I can’t quite agree that goes for the jeans on your booty. Gone are the days of light stitching on a dark wash and pockets so blinged out they look like they belong on a Vegas stage.
In fact, keep ALL stitching and details to the bare minimum and your denim will be classic and easily take you into the next decade.
As you’ll see, a lot of my denim is distressed, which happens to be the trend at the moment. And while I do think that you should own one pair of distressed jeans, don’t break the bank on them.
As for your denim collection overall, invest in a good pair and I promise you won’t regret it. I’ve included my favorites in each category below, but also some pairs that will be nicer on the wallet.
So, keep it simple. And slowly, over time, build your denim collection with these must have pairs….
XO
(This post contains affiliated links.)
boyfriend
The most relaxed pair of the bunch. These are your everyday, running around, carrying kids, getting groceries jeans. They should be a bit baggy and SUPER comfortable and are generally cropped at the ankle. Perfect in the spring + summer for rolling up and pairing with your favorite kicks, or in the fall + winter with boots like these. I’m wearing this AG pair and I LOVE them. Be sure to size down.
classic skinny
Keep these babies totally classic, with just a little distressing (if any) and very little details. You’ll live in them for the next 15 years. I promise. (And please – retire the bootcut. Thanks.)
mom jeans
I know what you’re thinking. Mom jeans aren’t cool, right? They are, I promise. These might be the trendiest of the bunch, so you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg. I’m wearing this pair – be sure to size up.
distressed
THE trend of the moment and I just can’t quite get enough. (Even when my mom jokes that it’s sad that I can’t afford jeans without holes in them.)
white
I know. I used to be afraid of white denim, too. BUT, thanks to finding the right pair, I’m free to wear white denim whenever my little heart desires. YAY.
black
I admit, I probably own 3 pairs of black denim, and they’re all different. Hands down my favorite pair is this one. Super soft, comfy + easy. Perfect.
gray
Perhaps the trendiest of the bunch, but also the prettiest. A pair of soft gray denim looks good with just about anything. Dressed up or down, you really can’t go wrong.
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Oh dear! I don’t own any jeans! Cute choices, especially the flares.
Oh, they’re life-changing! 😉
I agree! A woman can never have too many pair of jeans and these are a must!
Belle | One Awesome Momma
So true 🙂
I used to love flared pants when they were in trend like 10 years ago, but I can’t bring myself to like them again now that they’re back in haha! I agree with you on every other pair though! Great post, Suzanne 🙂
Ha, I can understand that 🙂 Thanks, Jessica!
All of your jeans are SO cute! Love boyfriend jeans and distressed skinny jeans. <3
Thanks, Lexi! xo
I love the distressed jeans that you have on, they are so cute.
Thank you! I wear them constantly!
YES! What a great post. I love jeans! I have every one of those…so i’m good 😉 HA
Yay! Thanks, Brittany 😉
Love this! I don’t have grey jeans, but I really like them! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks, Leighann! You will love gray denim 🙂
I totally agree! I couldn’t live without my skinnies or boyfriend jeans. I also love high rise jeans.
Yes to high rise jeans! A mama’s life-saver for sure 🙂
I don’t know how you pull off the flares. But you do! They are a terrifying pair of jeans to me! Go you!
You can totally rock them!
THANK YOU for this! A great round up thats for sure! I’m looking for new jeans and I have my eye on a few of these!
So glad you’re putting it to good use! xo
I love all the denim you chose, and could not agree more. These are must haves for everyones closet. Love how you styled them as well.
Angela
http://www.prettyinherpearls.com
Thank you, Angela! xo
I have to agree with all of this! I can’t live without my distressed jeans!
XO
Lee Anne
http://www.lifebylee.com
Right?! Thanks, mama! xo
I am a HUGE fan of black denim too actually! Especially the maternity pair I have as they sort of make me feel a little more concealed, if yah know what I mean. 😉 Great list!
OH yes to any and all maternity denim! I’m so with you 🙂
My gray denim are my current favs but I’ve been on the hunt for a pair of black denim! Love your picks!
Aren’t gray denim the best?!
Love this post! You suit the flared jeans – not sure if my legs are long enough to pull it off!
Lauren | http://www.basicbabelauren.com
Girl, if my short legs can pull them off, I promise yours can! 😉 xo
I love this post. The list of options were great and the description/purpose of each style was so helpful. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Annette!
I have been looking for the perfect pair of distressed jeans forever! I totally agree with all of these!
Lauren
I’m so glad I could help!
Cute!! I live in jeans. I just got some boyfriend jeans that I love. One my list to buy now are gray and distressed jeans.
Yes, two awesome choices 🙂
You NAILED it with this post! You look fab in all of these lady! I’m checking out your picks for flares, as mine are getting a bit raggedy on the edges.
Thank you so much, Ashley! xo
Yes, girl! I couldn’t agree more!! I don’t own a pair of flares and need to invest in some ASAP!
xo Ashley
You would look awesome in flares!
These all look great on you! I love those distressed ones!
Thanks, mama! xo
Love this! You look incredible in all of the jeans!
Thank you, Erica! xo
Great list!! Love the gray… I have a dark gray pair, but need one like this in my collection 😉
I love dark gray, too!
I have every one on this list. When I worked a professional job, my distressed jeans did not get a lot of wear.
Ha – that’s understandable 🙂
I need a pair of black and grey jeans but I have all the rest haha.
You will love gray jeans! Such a great alternative to regular denim.
100% agree, boyfriends jeans are so comfy btw!!
SOOOO comfy!
I’ve been on the hunt for some good black jeans! Thanks for the recommendation!
Yes, I live in my black Rag & Bone pair (when I’m not pregnant!) 🙂
I agree that a good pair of denim is worth the price. Have you ever tried Mother jeans? I just discovered them and they are my FAVORITE! I love your other picks too. Need to check them out!
Yes! Actually the light wash denim that I’m wearing in the post are Mother jeans, and I have a pair of their flares. I agree – they’re amazing!
Agree 100%!! All of my jeans are skinny, but I have a variety of shades. I want to get a few more pairs, but I can’t wear them to work and can’t really justify the need. I usually just invest more in tops
It should totally be a law in the US that everyone can wear denim to work. 🙂
Boyfriend jeans are next on my list to buy! I totally agree with all these. I have them all except boyfriend and black (just had to get rid of my blacks d/t overwear!)
You will LOVE BF jeans! Hands down the most comfortable.
I’d have to argue against flare but add colour jeans for a pop of fun.
You could always go with a baby bell if you don’t like the mega flare 🙂
I loooove those light way jeans! I haven’t had a pair in a few years so it’s time to add to the jeans collection!
Thank you! Yes, do it! 😉
This is a great round up! My go-to denim lately has been skinny jeans, but I do love the look of flares. They’re so flattering!
Kathryn • simplykk.com
I have yet to find a pair of distressed jeans that I like. Most are just too distressed for me. But I do love a good pair of skinny and BF jeans. Next on my list is some black denim.
I know what you mean – I don’t like when there is too much distressing either!
You have successfully made me want to go shopping! Job well done! 😉
Haha. YAY! My job here is done 😉
A good pair of jeans is a great investment! I’m not the biggest fan of lighter washes on my body shape, I see so many girls rock them!
Chelsea – http://www.binkiesandbaubles.com
You could totally rock them, girl 🙂
I need to up my jean game! I am falling way behind LOL I need a few off these ASAP!
Haha, there’s always time! 😉
I definitely want a pair of black jeans! I just can’t seem to find the right pair anywhere!
I can’t say enough about the Rag & Bone pair! They are super comfortable!
I need a good pair of boyfriend jeans! I totally agree with your list. Great picks!
I just can’t get on board to the skinny jeans trend! I hope it’s almost over
Which style do you like? I personally love skinny jeans. As long as they’re soft and have stretch, they’re super comfy!
Thanks for your sharing, I also love wearing jeans, especially boyfriend jeans.
Heavy thighs are a real issue for many plus size girls. But that should not prevent you from wearing specific type of outfits.