Classic Style: Latest Types of Jeans for Women
Did you know the most expensive pair of blue jeans sold for $250,000? They were made by Dussault Apparel’s Trashed Denim, washed multiple times and were adorned with rubies, diamonds and white or rose gold. Talk about a trend coming a long way!
With over 450 million pairs of jeans being sold every year, the jeans first known as “waist overalls” have become a staple clothing item since their unveiling back in 1873 by Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis. While the fashion intention was not front and center, the idea for pants that were durable and long-lasting has lived on.
Pretty much everyone has a pair of jeans (in different sizes, cuts and washes) or more in their closet. You can dress them up for a nice dinner out or dress them down with a sweatshirt and sneakers for a casual day of running errands… or really wear them for any event in between.
Straight leg, boot-cut, flared, high-waisted and vintage are only a few of the different styles of jeans available. Try to count the different types of washes and it gets a bit overwhelming. No worries, we’ll break down the top current styles for women, with some outfit pairing suggestions in case you’re into giving your current pair a reboot or looking to try something new.
1. Wide-Leg/Boot-Cut
Wide-leg or boot-cut, this great style is super flattering and elongates short legs. Wide-leg jeans were popularized in the 70’s and made a pretty good comeback recently. This cut gives your legs some breathing room, making them chic and comfortable at the same time.
If you’re not into a wide-leg, opt for boot-cut, a great compromise between a straight and wide-leg. Obviously named because they are easy to wear with boots, this style is narrow around the thighs and widens just a tad below the knee. It’s a staple in most women’s closets because of its versatility.
Pairs well with: pretty much anything from floral blouses to cropped cardigans. Don’t forget the boots!
2. High-Waisted
Back off, mom jeans of the 80’s! The new high-waisted jeans are huge right now and come in all sorts of cuts and washes. These jeans usually sit above the belly button on your natural waistline and can be hip-hugging or a bit looser.
With new names like “pinch waist” and “ribcage”, high-waisted jeans focus on hitting as high as they can on your frame to focus on your waist. It’s a great style for elongating shorter legs.
Pairs well with: crop-tops and sweaters that hit right around your belly button.
3. Vintage
Vintage jeans are all about the washes and details, giving us major Saved by The Bell vibes but in a cool, modern way. Levi’s 501s come to mind when thinking of vintage but currently fashionable jeans. They’ve been around forever and are a classic favorite.
Pleat-front style is also popular lately, but with modern touches. The “paper bag” waist trend from the 80s basically incorporates extra material at the waist that is cinched with a belt or tie. This style makes it easy to tuck in your favorite shirt or chunky sweater.
Pairs well with: graphic tees and chic blouses cinched up with a cute belt. Your mom would be proud.
4. Boyfriend
Comfort is so crucial, given everything we’ve gone through this past year and the boyfriend jeans are all about that life. The name is odd, as it leads to the notion that the jeans borrowed from the boyfriend are actually his, yet are tailored for her.
Because the cut is naturally baggy, you can really pull off the casual-chic vibe with these babies. Cuffed hem, rolled down or left as-is, the style is here to take us through next season. This is my personal favorite, as it gives me the best of both worlds, taking me from playground playdates to lunches with friends.
Pairs well with: chic blouses and loafers or sneakers to complete the look.
5. Skinny
Known for their figure-hugging silhouette, the skinny jean style starts slim at the waist and extends all the way to the ankle. Most offer some sort of a stretch, so you don’t feel like you’re trying to get into a pair of Spanx.
Cigarette jeans are basically skinny jeans with a slightly wider leg opening. They hug the hip and thigh and then are cut straighter from the knee to the hem.
Jeggings are also a great alternative to skinny jeans, as they also hug your body but offer a ton of stretch for comfort and ease. Go for these if you don’t like the feeling of stiff jeans but don’t want to wear leggings, or if you need a more ample cut.
Pairs well with: an oversized sweater or statement duster sweater tucked into a pair of knee-high boots or even over-the-knee leather boots.
6. Distressed
These jeans are usually altered during the manufacturing process to look worn or washed, even when brand–new. The fabrics may feature permanent creases, rips, scratched patterns, bleaching, etc. My kids always gleefully notice these jeans that “have holes” – and the distressed style may be here to stay. Whether you like just a hint of wear or straight-up rips and tears, you’ll be totally on-trend wearing distressed jeans.
Pairs well with: graphic tees and oversized blazers or cute wrap tops.
7. Cropped
Ending somewhere below mid-calf to ankle, these jeans can vary from figure–hugging to a looser, more relaxed fit, or even to a wide leg. Just like any other style, cropped jeans come in a variety of washes, colors, alterations and lengths.
It’s a great pair to show off those killer boots or a fresh pedicure. I love that cropped jeans serve a dual purpose for shorter gals as they usually don’t need additional hemming.
Pairs well with: a pair of tall ankle boots or flats to show off those beautiful ankles.
As French model Ines de la Fressange once said, “The secret to great style is to feel good in what you wear”. I couldn’t have said it better myself. Style today is really what you make of it. What makes you feel good, confident and puts a smile on your face. That’s what personal style truly is at the end of the day.
Jeans can help you achieve a signature look since they come in endless colors, styles, cuts, designs and textures. Try some on and see if they put a smile on your face. Happy shopping!
