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8 REALLY GOOD PAIRS OF JEANS
There are very few things I’m more particular about than jeans. I try on a lot of them—and most do not make the cut. The right rise, the right wash, the right amount of slouch, and perhaps most importantly, the right length can make all the difference.
And September always feels like the moment to reassess the denim situation. Even if it’s still 90 degrees outside, I’m mentally moving on to loafers, button-downs, lightweight knits, and the jeans I’ll build half my fall wardrobe around.
This season, I’m liking denim a little looser: relaxed straight legs, long wide-leg silhouettes, and the slightly curved shapes that somehow make even a white T-shirt feel more interesting. But I’m not abandoning the classics either. A great straight-leg jean in the perfect blue wash will always have a place in my closet.
Below, the pairs worth knowing now—from everyday denim you’ll wear constantly to a few silhouettes that make the rest of your closet feel new again.
REFORMATION CYNTHIA HIGH RISE STRAIGHT JEANS
Proof that a good straight-leg jean does not need reinventing. High-rise, easy through the leg, and the perfect shade of blue: these are my all-time favorite.
KHAITE BONNIE WIDE LEG JEANS
A splurge, yes, but this is exactly what I want from an expensive jean: nothing overly complicated, just a really good cut and a wash that looks like you’ve owned them forever. The relaxed, loose leg feels very right for fall.
AGOLDE HIGH RISE WIDE LEG REN JEANS
My all-time most-worn jeans—and I don’t say that lightly. The Ren has the perfect relaxed, slightly slouchy fit that somehow works with everything. If I had to pick one pair from my closet, it would be these.
FRAME LE SLIM PALAZZO JEANS
The wide-leg jean I keep coming back to. FRAME’s Slim Palazzo has just enough volume without feeling overwhelming, and the high rise makes them especially flattering. I love them long with a flat now and a little heel later.
CITIZENS OF HUMANITY PALMA HIGH WAIST ANKLE STRAIGHT LEG JEANS
Consider this my argument for keeping lighter denim in rotation well past Labor Day. The almond color feels especially good with chocolate brown, navy, burgundy, and all the other colors I inevitably start wearing come September.
LEVI’S BARELY FREEZING RIBCAGE WIDE LEG JEANS
And no, I am absolutely not putting the white jeans away after Labor Day. I actually like them better – and creamier – heading into fall. The wide-leg, high-waist combo on these is so good.
MOTHER LIL KICK IT HIGH RISE STRAIGHT LEG JEANS
I’ll always have a soft spot for a great cropped flare. The medium wash makes these feel especially good heading into fall, and the ankle length is perfect with everything from ballet flats to loafers.
BLAZE MILANO PASO STRAIGHT JEANS
These feel like an easy way to switch things up from my usual blue jeans—and I love the chocolate brown with navy, cream, or even more brown.
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