The Best Jeans to Add to Your Closet (and how to style them)

There’s no denying it—jeans are the foundation of a timeless wardrobe. Whether you lean toward classic styles or love experimenting with trends, there’s a perfect pair of jeans for every single person. But with so many options available, how do you know which jeans are actually worth investing in? Let’s break it down and talk about the best denim styles this year, how to wear them, and which ones are worth skipping. Spoiler alert: I have no plans to wear low-rise jeans. I did that trend once already in the early 2000s, and I will not be subjected to it again.

While I truly believe that anyone (and any body type) can wear any style of jeans, I did include notes on which body types are suited best for each style since I know so many people want more guidance beyond “This works on everyone!” Case in point, my note about who looks best in baggy jeans are straight and tall body types – and I’m neither of those things, yet I love baggy jeans, so I wear them! But, will I admit that kick-out crops look better on me than baggy jeans? Yes.

Okay, let’s get to it then!

The Best Jeans to Add to Your Closet (and how to style them)

1. Straight-Leg Jeans

Straight-leg jeans have cemented their place as a wardrobe staple. With a flattering cut that works on almost every body type, they’re the easiest way to achieve that effortless, polished look. Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans and Madewell 90’s Straight Jeans are two great options. I also love Abercrombie’s Ultra High Rise Ankle Straight Jeans since they’re a bit more tapered and a great transitional pair if you’re used to fitted jeans (read my full review of Abercrombie jeans here and see all of my favorite non-skinny jean picks here).

Best for: All body types, especially hourglass and petite.

How to Style:

• Pair with ballet flats and a crisp button-down for an elevated everyday outfit.
• Have your jeans hemmed to hit the top of your foot versus pooling on the ground.
• Style with boots and a chunky knit sweater for fall.
• Tuck in a fitted tank and add an oversized blazer for a ’90s-inspired look.

Here’s a post about how to style ankle boots with jeans since boots are such a great option this time of year.

2. Wide-Leg Jeans

Comfortable, stylish, and versatile, wide-leg jeans are here to stay (thank goodness). Their relaxed fit makes them a dream to wear, and they balance out proportions beautifully, especially when paired with a fitted top.

Abercrombie’s High Rise Cropped Wide Leg Jean and Agolde’s Harper Ankle Wide Leg Jeans are some of the best wide-leg options, with structured yet soft denim that drapes just right. If you like a stretchy denim, these Meg Fab Ab High Waist Raw Hem Ankle Wide Leg Jeans are the best and decently affordable at Nordstrom. My favorite affordable wide-leg jeans are the Sailor jeans by Target. They’re cropped which makes them so easy to wear with cute shoes like sneakers and sandals.

Best for: Tall, curvy, and pear-shaped body types.

How to Style:

• With sneakers and a cropped cardigan for a casual yet chic ensemble.
• Style with a tucked-in bodysuit and a belt to define your waist.
• Opt for a classic white tee and a leather jacket for a cool-girl aesthetic.

Here are my tips for how to style wide-leg jeans

3. Kick Out Crop Jeans

Kick-out crop jeans are a newer style that’s becoming popular very quickly. They’re fitted through the thighs and knees with a slight flare at the hem. They’re cropped right above the ankle, making them perfect for showing off statement footwear and adding a bit of fun to your denim collection. I also find that these lend themselves well to casual outfits.

My favorite styles are the MOTHER Insider Step Hem Crop and the Lennon High Waist Ankle Bootcut Jeans from Pistola since they have the right amount of stretch but don’t get sloppy or loose throughout the day. Madewell also makes a great pair with multiple lengths (great for petite gals like me). See the best Madewell jeans in this post. I recently discovered the Bella Stretch Kick Flare Jeans from Quince, too (read my Quince review here). SUCH great jeans for the price!

Best for: Petite and straight body types. See my full roundup of the best petite jeans here.

How to Style:

• Wear with ballet flats and a striped tee for an effortless French-girl vibe.
• Pair with ankle boots and a tailored coat for transitional seasons.
• Add a simple tank and layered necklaces for a laid-back weekend look.

4. Flared Jeans

Flared jeans are making a major comeback, giving serious ’70s and early 2000s vibes. If you’re not into extreme bell bottoms, opt for a subtle flare that elongates the legs while still feeling modern (similar to a bootcut). Abercrombie’s High Rise Vintage Flare Jeans and Pistola Kinsley Mid Rise Ultra Flare Jeans are my two favorite pairs (SO flattering).

Best for: Hourglass, tall, and curvy body types.

How to Style:

• Pair with a fitted turtleneck and platform boots for a retro-chic aesthetic.
• Style with a denim jacket and a graphic tee for an easygoing outfit.
• Opt for a tailored blazer and pointed-toe heels for an elevated take.

Read this post for tips on what shoes to wear with flare jeans.

5. Baggy Jeans

If comfort is your priority, baggy jeans are your best bet. The relaxed fit gives them a casual, streetwear-inspired feel that’s easy to dress up or down. Look to GAP’s Mid Rise UltraSoft Baggy Jeans or Madewell’s Low-Slung Baggy Jean for a comfortable feel without looking sloppy. I got these Harlow Jeans from Madewell this past fall, and while they might fall into the “wide-leg” jean category, they’re baggy enough to count as baggy jeans, too. I also love this pair of affordable Levis: the 94 Baggy Wide Leg Jean.

Best for: Straight and tall body types.

How to Style:

• Pair with a fitted tee and an oversized blazer for contrast.
• Wear with chunky sneakers and a cropped hoodie for an off-duty look.
• Add a sleek bodysuit and strappy sandals for a night out.

6. Bootcut Jeans

Bootcut jeans are a great middle ground between flares and straight-leg styles. They’re fitted through the thighs and subtly flare out at the ankle, making them a classic choice that pairs perfectly with boots. The Joe’s Provocateur jeans are a great “petite” bootcut that gives your leg that flattering length without feeling too dramatic. I also love the Good Classic Bootcut Jeans from Good American.

Best for: Pear-shaped, curvy, and hourglass body types.

How to Style:

• Wear with a tucked-in blouse and heeled ankle boots for a polished outfit.
• Pair with a fitted sweater and a belt to highlight your waist.
• Opt for a simple tank and platform boots for a nod to the early 2000s (in the best way).

Funny enough, I don’t have any photos in bootcut jeans! Sounds like I need to go shopping.

7. Barrel Jeans

Barrell jeans have become a very trendy style this past year, I keep seeing brands create fun variations of them. Since I’m petite, I’m a big picky about how barrel jeans fit since I don’t want them to swallow my frame, but thankfully I have found a few great pairs. The pair I got first is a Just Black darted barrel pair, and I had to cut the hem to fit. They have a traditional, wide leg that balloons out. Since they’re hemmed at the right length, they work perfectly on my frame. I also just ordered this white pair of barrel jeans from Amazon and will report back.

The cutest pair I’ve seen (but I haven’t gotten my hands on yet) is the Darted Barrel-Leg Jean from Madewell. I can’t wait to try this pair out since the curve of the leg is more subtle. Of course you’ll find plenty of options from different retailers as well.

Best for: Pear-shaped, hourglass body types.

How to Style:

• Wear with a fitted tee to balance the bulk of the pants.
• Try a blazer to create a more polished look.
• A belt will add a nice accessory without overpowering the look of the jeans.

The Jeans I’m Skipping: Low-Rise

I lived through the early 2000s, and low-rise jeans are not making their way into my closet again. While Vogue may be trying to convince us that the trend is back, I’ve been there, done that and have zero desire to relive the days of constant waistband adjustments. Give me a high-rise (or even a mid-rise) any day.

Finding Your Perfect Pair

When shopping for jeans, it’s all about fit, fabric, and function. Look for high-quality cotton denim with a bit of stretch for comfort. Pay attention to the waistband—whether you prefer a button fly or zipper closure, it should sit comfortably at your natural waist. And most importantly, choose styles that make you feel confident.

No matter which denim trend you embrace this year, the key is to find pieces that work with your lifestyle and wardrobe staples. Whether you’re reaching for timeless straight-leg jeans, leaning into the wide-leg movement, or experimenting with kick-out crops, the right pair of jeans can completely elevate your closet. Just leave the low-rise in the past where it belongs.

Shop The Post