Five Pairs of my Favorite Jeans (Three are under $100)

You all know I love my denim.  I love to dress it up, dress it down, and basically wear it on the daily.  Therefore, I’m obsessed with finding the best denim.  Ever since I was introduced to my first pair of designer jeans in high school, I was hooked.  My mom was like, ‘no’ but I used the money from my part-time job to buy my first pair of bootcut, low-rise, Seven For All Mankind jeans (from Nordstrom in Columbus).  The fit was just better than the Gap, Express, and even Mavi jeans I was used to buying and my favorite part?  They were long enough.  I’m 5’9″ and starting in 5th grade, I needed to buy longer inseams at Express/Gap to ensure those bootcut jeans were covering my ankles (ha).  No one understood why I loved these jeans that much but I was loyal, from that point on, to designer denim.  I’ve cycled and tried ALL the brands – really, I’ll give any up and coming pair a chance.  Last year, I decided to give Levi’s a try (again – it had been awhile).  I couldn’t believe how much I loved them; I couldn’t believe they were under $100.  The denim industry has come a long way since 2002 when I bought those Seven jeans and now you can find inexpensive jeans that fit just as great as designer jeans.  Here are some of my favorites:

Levi’s distressed 721 I love these jeans so much that I have two colors.  One is super distressed with busted out knees (seen below) and the other is a lighter in coloring and distressing (seen here).  See original post here, along with sources of outfit.

best denim

Everlane Authentic Stretch Hi-RiseEverlane jeans are relatively new to the market but if you’re looking for something that fits like a Frame denim – give these a try.  Plus, the price is downright AMAZING (and they come in multiple lengths). // Avec Les Filles coat, Everlane turtleneck, Everlane boots

best denim

Citizens of Humanity Olivia Button-Fly Hi-rise – The cost-per-wear on these babies has to be basically zero at this point because I wear them so much.  I might as well wear them to bed because I put them on as soon as I wake up.  I think my favorite part about them (aside from the fact that they’re ULTRA flattering) is that they aren’t too skinny–they’re more like a straight leg. (see original post here)

best denim

Frame Ali Hi-Rise (love them in black, too)Frame has a special place in my heart; not sure why, I just like their no-fuss, great fitting jeans.  They seem to give my butt a little boost (it needs help) and the jeans always look clean and classic.  The ‘Jeanne’ used to be my favorite (mid-rise) but then I met ‘Ali’ and all bets are off–she’s a good, lil’ hi-rise. // MKT studio coat, similar rag & bone booties, Sezane bag

best denim

Levis’ 501 boyfriend – Sometimes you want something a little looser–these are so easy to dress up and I LOVE how they look with heels.  They’re not too baggy and not too tight.  I also love how they just *look* like a classic pair of Levi’s.  No stretch in these (and also why I love them so much).

best denim

  • Perfect timing, I’m in the midst of denim shopping, and always feel a little lost with jeans. I tried the 721s and LOVED the fit, but the rise was too high on me (short torso problems). I think I’ll try a midrise Levi’s, since I was also super impressed by the fit/fabric on them. I also might need to get on this Everlane denim bandwagon. 🙂 Thanks for this list!

    • Yes! I’m so impressed with the Levi’s fit. If the Everlane hi-rise are too high, they also have a mid-rise you can check out 🙂

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