As someone who wears jeans almost every day (except during the scorching summer months here in the South where I live) and considers it part of my job to write about the latest denim trends on a regular basis, it makes sense that I have more pairs of jeans than is practical for one person. But this is basically research, right? That said, despite having stacks and stacks of jeans on the shelves of my closet, I reach for the same handful of jeans again and again.
My range of go-to jeans fluctuates depending on current denim trends and the season, but many of the seven styles I’m about to tell you about have been in my vogue for years, proving their timelessness. I should also mention that I’m pretty picky when it comes to jeans (and all other basics, as we should all be), so my most-worn pairs undoubtedly check a lot of boxes. The last thing I’ll point out is that none of these jeans are of the baggy or skinny variety, and are instead some version of a straight-leg style.
So, if you’re shopping for a new pair of jeans or are just curious about the jeans that one denim-obsessed fashion editor can’t live without (and have bought in multiple washes), keep scrolling to get the details on my favorites and maybe even buy them for yourself.
Agolde has long been at the forefront of denim trends, often even setting them. It also does the classics quite well, and my favorite pair from the brand is in the latter category: the Valen jeans. At 5’4″, I know it’s best to avoid inseams of 31″ and above, but these are a perfect 28.25″ – not too long and not too short. Plus, they’re mid-rise with a zip fly and extremely comfortable. I have them in multiple washes and sizes, so I can choose a more fitted or slouchy look depending on my outfit and mood.
agolde valen jeans
eggolde
valen jeans in essence
eggolde
valen jeans in device
eggolde
valen jeans in radius
eggolde
valen jeans in solace
Levi’s 501 ’90s
The ’90s version of Levi’s classic 501 jeans are the relaxed-fitting straight-leg jeans of my dreams. Levi regularly releases them in new washes, and the new lightweight iteration, in particular, is perfect for the upcoming warmer weather. Plus, the price is great too.
Levi’s
501 ’90s Straight Leg Jeans In Love With You
Levi’s
501 90s Lightweight Straight Jeans in Deep Rinse
Levi’s
Levi’s 501 90s Lightweight Jeans in Fine Forever Limited
Levi’s
90s 501 Jeans in Ecru Booper, No Harm
Khaite Abigail Jeans
When it comes to designer jeans that are worth spending the money on, Khaite gets my vote every time. This is very high quality denim in timeless styles. Not all suit petite girls, but the straight-lat Abigail jeans are perfect. These are the pair I often reach for in the evenings or when I want to look especially dressy. Also, some washes cause the fabric to stretch, although they are not visible.
Khaite
Abigail Cropped High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans in Boone
Khaite
Abigail Cropped High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans in Prescott
Khaite
Abigail Stretch Cropped High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans at Bryce
Khaite
Abigail Jeans in Benson
anine bing kate
The Annie Bing Kate jeans are one of my all-time favorite pairs. They’re made from tough, 100% cotton denim and feature a button fly and a not-too-high, not-too-low waist, giving them an authentic vintage look. It takes a minute for them to get in, but once they’re in, they’re a lot more comfortable than they look.
Anyin Bing
Kate Jeans in Title Blue
Anine Bing
Kate jeans in washed blue
Anyin Bing
Kate jeans in washed brown
improvement val
So, you could technically call Reformation vale jeans a form of baggy jeans, but I prefer to size down in them for a more fitted silhouette. Like everything else Reformation makes, these make you look cute. Like Annie Bing jeans, these have a vintage look, but with a more relaxed, low-key fit.
Improvement
Val 90s Mid Rise Straight Jeans in Pelican
Improvement
Val 90s Straight Jeans in Colorado
Improvement
Val 90s Mid Rise Straight Jeans in Nyssa
Improvement
Val at Allen 90s Mid Rise Straight Jeans
Madewell Longline Straight
Madewell’s denim is 100% worth the hype, and I’ve owned several different styles over the years, but my current favorite is undoubtedly the Longline Straight Jeans. I usually shy away from wearing jeans with the word “long” in the style name, but these are just a cute, polished stovepipe style that anyone of any height can wear (especially since they come in standard, petite, and long lengths).
MW
Longline Straight Jeans in Rinse Wash
Madewell
Longline Straight Jeans in Tile White
Madewell
Longline Straight Jeans in Midnight Waters Wash
Madewell
Longline Jeans in Black Frost
pistola lexi
When it comes to barrel-leg jeans, I like to take this trend for granted, as it’s the one that’s most enduring. The Pistola Lexi jeans have a perfectly-right tapered leg, a perfect 28.25″ inseam, and a zip fly. And despite being made from 100% cotton, they’re surprisingly soft and stretchy. They also come in all the trendy colors – including khaki, butter yellow, and baby pink. I recommend going down a size if you prefer a closer-fitting barrel-leg jeans.
pistol
Lexi Mid Rise Bowed Straight Jeans in Metropolis
pistol
Lexi Mid-Rise Tapered Jeans in Day Glow
pistol
Lexi Jeans in Dolce Vita Vintage
pistol
Lexi Jeans in Sand Dollar