Classic

4 Jean Styles That Need To Be On Your Radar For Fall

From polished indigo to relaxed (but not overboard), our picks will have you looking current & effortless
By 
Six to Sunday
 | 
8.29.2023

We know you love jeans, and we do, too.

But with all the choices out there, it’s hard to know which jean style to buy (fun fact: this is one of the most common questions we get asked).

While exaggerated cargo, low rise, and the new “puddle” styles abound, we want to help you cut through the noise and find the styles that—while current—are classic and go with anything.

What we’re buying? Glad you asked.

Style tips:

  • First step? Get rid of what doesn’t fit, doesn’t flatter, doesn’t bring joy (see our closet clean-out guide).
  • Please PLEASE try a variety of sizes, as brands really vary in their sizing across styles. Also, you can change the fit by choosing different sizes. Want the waist to hit a little lower? Size up.
  • When considering jeans, try them on with a few top options that you like to wear and already have in your closet, that way you’ll make sure the jean style works with the rest of your wardrobe.
  • Don’t worry about the length, that’s the easiest part to tailor.

Go With Relaxed Jeans

There are LOTS of relaxed styles these days—from girlfriend (slightly oversized), to boyfriend, to the newest trend called “puddle” (so loose and so long that they pool around the ankles).

We say, go relaxed without going overboard. Slightly oversized gives the look of volume and feel of comfort without overwhelming your frame. Make sure to pair with fitted tops in classic styles  (like a slim tee shirt or crew neck sweater), which will balance out the fuller jeans on the bottom.

Choose a rinse that speaks to you, from pale to supersaturated, and to visually shrink your butt, look for versions with larger back pockets.

Madewell Baggy Straight Jean
COS Arch Jeans
J.Crew Collection Slouchy-Straight Jeans
Good American Good 90s High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
Citizens Of Humanity Horseshoe Distressed Wide-Leg Jeans

Re-introduce Boot Cut & Flare Jeans

This shape is back on trend and we love it because it’s truly universally flattering. The flare balances out (wider) hips and thighs, and also creates a visual hourglass to your lower half. What’s different this go around is that brands are making them with a higher waist. YES!

Zara High-Waisted Flare Jeans
Levi’s 726 High Rise Flare Women’s Jeans
Mango Medium-Rise Flared Jeans
Gap High Rise ‘70s Flare Jeans
Eloquii Classic Fit Split Inseam Hem Straight Leg Jean
J.Crew Skinny Flare Jean
Good American Always Fit Good Classic Bootcut Jeans
Rag & Bone Peyton Bootcut

Stick to Straight Jeans

A straight-leg shape is about as classic as it gets (remember those Levi’s 501s?) and it has regained popularity in the last few years. It’s best when you are a bit more narrow-framed, and it also works well on petites. Pro tip? If you like wearing a heel, leave them long enough to wear with a few extra inches, and if you wear them with a flat just fold a big cuff, which is very on trend right now.

H&M Vintage Straight High Jeans
Mango High Waist Straight Jeans
Gap Mid Rise Organic Cotton ‘90s Loose Jeans
Madewell The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean
AGOLDE 90s Mid Rise Straight Jeans
AGOLDE Kye Mid-Rise Straight Jeans
Reformation Magnolia Mid Rise Bow Jeans

Straight & Dark & Structured Jeans

If you’re interested in a more polished version of jeans, look for a deep indigo wash and sleek styling. This style easily goes from day to night, and can even work in an office setting (we love this style paired with a blazer). The trick is to hem them to the shoe(s) with which you’ll wear them (flat vs. heel) as you’re going for sophisticated and perfectly tailored with this one.

Banana Republic Sedona Wide-Leg Jean
Gap High Rise Organic Cotton '90s Loose Jeans with Washwell
J.Crew Pintuck Denim Trouser
Favorite Daughter The Mischa Super High Waist Wide Leg Jeans
Cinq A Sept Shanis High-Rise Slit-Cuff Denim Bootcut Pants
guest CONTRIBUTOr:

All products featured on Six to Sunday are independently selected by our editors and contributors. We may get paid commissions on products purchased through our links to retailer sites. However, we recommend products based on our independent research and point of view, and the decisions we make regarding the products we feature on our site are always driven by what we believe our community will love, first and foremost.

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