THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. THIS MEANS I MAY EARN A COMMISSION SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO SIGN UP FOR A PROGRAM OR MAKE A PURCHASE USING MY LINK. IT’S OKAY – I LOVE ALL OF THESE COMPANIES ANYWAYS, AND YOU WILL TOO!
Y’all. I am so excited to bring you my most exhaustive and comprehensive style guide yet. I spent countless hours and lots of dollars putting the ultimate fall 2002 denim guide together. (Much to Jeff’s chagrin) But, I’m really happy with the result.
I feel like women fall into one of two categories, either they wear denim all the time as “comfort” clothes. Or, they hate jeans, live in athleisure, and only wear denim “dress up” days. Now, I happen to fall in the first category. I wear jeans almost every day and consider them the ultimate WAHM uniform. But I respect those who don’t. And, it was with those women in mind that I wrote this piece. Because women who don’t wear denim often most likely only want one or two killer pairs of jeans in their closet. And they don’t want to waste a bunch of time trying to find that killer pair, either.
That’s where I come in. I chose these jeans with you in mind, ladies who hate denim. I tried to pick the perfect pair from each silhouette on the market right now, with the exception of Skinny Jeans because we ALL have a go-to pair of them right now. (You don’t? These are mine, just in case you were wondering). You might not love them all, but I hope that you can find one butt-lifting, ab-sculpting hell yes pair that’s perfect for you and your lifestyle and that it helps take the sting out of denim wearing, at least a little bit.
The Ultimate Fall 2022 Denim Guide
The High-Waisted Flare Denim
Let’s start with my personal favorite, the flare. I am a child of the 90s and the fact that these are coming back speaks right to my soul. I also love how universally flattering they are, balancing out hips and shoulders and creating a long leg line. This high-waisted pair from Old Navy fits like a dream and I love the medium wash. If you can’t tell, the winter version of this outfit is my absolute favorite of the entire bunch. I’m obsessed with this “coatigan” from LOFT. It’s so soft and cozy, and I will be wearing it on repeat throughout both fall and winter. The jeans run TTS and fit my 5’4″ frame perfectly WITH heels.
Summer(ish) look: Blazer / V-Neck Tee / Jeans / Strappy Heels Fall Look: Coat-igan / V-Neck Tee / Jeans / Booties / Hat
The Girlfriend Jean
Girlfriend jeans are like the “gateway jean” for girls that have been wearing skinny jeans forever and having a hard time making the switch. They are just narrow enough to sort of kind of look like skinny jeans, yet they aren’t. And unlike their distant cousin, boyfriend jeans, girlfriend jeans usually are form-fitting and not sloppy big. They work much better for actual woman’s figures. This particular pair by Democracy Jeans is the most comfortable in the bunch and I love how their “ab-solution” technology kind of hugs it all in nicely. Easy to dress up with a cute blouse and flats (these adorable bow flats are show stoppers) while also being the perfect “errand day” comfy jeans. I highly recommend these if you’re afraid of busting out of your comfort zone but want to try. They run TTS. I am in a size 4.
Summer(ish) Look: Green Blouse / Girlfriend Jeans / Bow Flats Fall Look: White Tee / Utility Jacket / Girlfriend Jeans / Leopard Flats
The Straight Leg Denim
Straight leg jeans are very much on trend right now, but I also think they are the hardest for women to get right. Worn wrong, with the wrong fit and you look frumpy and like you’re wearing someone else’s pants. No Bueno. Personally, I think the key is the length and width of the opening at the leg. Too long and wide and it looks like an accident. But cropped just a bit with a slim(ish) straight leg and you’ve got a flattering cut. I LOVE this high-waisted Old Navy pair because it is just fitted enough to remain flattering with a raw hem that allows you to trim it to its best length. Also noted in the first pic is my new “trend shoe” of the season, white loafers. Yes, they’re polarizing. But I do not care. They’re super cute! These run TTS but have no give. I’m wearing a 4 but could also probably get away with a 6.
Summer(ish) look: Top / Straight Leg Denim / Loafers Fall Look: Ruffle Top / Straight Leg Denim / Leopard Flats
The Trouser Denim
I’ve always been a huge fan of trouser jeans. They make everybody’s legs look a mile long and are like someone told a pair of flare jeans to go put on their fancy pants. This pair from NYDJ (not your daughter’s jeans) are classics I will hold on to for a long time. Trouser jeans are a great option if you have a business casual/casual office but still aren’t quite comfortable wearing traditional denim. This pair doesn’t have front pockets, which some see as a drawback, but I like the clean line it creates and believe it gives them a more formal appeal. I sized up to a 6 but could also probably do a 4. They have a fair amount of give to the denim.
Summer(ish) Look: Tank / Trouser Jeans / Red Heels Fall Look: Sweater / Trouser Jeans / Booties
The Black Denim
For some unknown reason, I used to be opposed to black denim. I am now, however, a full convert. I love the clean look black jean and how they can be dressed up or down. They’re easy to rotate into your wardrobe too, make a great substitution for black slacks, and look sleek with minimal fuss. This Old Navy pair is from their “slim straight” line (whatever that means) and I love the high waist and raw hem. In full disclosure, I had to trim a few inches off to fit my short legs, but that’s the beauty of the raw hem. No one will ever know. Also, this pleated sleeve top from LOFT is a new favorite that I’m snapping up in multiple colors. I’m all about the lightweight long-sleeve top (not sweater) this season and I adore the sleeve on this one. Like the Old Navy Straight Leg Jeans, these have no give. I would either order TTS or one size up, depending on how you like your jeans to fit.
Summer(ish) look: Ruffle Sleeve Top / Black denim / Leather Mules bea Fall Look: White Tee / Black Moto Jacket / Black Denim / Red Vans
The Cropped Wide Leg Denim
I saved the most controversial pair of jeans for last. I will admit that Cropped Wide Leg Jeans are not for everyone. I’m not even sure they’re for me. But I love them so much I can’t quit ’em. This pair from Levi’s has a high waist and a medium dark wash which lends itself well to being dressed up. I like them much better with the wedges in the summer look than the boots, however, I’m working on finding the right fit for cooler temps. I like the cut because it balances out my somewhat inverted triangle shape and accentuates my curves in a good way. This pair has a raw hem as well, which is helpful for shorter-leg gals who might need to give them a trim. One more thing, this v-neck shirt is another win from LOFT. It’s the softest tee I have in this haul and I’m about to order it in black and white. I love it that much. TTS, I’m wearing a 4.
Summer(ish) Look: Black Tee / Wide Leg Crops / Wedges (similar) Fall Look: V-Neck Tee / Wide Leg Crops / Boots (vintage Jimmy Choo I couldn’t even zip up and have no sub for)
There are so many goodies in here; I hope you find a pair of jeans that takes you from summer straight through winter and makes you feel like 1 million bucks. Let me know if you have any questions on size or fit. I’ll be glad to help.
Peace, love, and Denim,
Meg
Want more favorite things content? Check it out HERE.
Welcome to BurntToast! My name is Meaghan, and this is my safe space, a place where we can share stories, share recipes and share life. It’s my dream that you can come here, kick your shoes off and pour yourself a glass of wine while you read, laugh, and maybe even hop into the kitchen. This is my heart, for all of you to see. And ALL are welcome here.