Blue jeans that is!  Not white jeans, black, or patterned jeans – your good ol’ blue jeans. How many pair do you have? One? Three? A dozen? More than that? Are they all the same brand? Do you have certain favorites you wear more than others? Some that really should be tossed? Shopping for a new pair? There are so many variables to consider and I will not pretend to be a jeans expert, but thought it would be helpful to show you my personal selection (only 5 pair) with styling preferences.

My most basic jeans are by Rag and Bone; the fit is great and I love the color of the denim. These are ‘cigarette leg’, not a flare or boot cut, but not hugging the calf and ankle. They must be hemmed to the exact height of your shoe, and they look best with a heel, preferably with a closed toe bootie. No go with flats. They could also be tucked into a high boot. Cannot cuff them, too wide at bottom. Of all my jeans, I wear these the least, just enjoy the versatility of ankle length more (although these do lengthen your leg!).

These are my second pair of Rag and Bone jeans – very skinny, very fitted, very comfortable too. Rather then hemming them, leave some extra material to bunch up at the ankle to balance the slim fit. They look great with booties as seen here, tucked into a high boot, with fashion sneakers, or with pumps for a seriously sexy look. Unless your body type is boyish with long skinny legs, steer away from ballet flats.

These are my Miss Me jeans, bought on a whim while half looped one Saturday evening in Portsmouth, NH! They are fun! The rhinestone studs and bold stitching add a ‘Vegas’ touch and the leg is slim but not skin tight. I like them cuffed up once to expose a bit of ankle. For shoes, just about anything goes: a statement sneaker, a bootie, or a high heel. Nix the ballet flat.

These barely pass as jeans, but close enough…they are by SOLD Design Lab, found a few years back at Portobello Road in Chestnut Hill. (They have a nice jeans selection and the staff are very helpful) The blue denim is waxed with a black coating, side zipped, skinny leg, no pockets, very edgy, and as comfortable as wearing leggings. Loose tops look best , same shoes as with a skinny jean.

Last but not least, here are my Lucky boyfriend jeans – different in many ways: lighter denim, loose fit, distressed, and no lycra. Whether with a fashion sneaker or a high heel, day or night, they are an easy way to add interesting variety to your denim wardrobe. To avoid looking sloppy with this loose fit, only wear cropped jackets and fitted tops, belted or not.  You say the ripped denim is not for you – that does not mean you can’t wear ‘boyfriend jeans’ without the rips.  The loose style is a nice change from skinny jeans.

A few tips:

• Go skinny or go loose – avoid the in between which looks dated.  Get rid of them!
• Once you find a brand you like, stick with it.  Rag and Bone, 7 for All Mankind, and Frame are some of my favorites.
• Cuffing your jeans adds extra visual interest; double cuff your loose jeans, a single cuff works for skinny jeans.
• Skip any visible socks if you cuff and be aware that it draws more attention to your footwear.
• If there is lycra in the denim, buy as tight a fit as possible, because they will stretch out.  Sagging jeans are neither flattering nor comfortable.
• Expect to pay more than $100 (unless you are lucky to find them at a consignment shop.) Great jeans are an investment, if you wear them often the ‘price per wear’ is a good value. Just sayin’.  😉