Essential Denim Guide: 8 Must-Have Jeans for Women

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Jeans are the fail-safe in your closet. The perfect pair of figure-hugging jeans will see you from a day in the office to grabbing brunch with your girlfriends. They’re the trusty closet essential you can always rely on.

It’s worth remembering that jeans aren’t a ‘one style fits all’ garment. There’s a style of jeans for every woman – it can just take a little trial and error to find your perfect match.

There’s a pair of jeans for every occasion, from dark-wash skinny jeans for a night out to laidback mom jeans for running errands. We’re sharing eight different types of jeans every woman should know.

1. Straight Jeans: Timeless Elegance for Every Wardrobe

Straight jeans are a true classic that deserves a spot in every woman’s closet. They’re a comfortable style you can wear every season and flatters every body type. Levi’s first created the style in 1873 and is still going strong today.

Comfortable and flattering, straight-leg jeans never go out of style and can be paired with any type of shoes in your closetComfortable and flattering, straight-leg jeans never go out of style and can be paired with any type of shoes in your closet

You can wear straight jeans with any type of shoes, from sneakers to sandals and stilettoes. This versatile style is the best pick for a capsule closet or a splurge purchase.

2. Skinny Jeans: Defying Trends with Sleek Style

The rumors are false. Skinny jeans are not out of style. While Gen Z may be declaring against the skinny jean style, this silhouette is one that plenty of people are still calling their signature style.

Skinny jeans are here to stay as the slim-fit silhouette is considered one of the most versatile jean stylesSkinny jeans are here to stay as the slim-fit silhouette is considered one of the most versatile jean styles

Skinny jeans hit their peak in popularity in the mid-noughties and have been an essential style ever since. The slim-fit silhouette is one of the most versatile styles available in every color and denim wash.

Levi’s has said, “skinny jeans will never die,” and celebrities like Nicola Peltz Beckham seem set to prove the brand’s point.

3. Flared Jeans: Bringing Flair and Personality to Your Look

Flared jeans are a style with personality. They’re the perfect match with a blouse and high heels, giving you a contemporary but feminine look.

It’s a go-to favorite for celebrities like Vanessa Hudgens, Victoria Beckham, and Rachel Zoe.

A celebrity-favorite silhouette, flared jeans are famous for creating the illusion of longer legsA celebrity-favorite silhouette, flared jeans are famous for creating the illusion of longer legs

These jeans are popular for creating the illusion of longer legs, making them a must-have for petite and curvier women.

Let the silhouette take center stage by styling your flared jeans with a shorter top or by tucking in a blouse to show off the shape of your legs.

4. Jeggings: The Ultimate Blend of Comfort and Style

Are you trying jeans for the first time? Maybe you’re not ready to say goodbye to the comfort of your athleisure.

That’s where jeggings come in. The style became famous in 2010 as a jean and legging hybrid, giving you the best of both worlds.

Jegging is a hybrid between jeans and leggings, suitable for those who want both comfort and styleJegging is a hybrid between jeans and leggings, suitable for those who want both comfort and style

Jeggings are the perfect style for those who want more comfort than you’ll get from traditional denim while getting the same look. The style hugs your silhouette and creates an hourglass shape with an elasticated waist and stretchy fabric that will keep you cozy every season.

Boots and sneakers are a perfect match for jeggings. If you’re feeling adventurous, style your jeggings with a tunic or dress for a throwback look.

5. Boyfriend Jeans: Relaxed Chic from His Closet to Yours

Ever wish you could style your boyfriend’s clothes? These jeans look like they’re right out of his closet.

The boyfriend jean is the perfect silhouette for women with an athletic figure or broad shoulders. Most jeans in this style have a low or mid-rise, but high-waisted boyfriend jeans can give you added support if needed.

Boyfriend jeans are comfortable and stylish with loose-fitting legs and cropped hemBoyfriend jeans are comfortable and stylish with loose-fitting legs and cropped hem

Boyfriend jeans have a loose-leg silhouette that is super comfortable and universally flattering. It’s the opposite of skinny jeans, giving you a laid-back but chic look for running errands or relaxing on the weekend.

Elevate the look with high heels and a silk blouse for going out with friends.

6. Bootcut Jeans: A Nostalgic Nod with Modern Flair

Bootcut jeans are a style that is synonymous with the ‘70s and early 2000s. Channel your inner Farrah Fawcett or Jennifer Lopez with a pair of high-rise bootcut jeans.

Today’s bootcut jeans have dropped the low-waisted silhouette made famous by singers like Mariah Carey in favor of a higher waist and slimmer flare.

Bootcut jeans taper at the thigh and flare out slightly at the anklesBootcut jeans taper at the thigh and flare out slightly at the ankles

The bootcut jean tapers at the thigh and becomes wider from the knee down to the hem. You’ll want to add these jeans to your closet if you have a pear-shaped body, as it helps to balance your figure.

They’ll also help to elongate your legs in a similar way to flared jeans.

7. High-Waisted Jeans: Sculpting and Flattering Every Figure

Put a bounce of confidence in your step with high-waisted jeans. This silhouette puts the waistband at the smallest part of your waist to create an hourglass shape.

They’re a slimming style that is perfect for apple body shapes and athletic bodies who want the allusion of more contour.

High-waisted jeans are universally flattering, with the waistband placed at the tiniest part of the waist, creating an hourglass figureHigh-waisted jeans are universally flattering, with the waistband placed at the tiniest part of the waist, creating an hourglass figure

High-waisted jeans are universally flattering and a versatile style that you can elevate with a blazer and heels for workwear. Keep it casual with ballet flats or sneakers with a t-shirt.

Add a pair of high-waisted jeans to your closet if you want to recreate a retro aesthetic without looking dated. These jeans work for every body type, with dark wash high-waisted jeans being a must-have for nights out.

8. Mom Jeans: From Retro Roots to Modern Must-Have

Mom jeans are a ‘90s trend we can’t get enough of. They’re the perfect alternative to skinny jeans and are a retro style that has evolved with contemporary fashion trends.

The original mom jeans earned their name for being a high-rise and oversized style with a loose fit. Today’s mom jeans have a mid-rise silhouette with a slimmer leg, giving you the best of both worlds. We think mom jeans work for every body type, making them universally flattering.

Like straight and high-waist jeans, mom jeans give off a retro vibe with mid-rise silhouette and slimmer legsLike straight and high-waist jeans, mom jeans give off a retro vibe with mid-rise silhouette and slimmer legs

You’ll still find the original mom jeans on the market, a must-have for hourglass shapes. If you want to keep the attention away from your hips, shop around for modern mom jeans.

This laidback style is popular with Kendall Jenner, Alessandra Ambrosio, Jennifer Garner, and Kendall Jenner. While mom jeans are a casual style, you can add a touch of glamour with a cropped blazer, sling-back heels, and your favorite statement bag.

These eight types of jeans are ones every woman would try at least once. You’re guaranteed to find your signature style of jeans on this list.