Whatever your mood, our definitive list includes them all. Below, you’ll find a variety of washes and finishes. Inky black, light wash blues, and ecru all make an appearance, but if you’re looking for something with a little more oomph, distressing or even a cuffed hem will add extra edge to the forever fit. Below, shop all our favorites from Agolde, Levi’s, Frame, and more.
True Blue
You can’t go wrong with the classics. Think of a medium wash, blue jean as your foray into the straight-leg category. They’re iconic, timeless, and go with literally everything. Our favorite pairing just might be with a crisp, white T-shirt and structured blazer for an everyday look that exudes style. Then go ahead and play with different footwear, depending on the occasion.
Light Wash and Faded
Whether you’re taking inspiration from the ’90s with a vintage, light wash or even a little bit of Y2K with a faded style, these jeans feel incredibly fresh. A lighter hue might read more casual, reserved for weekend outings, but don’t think that these pairs can only be worn during the day. Try mixing light wash denim with black separates for your next big night out.
Dark Wash
There’s no denying the power of dark denim. Our mix of straight-legs will add instant polish to any outfit, whether that be laid back or dressed up. If you’re looking for an office-appropriate pair, dark denim usually is it. Style any of these with a silky blouse, ballet flats, and trench coat for a work-ready ensemble. Then simply swap out accessories when evening hits.
Cropped
The runways offered plenty of inspiration for full length, straight-leg jeans this season, but if a cropped silhouette is more forgiving to your body shape (especially for petites), then these silhouettes that hit at or above the ankle will become your soon-to-be favorites. You’ll find a mix of blues in our mix—from medium to dark rinses and even a special, statement pair—like Jeanerica’s veined, vintage wash.
Black
A black jean is always a wardrobe necessity, and when they come in a straight-leg silhouette, we think they’re downright perfect. No pair is the same, though, so we included a few different shades, from deep and inky black to something closer to charcoal, to give you some variety. They will look great with crisp, white button downs and black, cashmere sweaters. Don’t forget a leather belt!
Shades of White
By now, you probably know that white after Labor Day is no longer a fashion “no”. We love white jeans worn well into the winter months with chunky sweaters and boots, just as much as we do in the summer with a sandal and T-shirt. Just make sure to choose something with a little weight and structure—no super stretch, please—to keep things looking fresh.
Distressed
Trust us, a little distressing goes a long way. When done elegantly, a straight-leg jean instantly gets that perfect, worn-in look—the kind you want to achieve after years of wear or sourced from your favorite vintage store. These blue wash options are ideal with a striped tee and sneakers on the weekend, but can be elevated with an oversized blazer for a night out. Just make sure to keep the distressing soft and simple.
Cuffed
Cuffed jeans have definitely been having a moment, and we love how elevated they feel. From Bottega Veneta’s pleated style to a budget-friendly version from Zara, this is one cut that is worth investing in. Our only notes include choosing a style with a slightly trouser feel (we love the pintuck shapes!) and a thicker cuff. This will make them feel totally right for now.
