The best jeans for women are the pairs you want to live in: Ones you can wear over and over again, and that get better each time you slip them on. They’re the styles that might be a small investment, but have a large return and last for seasons to come. If you’re in the market for new denim this fall, keep in mind that trends come and go, but classics are forever. A fresh and well-fitted pair of denim is personal, whether you prefer to find a single, perfect silhouette and stick to it, à la Tonne Goodman’s stark white, straight leg, non-stretch denim Levi’s, or keep a few favorites on rotation to switch up the wash or cut.
If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a handful of foolproof, can’t-go-wrong silhouettes every woman should have in her wardrobe. Start with a form-fitting skinny with either a mid-rise or high waist, or consider classic stovepipe or bootcut jeans (both of which can be dressed up or down). Then try a more relaxed fit, say a pair of wide-leg or ankle-length jeans for the weekend. There are even pairs for the sustainably-minded, too. Regardless of your preferred style or shopping habits, sticking to simple, vintage-inspired washes with minimal (if any!) distressing is the way to go for added versatility. Of course, the hundreds of options on the market can still be daunting. We’ve gone through them all and found 24 perfect pairs of the best jeans for women right now, below.
The High-Rise Straight
Simple and just a little vintage inspired, these classic straight-leg jeans can be worn with everything from a blazer and heels to a T-shirt and sneakers.
The Cropped Flare
Expose a flash of ankle (and your new fall loafers!) with a pair of cropped flare jeans.
The Skinny Jean
Get a leggy look in this curve-hugging classic. They’ll be a no-brainer with your new fall boots too.
The Wide Leg
Dress them up or down depending on your mood. Pro tip: A soft pair of wide-leg jeans with a little bit of stretch is the most comfortable way to work from home while wearing denim.
The Mom Jean
Once a trend, now a classic: This throwback ’90s staple is here to stay.
The Weekender
These soft, loose-fitting jeans are just as comfy as your yoga pants or leggings but look so much cooler. An easy transition from our months-long stint in sweatpants.
