Go to any online retailer and browse "denim." The choices are overwhelming. There are skinny jeans, high rise jeans, boyfriend jeans, cropped jeans, wide leg jeans, embellished jeans, distressed jeans, flared jeans, vintage jeans and any number of combinations of the aforementioned styles.
In our denim guide we make it easy: five styles worth trying in these coming warmer months (that won't suffocate you!), and how to wear them.
Tired of your usual skinny jeans? Me too, which is why wide legs are such an exciting pick for summer. Opposites attract when it comes to the type of shirt you should wear with these jeans—think a crisp button down or tube top (always tucked in!)—so you keep the silhouette long. But feel free to get chunky with your shoes: espadrilles, flatforms, platfrom sneakers—anything that will add height and elongate your leg are the perfect partner for your jeans.
Shop the Style: Wide Legs
Won't Break the Bank
Eve Denim Charlotte High-Rise Culotte Jeans, $310; modaoperandi
Kick flare jeans (also known as cropped flares) have quickly gone from trendy to trusted, so if you don't own a pair already, now is the time. Choose a style that hits right above the ankle to avoid any confusion ("Are those high-waters or nah?") and finish with heels that have a low vamp so more of your leg can show.
Shop the Style: Kick Flares
Won't Break the Bank
Citizens of Humanity Fleetwood Flare Cut Off Crop, $208; citizensofhumanity.com
Worth the Splurge
Frame Mid-Rise Striped-Denim Cropped Mini Boot-Cut Jeans, $240; neimanmarcus.com
Why cuff your own jeans when you can buy a pair with a hemline that's been perfectly folded for you? Jeans like this have a bit of a sturdier feel for them, so your shoes should match that weighty vibe. Go for a low, chunky heel or sky-high platforms (if that's your thing), so long as the shoe doesn't read as dainty. A bright top screams it's time for cocktails, but these also look great with a regular old white T.
Shop the Style: Built-In Cuffs
Won't Break the Bank
Mother The Dutchie Cuff Chew Jean, $245; revolve.com
Worth the Splurge
Miu Miu Cropped Frayed High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans, $895; net-a-porter.com
Surprise! Stove pipe jeans are back and better than ever. But these aren't the ones you wore in the '90s. With a polished touch and dark finish you'll find yourself reaching for these when you want a dressier option on casual Fridays. Proportion is key here: jean legs should fall straight and hit right below the ankle. A trip to the tailor ensures they fit perfectly— scrunching at the ankle is definitely not the wave.
Shop the Style: Stiff Straight Legs
These may not seem like the most flattering cut upon first glance, but I guarantee you'll find yourself reaching for them more and more as the days go on. Fit almost like a cropped trouser, these jeans work with sneakers for a daytime bop through the farmer's market, but add a sleek ankle strap and voila: you're ready for happy hour margaritas with the girls. The most versatile of all styles shown here, grab both a light wash and dark wash then watch the outfit ideas pile up.
Shop the Style: Super Crops
Won't Break the Bank
Hudson Holly High Rise Wide Leg Crop Jean, $245; hudsonjeans.com
Worth the Splurge
Monse Asymmetrical High Waist Culotte Jeans, $790; intermixonline.com
