The 13 Most Popular Jeans Styles for Women
Jeans are a classic that never seems to go out of style. They’ve been around for decades and look good on anyone, no matter their age or shape.
With so many styles to choose from, you can find some to suit any fashion sense, from the most casual street look on the weekends to a high-end elegant outfit for a special event. A pair of jeans can be dressed up or down depending on what the occasion calls for.
And don’t fear shopping online! Returns have become super simple and finding clothes for your style has become so much easier. Most online stores carry a wide selection of jean styles just like what you’ll see below. Check out these Best Selling Women’s Jeans on Amazon! There are so many to choose from.
They are also easy to wear with any kind of top and it definitely makes it easy to get dressed in the morning when you start with jeans as the foundation of your outfit. So, whether it’s a simple t-shirt or a designer silk blouse, everything looks good when worn with jeans.
Of course, there are so many different styles of jeans to choose from that it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Jeans, in general, look great on everyone, but certain cuts are more flattering than others and should be styled in a certain way.
There’s a difference between fashion and a trend. And to stay on-trend, it’s good to be aware of the popular jean styles and have a few in your closet that you can easily grab. Not only will you feel comfortable, but you’ll look great and achieve that effortless look that can be hard to get just right.
High-quality jeans can be expensive, but they are a true investment piece for your wardrobe. If you take good care of them, they can last for decades. You may even be able to pass them on to future generations!
Just make sure to get a good fit when you buy them and don’t compromise and try to make a pair work just because you like it. If any small modifications need to be done, you can always have them tailored or hemmed.
Out of all the many jeans styles that exist, we’ve selected the most popular ones that you should try out. These include:
- Flared jeans
- Bootcut
- Skinny crop
- Black skinny
- Boyfriend jean
- Distressed jeans
- Mom jeans
- Cigarette jeans
- Cropped wide leg
- Classic white jeans
- Girlfriend jeans
- Straight leg
- Skinny jeans
If you never knew what these different styles and cuts were, you’ll be a jeans expert by the end of this article. You’ll know exactly which jeans to wear for any occasion and how to pair them with tops and accessories that make them look their best. (If you want more ideas on what goes well with jeans, check that article out!)
Maybe you’ve always thought you couldn’t pull off a certain look. It’s time to rethink that and make a few adjustments to find that dream pair of jeans you’ve always wanted to wear.
Check out a few different brands because each one has put their unique spin on the classic cut and some may fit you better than others. You’ll be able to find a pair that fits with your sense of style and has the details you love.
Although it can take a while to sort through a sea of jeans, once you find that elusive pair that fits you like a glove, you’ll be glad you took the time to do your research. Then you’ll have years ahead to enjoy jeans that make you feel amazing every time you slip them on.
We all love wearing jeans – they’re versatile essentials for every wardrobe that can transform into a casual or even a high street look. You can pair it with just about any top; from frilly summer cropped tops, T-shirts, to chiffon blouses, jeans go well with anything. However, that doesn’t mean we’re referring to the same pair of jeans. On the contrary, women need a variety of denim jeans to stay fashion-forward and trendy.
We’ll admit, jeans don’t always come cheap, but they are long-lasting with the right care. So as long as you get the perfect fit and give them proper care, they’ll last you a long time. As of yet, there are infinite jeans styles for women but we’ve compiled our top picks to give you 13 essential pairs that you need to try out.
Before we get to the jeans, remember that each brand has a different variation of a particular style. Some brands may have a dramatic approach, while others choose to be more subtle. We’ll list some great examples, but it doesn’t mean that it’s the standard for a type of jean. (If your are not sure about your jean size, here’s and article to help determining what your jean size is.)
1. Flared Jeans
These are the latest style to enter the market and are available in a number of different variations. Flared jeans are usually high-waisted and are a nod to the 70s when they were super popular. They’re back in fashion, minus the funky prints. Nonetheless, you can still get them in different colors.
These can have a loose fit overall or a defined fit on the thighs, based on which brand you buy them from. Similarly, some brands’ jeans have more flare to them, while others are a little more subtle. We really like these flared jeans by ZARA since they keep things comfy with the right amount of flare.
You can pair flared jeans with cropped tops and colorful blouses for a retro vibe.
2. Bootcut
This is a classic style that offers a slim fit at the hips and thighs but has a straight flair from the knees till the ankles. They get their name because they look great with boots but you can rock them with a pair of heels too.
(Check out the easiest heels to walk in that article!)
The pant legs are usually longer so naturally, you’ll want to wear these with heeled shoes so the bottoms don’t drag along the floor. Our advice is that if your pair of bootcut jeans are too long for your legs, get it tailored to your size.
Bootcut jeans have a mid to high-rise waist so they’ll flatter most body shapes and accentuate curves. We like this pair by Levi’s.
3. Skinny Crop
There are so many reasons to buy a pair of skinny crop jeans. Want to give your legs some room to stretch and the skinny jean look? Or want to make your legs look longer? Skinny crop jeans are just like the iconic pair of jeans except shorter.
You can buy these in a mid or high-rise version based on your body shape. You can wear these with ankle boots, sneakers, or even flats. Some brands sell skinny crop jeans with a raw edge that looks tougher, while others have a normal hem for a polished appearance.
You can choose whichever suits your style better, since both accentuate a classy day look. We adore this pair from LOFT.
4. Black Skinny
It’s 2019 so if you still don’t have a pair of black skinny jeans, you need to reconsider your fashion priorities. Unlike blue denim, black skinny jeans have a more refined feel. That is if you preserve the color and give it the right care.
They also have an edgier vibe that goes well with similar tones. On the other side of the spectrum, you can pair black skinny jeans with classy blouses and other styles in the tops category.
Whether you prefer mid-rise or high-rise jeans, there are endless options to choose from. Right now, however, we are in love with this pair from Forever21.
5. Boyfriend Jeans
For a laid back and casual appeal, we suggest getting a pair of boyfriend jeans. Not only do they feel comfortable, but they also pair well with loose-fitting tops. These are usually mid-rise and most brands’ boyfriend jeans are distressed and stone washed to give a classic worn-out look.
But remember to get the right size – just because they’re meant to have a loose fit, you shouldn’t be swimming around in them. Make sure they fit well around the waist but loosely around the thighs and calves.
While some boyfriend jeans are loose from the thighs down, others have a balloon leg i.e. a very subtle tapered fit from the knee and down, like this pair from ASOS.
6. Distressed Jeans
Rather than being a style of its own, ‘distressed’ is actually a detail that accompanies a number of different styles. For instance, you can find distressed and ripped detailing in slim fit jeans and boyfriend jeans. Not to mention, even flared and cropped jeans have frayed bottoms that fall under the same category.
Moreover, distressed jeans can be any color. For instance, Levi’s has an impressive lineup of distressed jeans that includes stone-washed denim, black, and white colors.
Distressed jeans have been in fashion for quite a while but more often than not, styles have been hit or miss. The recipe for a great pair of distressed jeans is to opt for an expensive pair. Trust us, the experts know what they’re doing. It takes thorough washing and other methods to get a fashionably distressed look, so expect to pay for it. We think this pair from Fashion Nova is a prime example of distressed denim.
7. Mom Jeans
If you don’t know what mom jeans are, just know that they’re not a term for maternity jeans. In fact, it’s a slang term for high-waisted jeans women would commonly wear in the 90s. The term was used pejoratively because they were considered unflattering. Now, they’re at the precipice of casual and comfortable fashion.
Regardless of the color, mom jeans have a few distinct aspects. These are high-rise with a snug (but not tight fitting) hip so they make your butt look flatter and longer. The zipper area looks fitted but has a rather relaxed fit. Most importantly, they have a slight taper that’s more than the boyfriend jean.
Originally, mom jeans were stonewashed but now come in different versions, including distressed. We think this pair from American Eagle is perfect.
8. Cigarette Jeans
Also known as slim-fitting jeans, cigarette jeans have a slim silhouette but don’t fit like skinny jeans. Cigarette jeans also end above the ankles with a slight fold, which makes them look like cigarettes. Below the knee, cigarette jeans are cut straight so there’s no taper.
These offer a more polished look because they have a normal hem and you can pair them with cotton blouses that give a smart casual vibe. Pair them with mules and a blazer, and you’re all set for a casual work look. Usually, these jeans offer less or no stretch for a rigid look.
Of course, you can find other variations of the jeans as well. Some brands introduce distressed elements to classic cigarette jeans, while others add a frayed hem. It’s entirely up to you what design you prefer to wear, and in what color. For instance, we think these distressed cigarette jeans from ZARA are to die for.
9. Cropped Wide Leg
Remember when Capri pants were popular? Well, they’re back in style with slight modifications. Now, cropped wide leg jeans are taking over the scene of casual denim. These are mostly mid and high-rise, and offer a snug fit at the waist.
That aside, they have a comfy fit that’s loose at the thighs and only gets wider till the ankles. Some of the pants may have a bit of flair at the hem while others simply widen proportionately. Whether you like dramatic looks or something more casual, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Choose between frayed, chewed, and sewn hems for a distinct personality. For this round, Madewell’s wide leg crop jeans are a real winner.
10. Classic White Jeans
Having a pair of clean white jeans for semi-formal events is always a good idea. Sure, they’re not a specific style, but in this department, it’s best to get whatever works best for you. While some women prefer wide leg pants or skinny jeans, others think a sleek pair of cigarette jeans will do the trick.
But that doesn’t mean your pair of white jeans should be limited to smart casual wear. In fact, you can pick different types of detailing, such as crop pants, frayed hems, and even distressed denim. Pair white jeans with a contrasting top and a pair of sneakers and you’re all set for a day out. Need inspiration? How about this pair from Levi’s?
11. Girlfriend Jeans
We mentioned the boyfriend jeans, so what are girlfriend jeans? This new style is a different take on the comfy pair of boyfriend jeans for women who prefer a tighter fit. Girlfriend jeans are a feminine version since they accentuate and rest higher on the hips.
They also have a tapered pant leg that offers a slimmer look. Nonetheless, it still provides a little slouch through the legs. Personally, we think that both variations are great, but girlfriend jeans are well suited to curvier body shapes and shorter heights.
These are a casual must-have because you can pair them with comfy sneakers and a loose t-shirt. Check out this pair from GAP with distressed detailing at the knees.
12. Straight Leg
As the name implied, straight leg jeans have a clean silhouette that runs straight towards the bottom. The leg pant width stays consistent throughout so they’ll feel a little snug around the thighs and loose from the knee down. It’s a classic fit that’s still popular but since there’s no tapered fit, it tends to suit taller frames as compared to shorter frames.
Then again, there are numerous variations of the straight leg fit, so finding something that suits your body shape isn’t as much of a challenge nowadays. For example, picking a cropped style that ends above the ankles can give your legs a longer appearance. On the other hand, wearing full-length jeans with heeled shoes can also add some height to your frame.
Straight fit jeans, based on the color, wash, and detailing, can look good with numerous outfits. With a neat hem and white t-shirt, it’s a smart casual day look. But make it cropped, frayed, and distressed, with a stone-washed appearance, and you look ready to party. In this category, there’s no better pair than the Levi’s 501 Original Fit Jeans.
13. Skinny Jeans
Most importantly, every woman needs a pair of blue denim skinny jeans. This style is the all-rounder of the denim world because there’s a pair for every shape and size. From mid-rise to high-rise, brands have designed all sorts of skinny jeans that can suit different body shapes.
Meant to accentuate your curves and highlight the legs, skinny jeans come in different variations so simply having one pair isn’t enough. Of course, jeans are a staple so it’s easy to pair them with just about anything, but with so much variety, it’s hard to hold back.
You can buy them with frayed hems, distressed detailing, stonewashed, and even with embellishments. High-waisted skinny jeans pair the best with crop tops while mid-rise jeans look amazing with simple T-shirts. When it comes to shoes, almost anything goes so you can be as creative as you like.
Remember to opt for skinny jeans that fit you the best at the waist – because pant legs can be tailored to perfection. There’s no perfect pair of skinny jeans except for what looks best on you. We, on the other hand, really like this pair of high-rise skinny jeans from BLANKNYC Denim on Nordstrom.
