These Classic Denim Styles Will Always Be Relevant

A glimpse inside my fall wardrobe will reveal a neatly stacked pile of jeans, spanning all sorts of silhouettes and shades. If I had to guess, I’d say I own around a dozen denim styles. Call me excessive if you must, but I prefer to use the term practical, as I wear them all consistently.

While each pair is distinctly different, the connecting thread between them is a perennial appeal. They’re the type of pants I could’ve easily worn 10 years ago during my freshman year of college, and the type that I can envision styling a decade from now when I become a multi-hyphenate journalist living in my dream New York City penthouse. (Don’t mind me, I’m just manifesting.)

Anyways, the moral of the story is that I tend to choose timeless over trendy. While there’s no harm in testing out the season’s most viral styles, I’ve found that I often try them once before banishing them to a dark corner in my closet where they grow forgotten. For this very reason, I’ve deliberately invested in classic denim to build a capsule wardrobe that actually sees the light of day.

How do I know which styles are poised to remain relevant, and in turn, frequently worn? Well, as a fashion editor, one of my main responsibilities involves studying the runways with a sharp eye. I get the opportunity to see the designs that reemerge season after season, and the fleeting ones that eventually become outdated. You can basically consider me your resident denim expert.

As such, I believe it’s my duty to share the dependable jeans that have earned a prime spot in my autumn wardrobe. For the past few years, they’ve cycled heavily through my fall outfit rotation, which is a testament to their versatility and enduring nature.

Not to mention, I’m also showing you how to style them this season—with cashmere knits, buttoned coats, heeled boots, and more. You’re welcome!

Dark-Wash Jeans

I can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve received on these dark-wash jeans from DL1961. Drenched in a deep indigo hue, they’re extremely elevated and perfect for occasions when you want to feel a tad bit dressed up. I usually wear them with a leather jacket, knee-high boots, and a statement handbag for happy hours and date nights.

While the exact pair pictured above seems to be sold out (no shocker there), I’ve found a similar style that looks just as good.

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Straight-Leg Jeans

You can’t go wrong with classic straight-leg jeans. With a uniform width that runs from the hip to the ankle, they boast a streamlined silhouette that feels clean and simple. I often think of them as a safe choice that defies the extremes—they’re not ultra-skinny, nor are they excessively baggy.

There are countless ways to style straight-leg jeans for autumn, but this is definitely my go-to approach. For off-duty days when I want to feel comfortable yet polished, I’ll team my Mother jeans with a soft sweater, a spacious wool coat, and pair of cushioned ballet flats that I can run around in with ease.

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Black Jeans

No fall wardrobe is complete without a pair of black jeans. With an inherently neutral shade, they’ll go well with any item in your closet. For a recent weekend outing in Brooklyn, I paired my favorite onyx-colored jeans with a chocolate brown suede jacket, heeled booties, and a sophisticated shoulder bag. Feel free to pin this look to your autumn mood board, and expect to wear it on repeat this season.

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Cigarette Jeans

As someone who is obsessed with ‘90s clothes, I know all about cigarette jeans. Famously worn by style icons like Cindy Crawford and Kate Moss, the look has officially made its way back into the fashion cycle.

I’m currently loving this version from Citizens of Humanity, made with a tapered construction. While they’re definitely slim, they’re not at all stiff. Plus, these bottoms are crafted with a high-rise waistline for a flattering fit.

As for styling, consider enhancing these jeans with a crisp button-down, a plush sweater, and a sleek leather jacket. Then, add loafers and socks into the mix for a cool-girl twist.

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