I’ve Perfected My Denim Playbook—These Are the 6 Jeans I’ll Always Own
The hardest-working staples in my closet.
One thing L.A. girls get right is our denim. The West Coast reigns supreme when it comes to styling jeans. California fashion is inherently chill, surfing somewhere between classic and “not trying that hard.” And a quality pair of jeans will always embody that feeling.
Since moving back to my home state, my everyday outfits have become easier. The weather is warm, the sky is blue, and I don’t feel the need to protect myself with such serious looks. My inspiration lingers in the past, from the free spirits of the ‘70s to the retro starlets on Technicolor film sets. There is a through line of adventure, yet practically now in my personal style, which, in turn, has made jeans my hardest-working and most dependable wardrobe staple.
Denim trends might fluctuate, but my collection isn’t one-dimensional. From vintage icons to modern silhouettes, I have refined the styles that feel best for me. Jeans feel so personal, but once you have your favorite pair, they become the easiest piece to reach for in your closet. So, I’m sharing my denim playbook for finding your own perfect pair (and, like me, that might be quite a few!).
The Vintage Levi’s
My most beloved pair, everyone needs vintage Levi’s. My collection continues to grow, having recently purchased a baby blue pair from local shop RLT, while my first pair came from the Rose Bowl Flea years ago. I always aim for a cigarette-jean silhouette with a mid-rise fit and a slight crop at the ankle. If you want to buy something new, the new Levi’s ‘90s 501s fit similarly.
The Straight Leg
As a tall girl, I love straight-leg jeans. When I want to feel more polished, I wear these Sporty & Rich jeans, which meet my long inseam requirements. A crisp white button-down shirt and my vintage Dior pumps create the perfect blend of masculine and feminine. The stiff fabric and high waist lean into the '90s denim aesthetic. My brain fills with paparazzi airport photos of Cindy Crawford, Elizabeth Hurley, and Julia Roberts every time I wear this pair.
The Not-Your-Boyfriend’s
Baggy jeans may not be my first impulse, but the chill, laidback nature of L.A. brings it out of me. When I do reach for a pair, I like to belt a boxy tuxedo blazer with worn-in denim for a high contrast look. If I weren’t single, I could steal this whole outfit out of my boyfriend’s closet. These AMO jeans are especially comfortable and soft.
The Power Bootcut
2026 is the year for the bootcut jean. I have a few pairs, but the standout is my dark-wash pair from Citizens of Humanity. This pant was my most worn while living in New York City. They were part of my no-brainer uniform, paired with a black square-toe boot and a leather statement coat. With this look, I feel sexy in my own way, and my confidence only rose with every little walk around SoHo.
The White Wash
I am not one to follow rules, so I wear white jeans all year round. I gravitate towards a loose, low-rise fit that feels aligned with the chill California attitude. Maybe the most versatile pair on my list, I dress it down with my vintage Chanel flats for a coffee run, then throw on a strappy stiletto for natural wine with friends—the outfit combinations are endless.
The French Girl-Inspired
My love for denim came from mood boards of legendary French girls like Jane Birkin, Brigitte Bardot, and Anna Karina. Oftentimes, a French denim outfit only consisted of a white T-shirt, simple blues, and maybe a basket bag. There is a casual elegance in the simplicity, elevating one’s natural look. The French New Wave was a reminder to reject traditional conventions, and denim has always been an avenue to embrace one’s authentic self.
