If there’s one thing fashion always circles back to, it’s denim. Trends may come and go, but jeans always stick around—just in different shapes and fits. One minute it’s all about clean, tailored wide-legs, and the next we’re raving about low-rise throwbacks. Either way, having a rough idea of what works (and what you actually like wearing) makes getting dressed a whole lot easier. From everyday staples to statement cuts, here’s a breakdown of the denim styles you’ll keep seeing everywhere.
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Straight Leg
The most classic jeans on the list is, of course, the straight leg. They sit cleanly on the hips and fall evenly from thigh to hem. It’s the easiest to style, pairing just as well with a plain white shirt as it does a tweed jacket. you can’t really go wrong with these.
Women's 501® Original Cropped Jeans, $149.90, Levi's.
Bootcut
Fitted through the thigh with a slight kick from the knee down, bootcut jeans offer a subtle, but absolutely flattering flare. They naturally elongate the legs, especially when paired with heels or boots. Not to forget, there’s a slight Y2K retro edge to them that makes us love them for a night out.
Women's Loose Boot Jeans, $169.90, Levi's.
Flared
Think of flared jeans as bootcut’s bolder sibling. The flare is more pronounced, giving it that unmistakable retro energy. Because of the extra volume at the bottom, it helps to keep the top half more fitted or structured so the overall look stays balanced.
Signature Sequin Accent Flared Jeans, $3,000, Louis Vuitton.
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Wide Leg
Relaxed but still polished, wide-leg jeans bring a slightly more elevated feel to denim. They fall loosely from the hips and have a nice, fluid movement when you walk. Easy to dress up or down, they work just as well with a blazer as they do with a simple tank.
Mercer Relaxed Wide Leg Jean, $1,229, Ralph Lauren.
Boyfriend
If the name didn’t already give it away, boyfriend jeans are exactly that—jeans stolen from, well, your boyfriend. They’re loose, slightly slouchy, and give off that boyish, laid-back vibe. Pair them with something more fitted or structured to keep the outfit from looking too undone.
TRF Ripped Mid-Waist Boyfriend Jeans, $75.90, Zara.
Skinny
Once a go-to, the skinny jeans are currently taking a back seat with many people refusing to be caught in them. However, with a close, body-hugging fit, they still work well with oversized tops or tucked neatly into boots. After all, like most trends, it’s only a matter of time before they’re fully back.
Washed Cotton Denim Skinny Pants, $1,460, Gucci.
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Mom Jeans
High-waisted with a slightly tapered leg, mom jeans channel a ’90s nostalgia, which sounds about right since your mom was probably wearing these in the 90s. They’re relaxed without feeling sloppy, which makes them comfortable but still put-together. Pair them with simple wardrobe staples like white tees, shirts, and knit sweaters.
Denim trousers, $1,700, Dolce&Gabbana.
High Waisted
The high-waisted jeans are not exactly a silhouette, but definitely worth knowing. They sit above your natural waist, elongating the legs and cinching the waist. They’re flattering on pretty much everyone and can be styled in endless ways—which I suppose explains why they’ve stuck around for so long.
Long Jeans, $1,950, Fendi.
Low Rise
The low rise is another one from the Y2K revival book. Sitting low on the hips, they bring back a playful and flirty energy. We admit they may not be for everyone, but if you're into the look, they’re best styled with ultra-crop tops or fitted tanks that really lean into that early 2000s attitude.
Denim & Poplin Five-pocket Jeans, $1,850, Miu Miu.