Fall 2021 Denim Guide
Let’s talk denim, ladies! A well fitting pair of jeans is a MUST in everyone’s wardrobe. I’m a bit of a jean addict, I’ve got more pairs than I’m willing to admit but I like having a range of styles and colors to cycle through. Personally, I love finding different styles but if you’re starting from scratch, I’d recommend 1-2 pairs of quality, well fitting denim over 10+ pairs of inexpensive, mediocre feeling pairs. I do believe you can find excellent denim at all price points, now more than ever so here are a few of my most recent favorites…
FAQ: Before we begin, I’m often asked about wearing shapewear underneath denim. To put it simply, I would not recommend this. I would recommend wearing a supportive, seamless underwear brief like these and finding denim with a supportive tummy panel or overall more rigidness/ support. My favorites for this are Madewell and Spanx. Both companies are fairly size inclusive and have some built-in magic in that area while still staying comfy.
everlane
I’ve been a long time fan of the brand and their environmental approach to creating clothing. I do wish they would extend their sizing (hopefully soon) because I' find their fit and price point to be fantastic.
Sizing Range: 23-35 ankle and regular // I wear 32R
Favorite Styles: Authentic Stretch High-Rise Skinny, The Curvy Cheeky Straight Jean, The Original Cheeky Jean, Way High Jean
OUTFIT DETAILS: BLOUSE (L) | DENIM (32R) | BOOTS | HOOP EARRINGS
old navy
In case you haven’t heard, Old Navy recently re-did their shopping experience, making it more inclusive than ever. Online, sizes 00-30 can shop all in one place at the same price and up to 28 in store. I tried a few pairs recently and found their fit to be true and good quality, especially for the price. Never buy it full price, there’s always some sort of promotion. Definitely my favorite denim for a lower price point option!
Sizing Range: 00-30, tall and petite lengths (up to 18) // I wear 14R
Favorite Style: OG Straight + Super Skinny
OUTFIT DETAILS: BLOUSE (L) | JEANS (14R) | MULES
ABERCROMBIE
In case you haven’t shopped Abercrombie in awhile, this is not what you remember from high school. Over the last few years, they have extended their sizing and offer some premium denim at a fair price. I’m still experimenting with styles that I love but have had luck with a few!
Sizing Range: 23W-37W with extra short, short, regular and long length options // I wear 32R
Favorite Styles: High Rise Skinny, Curve Love High Rise Mom Jeans, Curve Love High Rise Skinny
OUTFIT DETAILS: TEE (XL, more here) | SNEAKERS | HOOPS (50mm)
Madewell
Often I’ll receive questions if I HAD to choose one pair of denim to invest in… To be honest, I think denim is such a personal preference (like most things, right?) but I’d honestly choose Madewell. I think they get better as you wear them and I just love the way they fit my curves.
Sizing Range: 23-37 petite, tall, taller and regular lengths // I wear 31R in most styles (sized down) 32R in non-curvy fit jeans
Favorite Styles: The Perfect Vintage Jean, 10" High-Rise Skinny Jeans in Hayes Wash, 9" Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans in Black Sea, Perfect Vintage High Rise, Curvy Jeans
OUTFIT DETAILS: CLICK HERE (for exact outfit details, many items sold out) | SIMILAR BUTTON DOWN (14)
J.CREW
Did you know Madewell and J.Crew are owned by the same company? So their fit and sizing is super similar if you’re more familiar with one over the other. If you haven’t tried J.Crew in the last 3+ years, I would strongly recommend giving them another shot. They’ve become much more size inclusive and have worked on their fit.
Sizing Range: 23-37 petite, tall and regular lengths // I wear 31R (size down usually)
Favorite Styles: 9" demi-boot crop jean in charcoal, Slim boyfriend jean in Creek wash, Curvy toothpick jean in Dryden wash, High Rise Straight
OUTFIT DETAILS: CLICK HERE (for exact outfit details, few items sold out) | SIMILAR BLAZERS | SLIM FIT BUTTON DOWN SHIRT
Levi’s
It took me awhile to get into Levi’s but I’m a fan. I think they’re well priced and are constructed well. I do think they get better as you wear them, they are a little stiff when you first get them but they wear in nicely!
Sizing Range: 24-46 petite, tall and regular // I wear 32R
Favorite Styles: 721 High Rise Skinny Jeans and Wedgie Skinny Jeans
OUTFIT DETAILS: SHIRT (XL) | JEANS (32x30) | MULES (SIZE 11) | SIMILAR MULES
SpANX
I discovered these years ago but they were made for post-quarantine life. They are BEYOND comfortable and have this magical secret tummy panel inside. I usually wear a XL in their leggings but size down in their denim, as I think they stretch out a bit / conform to your body throughout the day. They have more than just skinny jeans now, they’ve recently expanded into other silhouettes which I’m eager to try. You can still use CARALYN10 for a discount, free shipping and returns.
Sizing Range: XS-3X petite, tall and regular (I wear L regular, sometimes XL regular)
Favorite Styles: Jean-Ish Leggings and Distressed Ankle Skinny Jeans (Use CARALYN10 for a discount)
OUTFIT DETAILS: BLANKET SCARF | SWEATER (XL but could’ve done L) | MULES | SIMILAR MULES | JEAN-ISH LEGGINGS (L - use CARALYN10 for a discount) | SIMILAR BLACK LEGGING FAVORITE | HOOPS
honorable mentions:
(BRANDS I OWN AND LIKE AS WELL)
DL1961 | GOOD AMERICAN | JEN7 JEANS | LOFT | TALBOTS | WALMART - SOFIA VERGARA | 7 FOR ALL MANKIND
Did I miss any? Feel free to leave your favorites below!
tips for shopping jeans:
You’ll notice that my sizing ranges among brands. It’s not a bad thing! Different brands are cut and produced differently. Focus on finding a pair of jeans that you LOVE and feel amazing in, regardless of what it says on the tag. Many of the brands mentioned above conform to your body as you wear them, which I LOVE. There’s truly nothing like a perfect fitting pair.
When ordering a new pair, read the reviews and if you can swing it, order two sizes so you can compare and contrast. Keep in mind many will stretch as you wear but you don’t want to be uncomfortable.
Ever have the dreaded between the leg burnout? THE WORST. If I find a pair of jeans I love and wear 1-2x a week, I’ll buy two of the same and rotate. I also rarely wash my jeans unless they’re really dirty, they just break in better that way. Sometimes I’ll stick in the freezer to combat any odors.
That’s all for now! I hope you enjoyed a recap of my favorite denim. Be sure to leave any questions below. As always, thanks for allowing me to be your go-to gal! xx CMK