There is nothing better than finding the perfect pair of jeans. They become like a second skin that you never want to take off, which is totally OK because you barely ever have to wash them. They go with everything, and make you feel confident, comfortable and, honestly? Straight up cool.
The problem, though, is the process of hunting down that perfect pair. There are so, so many awesome options to pick from it’s insanely hard to narrow it down. Thankfully. Carson Kressley, the former host of Queer Eye For The Straight Guy and author of Does This Book Make My Butt Look Big? (lol) has come to our rescue. According to Kressley, you don’t have to stick with just one perfect pair of jeans — you can have six. I knew I always liked him.
I caught up with Kressley at the launch of Sculpsure last week at NYC’s 3x1 denim store (which, by the way, is worth a visit because you can design your own jeans there), and he let me in on this season's best kept denim secrets. Here are his picks for exactly which jeans styles you should *add to cart* this season, and then keep wearing all year round.
1. Distressing
9" High-rise Skinny Jeans: Rip And Repair Edition, $90, Madewell
Distressing has been around for the last few seasons (or the last few decades if you're like me and have held onto your ripped Abercrombie jeans since middle school) and the trend isn't going anywhere according to Kressley. Expect to see everything from striation to rips and tears to patchy details and lots of Boho distressing.
2. Dark Washes
W2 Mid Rise Skinny, $97, 3x1
Looking for jeans that will carry you from your day to dinner to a date? Go with dark wash. You can literally wear them anywhere. "This is a great choice if you're going to invest in a great pair of jeans and spend the money, says Kressley. "They look a little dressier and are the most appropriate for the workplace." If you're going to own one pair of jeans, this is it.
3. Loose, Easy Silhouettes
Levi's Jeans for Women 501 Jeans - Laurel Haze, $98, Nasty Gal
Skinny jeans aren't going anywhere (thank goodness), but according to Kressley we're going to start seeing relaxed fits becoming even more popular than ever before. Culottes, boyfriend jeans, and mom jeans (inspired by Levi's 501s) are going to be everywhere. Consider this your excuse to buy a pair of each.
4. Super Bleach
Addie Max Stretch Jeggings, $39, Guess
Otherwise known as "acid wash," which for some reason has become a dirty word since its heyday in the '80s. Kressley says this is the most fun, on-trend choice for any fashion girl to give herself a fresh new look.
5. White Denim
Mid-rise True Skinny Ankle Jeans, $40, Gap
Spring is coming, which means white jeans are going to, as always, be everywhere (even though you can definitely wear them all year round, thanks to Michael Kors). Kressley suggests buying an affordable pair of white jeans and replacing them every month, or at the very least every season, so that they stay looking as bright and white as possible.
6. Embellishments
Zara Mid-Rise Jeans With Floral Embellishments, $50, Zara
Embellished jeans were huge in high fashion this year (a la Gucci) and the trend has trickled down to become more affordable. "You're going to see all kinds of things that makes the denim less workmen-like and more feminine and fanciful," says Kressley. Think: Embroidery details, boho patches and lace.
