Blue jeans are as American as apple pie or the Kardashians. But lately, designers seem focused on “upgrading” our jeans. From Balenciaga’s new super bleached pair to Stella McCartney’s recent obsession with acid wash everything, you’d think there was something wrong with our trusty Levi’s and basic bootcuts.
While we’re all for embracing the latest and greatest trends, we find ourselves missing the types of jeans we sported back in the 90s when we were walking down our middle school halls like we were taking a turn on the catwalk. As adults, we long to give off that now trademark model-off-duty vibe where the models change out of those constricting runway clothes into a basic tee and blue jeans.
Despite all these denim upgrades, classic blue jeans are still widely available, if you know where to look. So we hunted down the best basic blue jeans — think boyfriend and girlfriend styles, slightly slouchy pairs, slim (read: not skinny) cuts and even a Cindy Crawford-endorsed set. And don’t just stick to the women’s department. You’d be surprised how great a pair of men’s jeans will fit your silhouette. (This is one time when you want a skinny version.)
Whether you’re searching for the perfect pair to round out your double denim look or dying for jeans to replicate that coveted MOD style, you’re sure to find a pair of basic blue jeans that fits in the slideshow above.
[ Next: How to Cuff Your Jeans the Fashion Girl Way ]
Basic Jeans
-
NEED
Cousin Fit in Isla, $185 at Need Supply Co.
-
Urban Renewal
Vintage Levi’s 501/505 Jean in Indigo, $69 at Urban Outfitters
-
Levi's
501 Light Weight Jeans for Women in Blue Rewind, $69.98 at Levi’s
-
Current/Elliott
The Original Straight High-Rise Jeans, $200 at Net-a-Porter
-
RE/DONE + Cindy Crawford
The Crawford High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans, $240 at Net-a-Porter
-
AGOLDE
Jamie Hi Rise Classic in Brooklyn, $158 at AGOLDE
-
Reformation
Sloan Jean in Arches, $128 at Reformation
-
Violeta by Mango
Bootcut Martha Jeans in Dark Blue, $31.99 at Mango
-
Topshop Boutique
Blue Boy Jeans, $100 at Topshop
-
Levi's
510 Skinny Fit Stretch Jeans in Terry, $69.50 at Levi’s
-
Levi's
SilverTab Relaxed-Fit Straight-Leg Jean – Dark Wash, $98 at Urban Outfitters
-
ASOS CURVE
Recycled Florence Authentic Straight Leg Jeans in Mindy Vintage Blue Wash, $51 at ASOS
-
& Other Stories
Loose Leg Denim Jeans, $85 at & Other Stories
-
Mango
Girlfriend Claudia Jeans in Medium Blue, $59.99 at Mango
-
Zara
Straight Leg Jeans in Dark Blue, $45.90 at Zara
-
ALEXACHUNG
Mid-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans, $305 at Net-a-Porter
-
Violeta by Mango
Straight-Fit Theresa Jeans in Medium Blue, $79.99 at Mango
-
Pepe Jeans
Check In Bootcut Jeans, $87 at ASOS
-
Mango
Relaxed Lonny Jeans in Medium Blue, $59.99 at Mango
-
Raey
Press Straight-Leg Jeans, $150 at Matches Fashion
-
Topshop
Moto Bleach Hayden Boyfriend Jeans, $75 at Topshop
