Madewell leather jacket | Fidelity denim | Stuart Weitzman shoes | Banana Republic tank | Pendant necklace

What’s the secret to buying jeans?

What’s the secret to buying jeans? Everyone wants to know 😉 Well, for starters, every great outfit starts with a good pair of jeans, and this is why it’s SO important to make sure you have several really well-fitting, current styles. I realize buying jeans can be tricky, and even more so online. It’s actually the number one topic I’m asked about here on So Susie! Questions range from “I can’t find a pair I like” to “I can’t wear high-waisted jeans” to “what’s the correct length?” … and so on. My Nordstrom co-workers and I used to joke that it was as bad as trying on swim suits!! Yes, it can definitely be challenging.

But here’s the truth: it really isn’t THAT hard. I heard these same questions as a Nordstrom stylist, and secretly I’d think … you just need to come in a room with me, and I’ll find you a pair. And I always did! Not one time ever, in 15 years, did someone leave without a pair of jeans. (It helped that, on day one, I started in the denim department!) Back in the dressing room, when I was helping someone hard to fit, we didn’t need to try on dozens and dozens of jeans. In fact, there were usually less than 10 pairs to try before landing on several that worked.

So what’s the secret? Stick to the top sellers! If you stick to the top sellers then you’re pretty much guaranteed to find a pair. Why? Because the top sellers fit most everyone well, they’re on trend, and they get great reviews. And, denim brands do a lot of research and design their jeans accordingly.

Today’s post is all about denim! Of course, I don’t know everything — when it comes to length, for example, it’s difficult to put in writing exactly what the right length should be. Most of the time, I just “eyeball” it 😂 But today, I’ll share some secrets about denim, as well as tips I’ve learned after 25+ years of helping women buy jeans. I’ll also show you all the stylish, cool choices to consider for Spring 2022. I hope you enjoy this post, and remember you can reach out with questions — I’m always happy to help!

Style board inspo

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |14

Faded and lightly distressed denim

 

Left: J.Crew trench | AGOLDE Riley | Gucci sandals | Dior bag | ATM tee | Right: J.Crew cardigan | Mother denim | Gucci bag | Prada pump

This is the most important wash to have right now: a faded, lighter blue denim that works perfectly all year round. If you don’t like rips, it’s ok to skip them, and for those of us who do — go for it!

Best selling fits: Mother Dazzler, Mother Hustler, Mother Insider, Paige Cindy, Frame Le High, AG Mari, AGOLDE Riley

Under $100 options: Madewell The Perfect Vintage Jean and Levi’s Wedgie Icon in Tango Light wash

Current length for straight leg styles: There should be an inch or two gap when wearing a sneaker. It should hit right around or slightly above your ankle.

Hemming tip: Sharp scissors, and watch this video

Rise info: The Mother Hustlers are the highest rise I own, but sometimes they accentuate your tummy so be careful how you style them. The Frame Le High and Frame Mini Boot feel almost a touch too low for me, but I still wear them and many people love both fits. The Dazzlers 10 1/2″ rise feel perfect to me (washes: Not Guilty, White and Cream Puff)

White denim — always in style

 

Left: Denim jacket | Mother Hustler | Veronica Beard sandals | Right: Anine Bing utility jacket | AGOLDE tank | Mother Dazzler white denim | Marc Fisher sandal | Balenciaga tote

White jeans are the perfect seasonal style to add. They make every outfit look springy, and pretty much work with every single top and jacket in your closet. I like to add a pair or two every year. Might sound a little excessive, but I wear them ALL the time, and try and not worry about them getting dirty or dingy. So, at the end of the season, I feel like I got my money’s worth!

Fit tip: Should you go up a size? I say stick with your regular size. If you’re like me and are in between, then go to the larger size.

Best sellers: AG Mari (my newest purchase), Paige Cindy, Frame Le High Straight and Mother Hustler and Dazzler

Washing tips: Regular cycle and hang dry. Fluff up in the dryer for 15 minutes.

Ecru denim — a great alternative

 

Left: Frame blouse | Frame Le Crop Mini Boot in natural | Chloe tote | Nude pumps | Right: Reformation blouse, similar here | Paige Cindy in tonal ecru | Jimmy Choo sandals | Gucci bag

Do you need both white jeans and ecrú? If you wear jeans all the time, then I say yes, and if you’re trying to stick to a budget, then I say no! Adding a slightly off-white pair of jeans to your denim collection gives you other outfit options, and there is something a little softer about the look. I love it with black, and I also think they work earlier and later in the season. I know, people say you can wear white all year round, but the truth is I don’t. There is no reason to wear white in the winter when you can grab your favorite black or darker wash jeans!

Best options currently: I love the brand new Mother Dazzlers, I couldn’t resist. The Frame Le Crop Mini Boot I’m wearing above is a slightly lower trise, even though they’re described as a high rise.

Black denim: can’t live without it

 

Left: Madewell leather jacket | Fidelity denim | Stuart Weitzman shoes | Banana Republic tank | Pendant necklace | Middle: Utility jacket | Paris tee | Levi’s | Gucci bag | Jelly sandals | Right: White blazer | Cami | Mother Hustler | Nude pump | Balenciaga Bag

Black jeans are a go-to staple all year round. Yes, even in the summer I love them with a pretty black summery top! So, in my book, you can’t have too many pairs. The Levi’s are favorites I’ve had for three years, and I’ve had the Mothers in the right photo for two years. Absolute go-to’s!

Best selling jean for under 5’4″: Levi’s 724 with distressing. They are too short for anyone taller

Other best sellers: Fidelity Cher, Paige Cindy, Mother Hustler, Insider, Dazzler in Not Guilty wash

Washing tips: Try to not wash them very often, and definitely turn them inside out and hang to dry

Long flare denim … stylish and current

 

Left: J.Crew Trench | Anine Bing tee (similar) | Frame flare jeans | Veronica Beard sandals | Right: Michael Stars tank | Mother Weekender flare jeans (older wash) | Similar canvas bag

Talk about leg lengthening, a little bit sexy and super stylish this spring … flare jeans are it! These new ones by Frame are slimming, and I feel a little extra when wearing them 😉 The Mother Weekenders I’m wearing on the right are an older wash — I’ve had them for several years, but I used the photo so you can see how they fit. See the newer washes here.

Hemming tip: They can be a touch shorter than how we hemmed them the last time they were in style. In other words, instead of skimming the ground, have them show a little more of your shoe.

Best sellers: Mother Weekender, Paige Leenah, 7 For All Mankind  and Frame Le High

Crop flare denim — casual and fun

 

Paris tee | Frame Mini Boot Crop Flare | Golden Goose | YSL Mini Lou Puffer

I definitely prefer a heel with this style of jean, and after reading an Instagram comment about how I looked in these jeans, I almost didn’t post it 😬 But, in an effort to keep it real, I wanted to point out that these jeans are a touch too long with sneakers. There should be another 1/2-1″ of ankle showing for them to be more flattering. And, if you’re in the 5’1″ range, let’s be honest, they probably look better with at least a 2″ heel. Still, I have several washes in this Frame style, and I do love them!

Style tip: Wear heels if you’re petite and curvy!

Best sellers: Frame Mini Boot Crop, 7 For All Mankind coated kick flare, and Paige Collette

Denim trends: wide-leg styles are everything this spring

 

Left: Frame top, last season | Fidelity Malibu | Right: J.Crew sweater | Paige Anessa wide leg jeans | Paige sandals | Chloe tote

Wide-leg jeans will be everywhere this spring and they work with both low and high sandals

Best sellers: Paige Anessa, Paige Nellie, Rag & Bone Maya, Fidelity Malibu, Mother

Other denim info

Mother denim best washes: Not Guilty (black), Fairest of Them All (white) and I Confess (light wash)

Most worn black jean: Levi’s 724

Most worn jean fit: Mother Dazzler

Thank you for reading xx