A big trend I’m noticing this fall is split hem pants. They’re everywhere right now from faux leather, to leggings to denim. They’re so flattering and really elongate your legs. While I’ve mostly been seeing this trend done with black, other colors are also coming out to play. I’ve put together a round up below of 12 different pairs in different price points and materials – and most are under $100.
second row: left, middle, right (the pair I’m wearing in the photo above)
Today I want to talk about one of my favorite topics… jeans! Ha. But really, I love them and basically live in them in the cooler months. When I was pregnant (both times) I missed them soo much. Maternity jeans are HARD, but that’s a whole other topic. Anyway, today I want to share and compare my two favorite pairs of high-waisted denim.
Let’s start with the OGs, the Levi’s 501 Skinny Jeans
This pair is right under $100. I’ve had these for two years now and aside from the knee distressing expanding (so common) they’ve held up really well. I cut them at the ankle because I’m on the shorter side and like my jeans to hit there. They are perfectly high-waisted, come right up to my belly button and are regular denim (no stretch). However, after several wears they feel a little stretched out so I wash and dry them to shrink them back. I really rarely wash them unless I need to.
These are $178. I finally pulled the trigger on this pair last fall and have been so happy with them. Price wise they’re significantly more expensive than the Levis, which to me, is the only downside. Otherwise I think they’re very similar to the 501’s. I do prefer the wash on this pair, but I’m sure there’s a Levi pair with a similar color.
It should also be noted I wear my normal size in both and they have a similar level of comfort!
I’ve needed a new pair of denim shorts all summer, so I decided it was finally time to bite the bullet and get a pair. But let me just tell you, it wasn’t that simple. I tried on five different pairs in order to find the best fit and I wanted to stay under $100.
I love the Agolde Parker shorts but they’re $$$. I probably wouldn’t mind making the investment if I knew they’d fit for a long time. But my body is still shifting since having Wilder. My hips seem to slowly be shrinking… and who knows how much longer I’ll be this size. Not really worth spending money on a pair of shorts that will only fit me for one season. Plus we are on vacation this week and I knew I’d want a pair of cutoffs to wear.
Levis – this is the pair I ended up getting. Great high-waisted fit and loved the lighter wash. Also liked that they weren’t distressed. I sized up to a 26 in them and they’re still a little snug in the thighs.
Madewell – another pair I loved and would have purchased if they had the size and wash I wanted. Again great high-waisted fit with no distressing. Comes in several washes. My normal size 25 fit in these.
Treasure & Bond – these aren’t stiff denim, they’re stretchy which is very comfortable. However I wasn’t loving the wash/distressing on this pair. And they ran big, a 25 was loose on me.
Free People – really loved the fit and wash on this pair but wasn’t crazy about the distressing. Since it was on the hem it made the shorts feel a lot shorter in the front.
Topshop – I actually own this pair from last summer. They fit really well and are comfortable… something that’s hard to come by in high-waisted denim shorts.
Hope you’re having a good week – thank you for reading and following!
Back to basics. Like I mentioned yesterday, lately I’ve been majorly gravitating towards jeans and t-shirts. Sometimes simple outfits just feel the best and there are lots of different ways you can style them together.
Lately I’ve been all about jeans and t-shirts. I’m loving the ease and simplicity of getting dressed but in order to not be repetitive I’m mixing it up with this asymmetrical top.
I'm Ashley, a professional stylist, wife, and new mom, sharing my love of fashion, beauty, home decor, travel, and life in sunny Southern California!