A pair of jeans is a pair of jeans, right? Until one pair makes the outfit look clean with a white tee, and another pair somehow makes the same white tee look old-fashioned. That is usually when you realize denim is not just the bottom half of the outfit. Sometimes it is doing most of the styling before you even add shoes.
Everlane’s denim section is useful for this because it offers more than one type of jean. Their women’s denim page sorts by straight, wide, barrel, relaxed, baggy, shorts, high rise, mid rise, and low rise, so it is easier to pick based on the shape you actually wear.
1. The Original Cheeky Jean
The Original Cheeky Jean is the one I’d start with if your denim drawer feels a little confused.
It has a higher rise and straighter leg, and the back pockets sit higher and closer together, which is probably why it looks more shaped than a basic straight jean. I love the raised back-hook seam and its “Happy Pockets.” It is clearly made to do more than just sit there.
I’d wear the Vintage Dark or Indigo Rinse with a ribbed tank, loafers, and a small shoulder bag. It gives coffee-run jeans but not sloppy coffee-run jeans.
2. Low-Slung Tie-Front Jean
This Everlane jean is exactly why I keep looking at relaxed denim even when I already own enough jeans. The low-slung fit feels easy, and the tie-front waist adds a little styled detail without needing a belt.
I’d let the waist show with a fitted tank or cropped shirt, then keep the rest simple with flat sandals or sneakers, and a small crossbody bag.
3. The Way-High Sailor Jean 2.0
The Way-High Sailor Jean 2.0 is the wide-leg pair that makes the outfit look planned in a snap. The A-line wide-leg shape gives it more movement than a regular straight jean.
Everlane updated this version with a slightly lowered but still Way-High rise, improved waist comfort, and a comfier seat shape, which matters because wide-leg denim can get annoying fast if the waist is fighting you all day. T
4. Everlane x Elena Bonvicini Thalia Mini Skirt
This Everlane x Elena Bonvicini skirt has that low-slung mini shape that makes denim feel cooler right away. The wash is casual, but the cut has attitude. I have worn this skirt with a plain white tank and black flats, and honestly, it does not need much more than that.
The structured denim keeps it from feeling too flimsy, which matters with mini skirts. I’d add a cropped denim jacket only if I wanted the full matching look.
5. The Cropped Denim Jacket
The Cropped Denim Jacket is the jacket I’d grab when the outfit looks fine but a little unfinished.
The boxy shape and raglan sleeves make it feel relaxed, and the front patch pockets keep it from looking too plain. Everlane calls it a versatile in-between-weather jacket, and that is exactly how I’d use it.
Garment-Dyed Indigo looks great over cream trousers, a ribbed vest, or a fitted dress. The cropped length helps because it does not swallow the whole outfit. Some denim jackets do that, and then you spend the day looking like the jacket is wearing you.
6. The Denim Quilted Barrel Jacket
The Denim Quilted Barrel Jacket is more of a statement piece, but still wearable. The boxy fit, barrel-shaped sleeves, and vertical quilting make it look warmer and more styled than a normal denim jacket. It has a soft lining, which makes it better for work-to-weekend dressing than something stiff and cold.
I pick this jacket every time the rest of the outfit looks too boring. Black jeans, plain tee, low boots. Let the jacket be the part people notice.
7. Way-High A-Line Denim Short
This Everlane short has the clean denim look I like for summer, especially in the darker rinse. The A-line shape gives the legs room and makes it feel more polished than tiny cutoffs.
I wore this for a coffee run with a fitted white tee, ballet flats, and a denim jacket, and it felt easy without looking like I had just thrown on whatever shorts were closest.
The Denim That Works
The denim pieces I keep trusting are usually the ones that don’t need too much saving. That is what good denim does. It makes getting dressed feel easier, not like one more thing I have to fix before leaving.
Written by
Freya Dunley
Freya Dunley writes about fashion trends, outfit ideas, shopping finds and easy style tips, helping readers discover wearable looks, fresh pieces and smart ways to dress with confidence every day.