4 Tips to Help You Find the Perfect Pair of Jeans

Emily Laurence
Aug 19, 2014

It’s crazy that the most basic clothing staple is the hardest to shop for. Between making your butt look good, being the perfect length in heels and in flats + not showing your undies when you bend over, there’s a lot of jobs that jeans need to do. With fall just around the corner, we’ll soon be trading in our maxis and sundresses for denim and sweaters. Before you go out searching for that “perfect pair,” read these tips from Madewell‘s head of design, Somsack Sikhounmuong on how to buy the perfect pair!

What to keep in mind

“When you head out shopping, make sure you are in a pair of pants and shoes that are easy to take on and off, because the key to finding the perfect pair of jeans is trying a lot on,” Sikhounmuong advises. “Try them on, look around in the mirror and make sure you like what you see. But mostly, be open minded. Just recently I had my die-hard lower-rise-skinny-jean friend, who was a little anxious about any other fit, try on a pair of our high-rise straight jeans. She left the store with two pairs!”

How to make sure the length works

“We’ve done our research and a lot of our customers tell us our 28 1/2″ inseam is pretty perfect,” Sikhounmuong says. Use that as your guide. If you are taller than all of your friends, add an inch. Shorter? Subtract.

On making your butt look freaking awesome

Sikhounmuong says Madewell designers spend a lot of time thinking about this. “It’s the eternal question! Look for a denim that hugs you in all the right places and is sturdy enough to hold you up and recover at the end of the day.” This is going to be different for every woman, so try on various brands and then stick with one you love. The fit will be consistent across their various cuts and washes.

Trend alert! The New Fall Pair You Have to Have

Sure, you can never have enough perfectly-fitting jeans to dress up and down, but what if you can only budget one new pair for your fall rotation?! Sikhounmuong says all the Madewell designers are loving their high-riser-skinny style in black. “It feels especially fresh and new.”

What’s your favorite denim brand? What new denim trend are you trying on this year? Tell us in the comments!

5 Fall Denim Trends That Give Skinny Jeans A Run For Their Money

Denimis essentially seasonless, but come fall and winter, we’re reaching for jeans and jackets like it’s a full-time job. Gone are the days of shorts and skirts – and even your favorite pair of leggings won’t cut it once the temperatures dip. It’s officially time to trade in your years-old skinny jeans for trendier denim pieces that’ll instantly lift your looks! Let these denim trends guide your every style move.

This season erases everything you thought you knew about jeans. They're no longer the uncomfortable, restricting silhouettes of years past – this year’s most popular denim styles are all about comfort. I’m talking baggy silhouettes and wide-leg styles that not only feel good on the body, but provide a unique shape to your outfits that you’ll have tons of fun playing with.

Baggy Jeans

Hollister

Hollister Low-Rise Dark Wash Super Baggy Jeans

I simply cannot escape the baggy jeans trend. After experiencing the sheer comfort of this pair from Hollister, I don’t see myself reaching for high-waisted, skin-tight styles any time soon.

Meredith Holser

The low waist aspect of this pair in particular provides an elongating effect to my torso, and I love wearing them with basic tops. They honestly feel like I’m wearing sweatpants, but don’t look lazy at all.

Urban Outfitters

BDG Ozzy Loose Jean

If it’s a relaxed fit you’re looking for, these loose jeans from BDG are it. They have a straight leg that’s reminiscent of vintage denim styles, so they’re super timeless and easy to wear with just about anything. I know what you may be thinking – baggy jeans aren’t necessarily flattering around the bum. And while that is true, everyone’s going crazy for this low-key style. You can definitely up the baggy look by going all-out with layers and accessories.

Super Wide Leg Jeans

Free People

Levi's Ribcage Wide-Leg Jeans

I’m a big believer that wide leg jeans look good on everyone. Their natural flared effect can help shape out your waist, adding to an hourglass look. They have a very laid back feel to them that looks truly iconic alongside some statement boots!

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Wide Leg Jean

Though you can shop wide leg jeans in all sorts of waist heights, I think high-rise styles are the most flattering of them all. This Abercrombie & Fitch pair comfortably (but snugly) hugs your waist and hips before falling into a more relaxed fit around your legs.

Huge Cuffs

Free People

We The Free Final Countdown Cuffed Low-Rise Jeans

Want that off-duty model look? Cuff it. Jeans with exaggerated cuffs are everywhere this season! They’re perfect for drawing attention to the bottom half of your outfits, so there's no excuse not to rock these with your favorite fall shoes!

American Eagle

American Eagle Stretch High-Waisted Stovepipe Cuffed Jean

The cuffing in question also works in a two-toned denim look that’s super easy to achieve. I love that this pair from American Eagle still boasts a simple, familiar silhouette, but has a unique style twist in the cuffs. I’d wear them with some fall-esque clogs and an oversized flannel up top.

Deep, Dark Washes

Gap

Gap Mid Rise '90s Loose Jeans

If I had to sum up the dark wash denim trend in one word, it’d be ‘sophisticated.’ The deeper, almost-black blue color is definitely less casual than a light or medium wash would be, so I think they’re perfect for elevating a still-cozy outfit.

J.Crew

J.Crew Denim Trouser

You could even wear them to the office with the right silhouette and matching garments – these loose-fitting denim trousers could become a total main character moment when paired with ballet flats, a belt, and a tailored cardigan.

Denim Barn Jackets

J.Crew

J.Crew Denim Barn Jacket

Moving away from pants territory, denim jackets will always be a proper fit for fall. Right now, barn jackets (also referred to as chore jackets or barn coats – they’re all the same style) are having a moment, taking on denim in the cutest way. This J.Crew jacket is the perfect final piece for layering on top of sweaters and flannels, and it would even look chic worn with a pair of jeans in a coordinating wash!

Free People

We The Free Denim Barn Coat

This Free People jacket boasts a contrasting corduroy collar that can add a bit of spice to your looks. The oversized, loose fit gives that cool-girl effect that works well with more form-fitting garments like dresses or skirts. I think this is a definite staple that you can wear year after year!

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more seasonal trends!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

denimjeansfashion trendsfall fashionshoppingstyle

10 Ways Your Home Office Design Is Killing Your Productivity

I've been working from home since long before it became the norm. And my "office" has evolved from a spindled-back chair at the kitchen table to an airy home office with a view. Back then, my productivity took a hit without essentials like adequate storage space, comfortable seating, and a bit of privacy. While it has its perks, working from home comes with its fair share of challenges; your home office setup doesn't need to be one of them.

Here are 10 ways to redesign your home office for better productivity!

Caio

1. Bad Lighting

Dim or harsh overhead lighting can strain your eyes and limit your focus. Try to get close to a window for natural light or use daylight bulbs to mimic sunlight to boost your mood, creativity, and focus. Find a desk lamp that works for you too!

Ella Jardim

2. Clutter Everywhere

A cluttered desk equals a cluttered mind, IMO. Reduce the stress that comes with a disorganized and cluttered desk by bringing in shelves and organizers; finding sleek cable-management solutions; and removing any unnecessary items to reduce visual distractions.

Vlada Karpovich

3. Uncomfortable Furniture

If you're sitting most of the day, it's so important to invest in a good desk chair. An unsupportive chair or poorly sized desk can be uncomfortable, making it harder to stay focused for long periods of time. Your back will thank you!

Ketut Subiyanto

4. No Boundaries Between Work and Home

Distractions at home like kids and partners can kill your productivity. Avoid blurring the line between work and home life by designating a private space, separate from high-traffic spaces, for your work hours if you can. Use rugs, curtains, or acoustic panels to reduce noise too.

Mizuno K

5. Lack of Storage

I get it, they're not the best-looking pieces in your home, but without proper filing systems you’ll waste time hunting for important documents or supplies. Invest in modern storage options that look good too from Mustard Made and The Container Store.

Vlada Karpovich

6. Unoptimized Tech Setup

Slow Internet or outdated tech tools can make you feel totally frustrated and can slow down your productivity. Upgrade your Internet to a faster connection, and refresh your tech gadgets and programs to make sure you work more efficiently.

Ivan Samkov

7. Awkward Desk Placement

Placing your desk in a spot with too much noise, traffic, or distractions — like facing a TV — will guarantee to disrupt your concentration. Find a more zen spot where you can focus on the tasks of the day.

Anna Shvets

8. Ignoring Ergonomics

Check your monitor height, keyboard positioning, and add a wrist rest so you don't lead to feeling uncomfortable and fatigued, cutting your workday short.

Mikhail Nilov

9. Lack of Personalization

A sterile, uninspiring office design does your motivation and creativity no favors. Make work feel less like a chore by adding personal touches through artwork, personal photos, candles, some fresh flowers or plants. Greenery can improve air quality and actually reduce work stress. Add a little snack station for quick energy boosts and keep water handy. Also, your Zoom backgrounds should reflect your personality!

Serpstat

10. No Inspiration

No matter what you do — whether it's a creative work or something more analytical — you want to feel inspired. Personalization can help, but dive into vision boards, books, magazines, quotes that inspire your work and help you bring fresh ideas to your workday. Color psychology can help too: blues and greens encourage focus and reduce stress while pops of yellow or orange can spark creativity! Break out the paint if needed!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more home decor ideas!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

home officedeskhome decor adviceproductivityproductivity tipsproductivity hackshome decor

11 Flattering Plus Size Jeans That Hug You In All The Right Places

When it comes to clothing, there's nothing more empowering than a good-fitting pair of jeans. And I'm not just talking good, I'm talking these-jeans-were-literally-made-for-me good. As a midsize gal who once exclusively shopped in the plus size section, I know how hard it can be to track down that quality in jeans. Luckily, I've done the research through lived experience (and lots of shopping) and found a handful of brands who've absolutely mastered making on-trend jeans for gals with curvier proportions. Scroll on to see 11 downright flattering pairs of plus size jeans, all perfectly eligible for year-round wear to boost your confidence and complement your personal style.

Levi's

Levi's 501 Original Fit Women's Jeans

Levi's 501 jeans silhouette is the literal blueprint when it comes to denim. They're utterly timeless, and thankfully, very flattering. With a high waistline and straight legs, they're also really easy to wear any way you like. This medium-wash pair in particular will fit closer around the waist and hips before flaunting a looser fit along the legs. The material they're made of boasts a gentle stretchiness to move with you perfectly! Available in sizes 16-24.

Old Navy

Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Sky-Hi Wide-Leg Jeans

One major quality I look for in plus size jeans is a high waistline, because I've found it fits my body best and helps smooth out my tummy. This pair from Old Navy features an extra high waist which is balanced out by wide legs, creating a silhouette that favors bodies that might be more top-heavy. The coolest part is the colorblocked design that'll absolutely turn heads wherever you wear 'em. Available in sizes 00-30.

Gap

Gap High Rise Barrel Jeans

Gap also has tons of plus size jeans to pick from! Barrel jeans are hot right now, and no one should be left out of the trend. This style is shoppable in a wide size range and four different denim washes to help you find your perfect pair! This one is especially comfy since the legs are meant to be very drapey and loose. The waistline is definitely more fitted, and the hem of these jeans tapers inward to create a playful shape that can work stylish wonders with your body. Available in sizes 24-35.

Good American

Good American Always Fits Good Legs Straight Jeans

Good American's plus size jeans are really unique in that they follow a versatile one-size-fits-four sizing chart and always flaunt a gap-proof waistband. The material they're made of has 100% stretch that "ensures optimal flexibility and unrestricted movement." You'll find that the mid-rise waistline and straight leg styling will work with a variety of outfits and garments, making these a great pair to rock year-round. Available up to size 32.

Madewell

Madewell The Plus '90s Straight Jean

These jeans are made from a stretchy material that still retains some rigidity for shaping your body, but not restricting it. They are fairly fitted through the hips and thighs but boast a higher back rise for a "curve-enhancing lift." I really enjoy the darker wash on these, too. It feels perfectly formal for in-office days or date nights, but can easily be styled for casual outings. Available in sizes 14-24.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love Low Rise Baggy Jean

Abercrombie & Fitch's Curve Love line is a total godsend for curvy and plus size people. The bespoke fit "eliminates waist gap with additional room through the hip and thigh," and while you may feel weary about rockin' a low-rise pair, I'd argue they're the comfiest silhouette you could ever rock, since the waistband won't dig into your stomach. The baggier fit around the hips and legs is helpful on lazy days, too, all while still making you look put-together. This style comes in so many different washes and lengths. Available in sizes 23-37.

Old Navy

Old Navy High-Waisted OG Loose Utility Jeans

The vertical seaming on these jeans can help shape your body and supply a nice elongating effect for your legs. The waistline sits at the belly button while the fit is only semi-fitted through the hips and thighs. These also have a slight stretch to them, thanks to 1% spandex. Available in sizes 00-30.

American Eagle

American Eagle Stretch Super High-Waisted Straight Jean

American Eagle also brings the range when it comes to plus size jeans. If you're on the hunt for a solid everyday pair, these straight-leg jeans are it! They're crafted from a mid-weight structured denim material with "just enough stretch" for everyday comfort. The medium wash is perfect for pairing with anything from blazers to t-shirts, though they also come in two lighter colors. Available in sizes 000-24.

Free People

We The Free CRVY Gia Wide-Leg Jeans

These designed-for-curves jeans have an additional 2-inch difference between the waist and hips to accomodate for larger, curvier bodies. The high waist-wide leg combo is ultimately super flattering since it can help balance out your figure. I'd absolutely wear these with my fave sweater and ballet flats for fall time! Available in sizes 28-35.

Levi's

Levi's Classic Bootcut Jeans

Another staple in the Levi's jeans vault, this bootcut pair is especially laidback. They have a hint of stretch that's perfect for sporting every day, and the vintage-inspired silhouette is totally on-trend for this season. Levi's says they're their "softest jeans ever." Available up to size 26.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love High Rise Cropped Wide Leg Jean

Cropped jeans are especially fun to wear with boots, so you can show off your best footwear. These A&F jeans also follow the brand's Curve Love guidelines, being made with additional room along the hips and thighs. The material is equal parts drapey and rigid to help shape your bod. Available in sizes 24-34.

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more trending fashion picks + editor-loved styles!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

plus size fashionjeansdenimplus sizeshoppingstyle

Spencer Pratt & Heidi Montag Break Down In Tears About “Life Changing” Public Support After $2.5 Million Home Burned Down

The world watched as the devastating L.A. fires swept away home after home last week — including reality TV icons Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt's. To say it was heartbreaking for the L.A. community would be a gross understatement, and these two have been very open about the toll it's taken on their family. In an interview with Good Morning America, the couple opened up to share about their experience — and share the incredible way friends and fans have come together to support them.

Looking for ways to help L.A. after the devastating fires? Here's a very helpful list of resources you can donate to!

Here's how fans are helping Spencer Pratt & Heidi Montag after the L.A. fires

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt joined Good Morning Americaon January 15, 2025 to talk about how the L.A. fires continue to impact them. The couple shared what it was like having to quickly leave their home in a moment's notice. Heidi explained that Spencer told her to grab anything she wanted to keep, so she ended up grabbing her kids' teddy bears because she was so flustered.

When their $2.5 million home actually caught fire, Spencer got choked up talking about watching their kids' rooms burn on their cameras. He said, "Our son’s bed started just burning in the shape of a heart. The fire started in the shape of a heart. I was like, ‘This is like, out of body insane.’"

Outside of that, the couple detailed the loss beyond the material items of it all. Spencer opened up about the memories lost throughout it all, too. He said, “I feel like a ghost. I don’t have a single photo now from before an iPhone existed. I don’t have any of the dumb little things that are on your shelves in your parents’ they’re all gone. Not a single nothing.”

And to Heidi, their home was more than a physical place to live. She shared, “It’s a place that you love that you live, it’s a refuge from the world. And to have that be gone, it’s a really difficult concept to continue to daily deal with."

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

In the midst of the devastation, fans and friends have banded together to support Heidi and Spencer in a really unique way. After Spencer posted on TikTok that people should stream Heidi's 2010 album Superficial, so they can generate revenue to rebuild their lives with, people took that and ran with it. The song eventually hit #1 on iTunes, and Spencer even shared that there's potential for it to hit Billboard's Hot 100 Dance Chart, too.

And it's not just fans blasting this throwback song. Friends and fellow celebrities like Paris Hilton and Flava Flav both posted the song on TikTok. Plus, former The Hills co-stars shared the song as well, including Brody Jenner, Kristin Cavallari, and Audrina Patridge.

Heidi said, “The fan support has been such a light in such a darkness for us. It’s life-changing.”

We're sending love to Heidi and Spencer — and all the families impacted by the terrible L.A. fires this year.

Looking for more celebrity news? Be sure to follow us on Facebook so you never miss a thing.

celebritycelebrity couplescelebrity news

OMG, Netflix Just Confirmed The ‘You’ Season 5 Release Date (With New Video)

Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) is back for another season of snooping and stalking in New York City, and thanks to the new You season 5 teaser, we know exactly when this new TV show is returning. In addition to showing us characters from the past like Guinevere Beck (Elizabeth Lail), Love Quinn (Victoria Pedretti), and Marienne Bellamy (Tati Gabrielle), Joe straight-up says goodbye to the one person who's always been there: you. Yep, Netflix went there.

“Every season they manage to find new space to make it interesting and relevant,” Penn Badgley told Tudum. “And this season, I think somehow coming back to where it started allowed for it to just become grounded in the way that it needs to also have this kind of spectacular finish.”

Here's a breakdown of that brand new You season 5 teaser.

"Hello, you. Do you remember me? Cause I remember you," Joe asks in the You season 5 teaser, over shots of New York City and Mooney's Books. "Here we are together again, back to where it began."

"A lot has happened these many years together," he continues. "Identities, cities, loves, complications." The trailer is a walk down memory lane for viewers and for Joe as he remembers Beck, Love, and Marienne — and locking them up. Plus some fights and escapes he made along the way.

"All that led me here to now, to where I as always meant to be," he says. "And the one constant, the one thing that has always been there for me, is you. You who have been there the whole time and will be there with me to the end. Goodbye, you."

Okay, this is totally giving me Black Mirror, metaverse vibes, especially since Joe's in his creepy underground bunker with all that blue lighting. I have chills down my spine just watching this!

Is season 5 of You coming out?

Yes, You season 5 is dropping on Netflix April 24, 2025.

We've been waiting for new episodes since season 4 premiered in 2023, but the writers and stars have been planning Joe's ending for much longer. "We have some ideas that we've been talking about pretty much from the beginning," Sera Gamble told EW when she was showrunner in 2023. "It's really the debate about what kind of justice would be fair and appropriate for a guy like Joe. And then do we believe that he would get that kind of punishment? My short answer is like, maybe not from the American system. But there might be other ways. So that's the stuff we're talking about."

But whatever these writers and directors have up their sleeves, Penn Badgley promises You season 5 will come to a "perfect" conclusion. “I would love for people to just be like, ‘Wow, it’s over and I feel good and I don’t want to watch it again,'" he told Harper's Bazaarin March of 2023. And honestly, a perfect ending is all TV fans can hope for these days, right?

Who's in the You season 5 cast?

The final season of You stars Penn Badgley, Madeline Brewer, Anna Camp, Charlotte Richie, and Griffin Matthews.

Are you excited for the final season of You? I cannot wait to see the way Penn Badgley and Netflix bring the show to a close. Follow us on Facebook for the latest You season 5 news — and updates on all your favorite TV shows!

pop cultureentertainmentyoutv