Fashion: It's in Your Jeans

A good pair of dark-wash skinny jeans is the definition of a wardrobe staple: with flats or boots, they’re sleek and the color is about as close to professional as denim gets. Even if skinny isn’t your cut (and let’s face it, we don’t all have Alessandra Ambrosio’s hips), chances are you’ve been on a hunt for quality Levi’s.

My issues with jeans are two-fold: (1) I don’t like ultra-low waistbands because plumber’s crack and muffin top are terrible euphemisms for scary real-world phenomena and (2) jeans are never, ever long enough for me.

I can rarely recommend one brand or style as my across-the-board favorite, but after going to the Gap, Levi’s, J Crew, every thrift and consignment place in town and even trying on some ridiculous $200 denim at department stores, I seem to have hit on the Holy Grail.

Urban Outfitter’s BDG Cigarette skinny jeans are the only ones I tried on—and believe me, I tried dozens—to have both a regular rise waist and a 34” inseam, standard. Better yet, they’re under $60 and a little generous across all styles (I’d recommend going one waist size down).

The original Cigarette jeans I bought were made of fairly thick denim and have held up well, but I also invested in the High-Rise style, which is made of a softer, more legging-like material. They’re surprisingly comfortable for high-wasted pants and they make it look like you could serve hors d'oeuvres off that derriere. Fear not! Flattering, ultra-long jeans do exist. I suggest stocking up.