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Including picks from Madewell, Free People, and Wrangler.
When I was in fashion design, I always admired the work of the denim designers on my team. The denim sourcing, stitching, hardware, washes, distressing, fit, etc., are just a few of the aspects that go into making a quality denim piece. And while denim can look the same at first glance, it’s truly in the details where you find appreciation for the craftsmanship. That said, I took to my own closet to round up the six denim pieces I’m coveting, including jeans, jumpsuits, maxi skirts, jackets, and more from Madewell, Wrangler, and Free People—plus, prices start at $30.
6 Editor-Loved Denim Pieces:
- Petal & Pup Dana Front Slit Denim Midi Skirt, $69; nordstrom.com
- Astylish Button-Down Denim Shirt, $30 (Originally $38); amazon.com
- Madewell Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean, $138; madewell.com
- Cantonwalker Denim Jacket, $46; amazon.com
- Wrangler Bespoke High-Rise Bootcut Jean, $70; wrangler.com
- Free People We the Free Marci Denim Jumpsuit, $158; nordstrom.com
Madewell Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean
$138 at Madewell.com
Of all the denim pieces I own, the one that I reach for the most is Madewell’s Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean. Available in petite, standard, plus, and tall sizing, they have a high-waisted design and an easy fit that’s ankle length. The denim is super soft and gets softer and more worn in with every wash. Plus, it has a good amount of stretch, so it moves with your body.
Petal & Pup Dana Front Slit Denim Midi Skirt
$69 at Nordstrom
If I’m not wearing my favorite jeans, I’m wearing Petal & Pup’s Dana Front-Slit Denim Midi Skirt. It comes in a light blue wash, ranges from sizes 2 through 12, and is made from 100 percent cotton. The high-waisted skirt has a straight fit that falls away from the body, and features a front slit for ease of movement.
Wrangler Bespoke High-Rise Bootcut Jean
$70 at Wrangler.com
One thing I’ve always hated about jeans is how they gap at the waist, and I’m forced to always wear a belt. Wrangler’s Bespoke High-Rise Bootcut Jean is the first in my collection that hugs my waist and thighs like a glove. It comes in a medium and dark wash, and sizes range from 25 to 34. They have a contoured waistband that sits close to the body, angled pockets that flatter the bum, a classic button and zipper closure, and a bootcut hem.
Free People We the Free Marci Denim Jumpsuit
$158 at Nordstrom
Free People’s We the Free Marci Denim Jumpsuit is my go-to low-effort outfit when I want to look like I put thought into my outfit even when I didn’t. The downside is that my exact website is no longer available, but the newer version is actually better. My jumpsuit has hook-and-eye closures, but the updated style now has buttons so that it won’t come undone. The fit is relaxed throughout but has elastic that cinches at the waist for some shape. It comes in a true blue wash, and sizes range from XS to XL.
Astylish Button-Down Denim Shirt
Orig. $38 $30 at Amazon
I’m usually opposed to buying button-downs online, because they’re so easy to find at the thrift store. But I recently took a shot on this Astylish Button-Down Denim Shirt from Amazon, and it’s quickly turned into my most-worn piece. It comes in six washes, ranging from size S to 2XL. It’s made from 100-percent cotton that’s lightweight and breathable and has a relaxed fit ideal for layering that stops mid-thigh.
Cantonwalker Denim Jacket
$46 at Amazon
Behind my Madewell jeans, Cantonwalker’s Denim Jacket may be my next-most-worn denim piece. It extends the life of a lot of my summer pieces into fall because I can just wear it over top of tanks and short sleeves. It comes in black, light, medium, and dark blue washes and sizes S to XL. It has an oversized fit that’s great for layering, and it’s made from a cotton-polyester blend that’s on the heavier side, making it great for cooler days. Editor’s note: It has four functional pockets but they are sewn shut, but they can be opened by ripping at the seams.