1 Editor Road Tested These Under-$35 Jeans, and Yes, They're Beyond Flattering

Like most millennials, jeans are a staple in my wardrobe, and I wear them constantly. To put it into perspective, I own nearly 40 pairs of jeans, and I do not discriminate. From boyfriend to superskinny, light wash to dark wash, and high-waisted to low-rise, I am most definitely a self-described jean fanatic. But as much as I love denim and wholeheartedly believe jeans can be worn anywhere, I always run into two problems when shopping for a new pair.

First, let it be known, I’m curvy and petite. I have hips and a butt, but I’m also just under 5'2", so sizing is definitely an issue for me. Always. If a pant doesn’t flatter my figure and hit my ankles at just the right spot, I won’t wear it. Second, I may be a fashion enthusiast, but I’m also a smart shopper, and I'm always on the lookout for a sweet deal. While quality clothing is a must, it’s just not realistic for me to drop $100 or more on a single pair of jeans. And as it turns out, I’m not the only one who feels that way.

Enter Charlotte Russe — aka the game changer. While hunting for my next pair of It jeans, I discovered that not only does Charlotte Russe have an extensive collection of denim, in all shapes, styles, washes, and designs, but the prices cannot be beat. At just $32 a pop on average, and even less during a promotion, I was immediately intrigued. But let’s be real: the true test goes down in the fitting room. After trying and retrying on countless pairs of Charlotte Russe denim, I became convinced of two things: 1. I don't have to go broke to score a good pair of jeans — who knew? And 2. A trip to the tailor isn't always necessary. If it sounds too good to be true, the proof is in my photos! Check them out ahead, and find out why I was so impressed.

I instantly fell in love with this pair after the sales associate brought them into my dressing room, telling me they’d look “so cute” on me. I was thrilled to discover she was not wrong! I’m a huge fan of boyfriend/girlfriend styles, and I definitely think Charlotte Russe’s options stack up against the best. They were roomy but not baggy and had just the right amount of slouch. The length was also great, as they’re designed to show off a little more ankle. Paired with a laid-back crop tee, I discovered my new go-to weekend outfit. Not to mention, my boyfriend absolutely loved these jeans on me — this was his favorite look.

A back-to-school necessity, high-rise skinny jeans are classic and superversatile. Unlike in many skinny styles, I felt like I could actually move freely while wearing this pair. I also couldn’t believe how perfectly they fit — no cuffing needed. Curve-hugging and sleek, these jeans also made my booty pop, which is always a plus. Worn with a bodysuit tee, I felt extra confident and flirty.

Similar to boyfriend jeans, the “skinny boyfriend” has a relaxed fit, but at the same time, it’s a bit more structured and fitted. If you’re in the market for elevated denim that’s just right — not too loose but not too tight — this style is your sweet spot. I can see myself wearing this pair to the office or to happy hour, and I love how it accentuated my curves without restricting my movement. For shorter curvy girls like me, try tucking in your top to accentuate your waist.

When I asked a Charlotte Russe sales associate which jeans are their most popular, she didn’t miss a beat before saying the skintight legging — or jegging. Upon trying a few pairs on, it wasn’t hard to see why. These jeans were hands down my favorite. They had it all as far as I’m concerned, as they fit well, were weirdly comfortable, and featured on-trend stylish detailing. I loved the strategically placed holes that actually were placed over my knees — fellow short girls know exactly what I’m talking about. The asymmetrical fringe hemline was the icing on the cake. But the best part is that they gave me Legs. For. Days. These truly did feel like yoga pants, but looked infinitely more polished. It’s safe to say I’ll be relying on these a lot this Fall.

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