11 Pairs of Jeans We're Putting in Our Denim Hall of Fame

Levi's is the OG of denim, so it's no surprise that they were high contenders for the vintage look category. That said, they've managed to improve on their very own perfection with the 501T jeans, which come in at a slight taper in the leg, making their classic 501 silhouette a little more tailored and effortlessly chic.

Levi's 501 Taper Jeans ($98)

Disclaimer: I've never been a wide-leg jeans lover. But this pair from Victoria Beckham completely changed my tune as soon as I buttoned them up. They're made of a heavy-weight denim that keeps its shape and doesn't feel like a pair of swinging palazzo pants, which allows them to act more cool-girl chic than frumpy in my book. And, with the slightly preppy detail of the grosgrain ribbon down each leg, it gives off a slightly sporty quality that you assume VB herself rocks morning, noon, and night. In short, Posh Spice has officially made me obsessed with cropped wide-leg jeans.

Victoria Victoria Beckham Grosgrain Stripe Arizona Jeans ($360)

If you're looking for a pair of jeans that will show off all your favorite shoes, ankle crop it is — and this 3x1 style is your ultimate in that category. They have just the right amount of stretch without feeling like leggings, and are perfect for day or night. Plus, they have an unfinished hem that's subtly edgy, without going all-out fringe (though I do love a fringe!)

3x1 Skinny Cropped Jeans ($185)

Aritzia only just launched denim and, let me tell you, it's so good. Always apprehensive on denim that's on the more affordable end of the spectrum, Denim Forum might just have produced a weave that surpasses those way past their price range. They're high-waisted and made of a denim that's light and soft, but have just enough weight and stretch to produce a flattering silhouette you might not have even known denim to be capable of until now.

Denim Forum The Arlo Straight ($110)

While I love Madewell for everything from floral dresses to leather jackets, it's their denim that lies at the heart of the brand. And there's certainly a reason for that. As we enter summer, the brand really starts to shine with their white denim. It's just heavy enough to not be see-through, but has enough stretch so you don't feel overly restricted. What's more? This summer they're producing the style with a fun red stripe down the leg that I can't get enough of.

Madewell Stovepipe Jeans in Tule White: Tuxedo Stripe Edition ($135)

Rag & Bone gives off such a nonchalant cool-girl rocker vibe that you can't help but gravitate towards their plethora of black skinnies. My new favorite is made of their new tech weave denim, which fits like a second skin but doesn't show off any imperfections when the light hits you at that awkward angle. They're the closest thing to pajamas you're going to get when it comes to denim, while simultaneously making you look like an off-duty model. And who can argue with that?

Rag & Bone Nina High-Rise Ankle Skinny ($115, originally $195)

Why have a boyfriend when you can have a fling? At least, that's the message being sent by Current/Elliott, who has created a pair of classic slouchy and distressed jeans that might look borrowed-from-the-boys, but don't feel like they overwhelm your frame either.

Current/Elliott The Fling ($268)

There's nothing better than a high-rise jean for walking around town. But many, when you try to sit down, feel more like a restrictive girdle than anything else. AMO has mastered high-rise denim with their Babe Jeans, though, hitting perfectly at the point right above your belly button, making for a chic silhouette when you're sitting or standing. Not to mention that you can't beat the expertly unfinished hem on these babies.

AMO Babe ($255)

From the moment I slipped into these flares, I felt skinnier, taller, and transported back to the best of 1970s style. Oh, and did I mention that they make your butt look fantastic? Because they do. Citizens of Humanity have created in their Chloe Flares, a pair of denim that's fit for everything from a chic brunch with friends to a cocktail party (with the appropriate styling pieces, of course!)

Citizens of Humanity Chloe Flare ($188)

I wish it weren't the case, but nine times out of ten, affordable denim just doesn't pass the test. It's either too thin, ill-fitting and stiff, or looks great for about a day until it starts to sag and stretch, never to be remedied. H&M's skinny jeans are the exact opposite, though, passing every test of denim and then some. They're certainly for the skinny jean lovers, as they suck you in within an inch of your life, but the heavier denim weave leaves them feeling super stretchy without feeling like leggings. In these, you'll feel like the superhero version of yourself, guaranteed.

H&M Shaping Skinny High Jeans ($50)

Real talk: trend or not, mom jeans are not flattering. That is, on most occasions. There's something about how the pockets always fall that are far from cute when you view the style from behind. Matches' in-house brand, Raey, however, has remedied that plight with their straight-leg jeans. They manage to retain everything we truly love about the trend (the high-waisted look, the slim legs, the ankle crop, the stiff denim) and still make your rear end look exactly how you want it to. Win-win!

Raey Rail High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans ($173)