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We talk about jeans a lot, and for good reason. They’re a staple in our wardrobes that never go out of style, constantly evolving to keep pace with trends. But while silhouettes shift over time, some styles remain timeless classics.
One such enduring style is the straight-leg jean, beloved for its versatility and flattering fit that suits just about any outfit or occasion.
I’ve featured several straight leg options over the last few months so I thought it would be helpful to map out my top three picks, which happen to fall in the Splurge, Spend and Save categories.
Splurge, Spend and Save: Straight Leg Jeans
From pairing effortlessly with sneakers (remember have the hem just graze your ankle) and a casual tee to elevating with a blouse and heels, straight-leg jeans adapt to any look. They strike the perfect balance between comfort and polish, making them a go-to choice for every season.
My recommendation is a slim-straight leg, not too full and not skin tight, let the leg sit just skim the body. You can wear any wash you prefer, I happed to currently be gravitating toward a medium to light wash, but I also have versions of these in dark wash too.
Splurge: Mother The Hiker Skimp Straight Leg Jeans
Starting with our Splurge, The Hiker Skimp Straight Leg Jeans from Mother have impeccable fit and comfort, with a mid-rise and button fly. These have stretch but not like a pair from Old Navy.
Mother notoriously varies in sizing—they either run small or large. If you’re between sizes, I’d recommend going down. I took a 28, and they fit perfectly right out of the box, but I might try a 27 to account for any stretch over time. To find your ideal fit, consider ordering a couple of sizes to compare, as their sizing can be unpredictable.
Splurge
Mother The Hiker Skimp Straight Leg Jeans
$268Spend: J.Crew High-rise Straight Jean in 1996 Semi-Stretch
For a mid-priced option, J.Crew is a fantastic choice. Their High-Rise Straight Jean in 1996 Semi-Stretch offers a fit similar to a girlfriend jean—a slimmer alternative to a loose-fitting boyfriend style.
Of our three options, these have the most casual vibe, which might make you think they’re best suited for sneakers. However, I find the opposite to be true: sneakers can make these jeans feel a bit too relaxed. Instead, try contrasting the rugged, casual feel of these jeans with something more refined, like a heeled shoe or boot; they also pair beautifully with a classic loafer.
Spend
J.Crew High-Rise Straight Jean in 1996 Semi-Stretch
$148.00Save: Old Navy High-Waisted Wow Straight Ankle Jeans
Lastly, our Save option is the reader-favorite Old Navy High-Waisted WOW Straight Ankle Jeans.
These jeans have a slightly slimmer fit, leaning toward a skinny style while still being classified as straight. They aren’t quite slim enough to tuck into tall boots but offer a more tailored look compared to the Mother and J.Crew options.
Old Navy has delivered some amazing finds over the past few years. While not every item is a standout, they’re a reliable choice if you’re looking for quality on a budget. Honestly, while I’m willing to splurge in certain categories, I ended up buying three pairs of these jeans—there’s really no need to spend more for a higher-priced option when these deliver so well.
These are only $20 available in a range of washes, in sizes 0 – 30 in regular, tall and petite.
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