The best jeans for women are the pairs you want to live in—ones you can wear over and over again, that only get better each time you slip them on. They’re the styles that might be a small investment, but have a large return, lasting for years to come. If you’re in the market for some new denim, keep in mind that trends come and go, but classics are forever.

What to look for when shopping for jeans:

• Leg Style: This is where I like to start. Am I looking for a skinny, straight, boot, flare, wide, barrel, baggy, boyfriend, or mom fit? It all depends on my mood—and anything else I’m thinking about styling it with. I typically lean towards a straight-leg or bootcut for its versatility.
• Waist Height: This normally will depend on your height or torso length. If you are on the petite side, I would recommend a low or mid-rise, which will naturally sit a little higher up. If you are taller, a high or extra high rise will work well with your proportions. Of course, for days when you need to be comfortable (or are maybe expecting!), you might want to play around with tie waists, or even an elastic maternity style for extra bump support.
• Jean Length: Jean lengths can range from crop and capri, to ankle- and full-length, and even puddle. I would think about your height and shoe option here—do you want the shoe style to be the statement or more hidden? Are you wearing flats or heels? All important considerations!
• Wash Color: Shade is again a personal preference, but I think it is important to have at least one style of each in your wardrobe to be able to mix it up—light, mid, dark, white, black, acid, and even a pop of color.
• The Details: An easy way to upgrade or modernize a jean is through small details: distressing, pleats, stitching, and pockets are all things to consider when looking for your next go-to.

Regardless of your preferred style, body type, or shopping habits, sticking to simple, vintage-inspired washes with minimal (if any!) distressing is the way to go for maximum versatility. Of course, with hundreds of options on the market, it can still be daunting trying to find the best pairs. So, we’ve gone through them all for you, to bring you the best jeans for women—after all, a perfect fit will never bring buyer’s remorse.

The High-Rise Straight

A pair of high-waisted, straight-leg jeans is as classic as it gets. The style hails straight from the ’90s, but has been reinterpreted by today’s designers for contemporary wear. Frame’s Pixie Gray are high on our must-haves, as are Khaite’s rinse-wash Abigails. For pairs under $300, look to Agolde and Madewell. Style any with a tucked-in T-shirt or button-down and a simple shoe, and you have an everyday look that feels just downright cool.

The Flare

The flare jean has taken on many personas over the years, from the buttoned, naval garb to the bohemian bell bottoms of the ’70s. Today, it is considered a style constant, always on offer by true denim brands. Take, for instance, Mother’s The Weekender; this bestseller is available season after season, reissued in new washes. (The Rodeo I’m wearing from Frame has a similar fit.) If you prefer micro bootcut jeans (a major trend of-the-moment), we’ve got you covered, too. Veronica Beard’s high-waisted jeans has the subtlest bell.

The Cropped Jean

Cropped jeans are where many petites find their best denim, ensuring hems don’t drag and shoes can be on full display. The best cropped jeans ideally hit right above the ankle. It’s a proportion that’s perfect for petite women but stylish on every height. Agolde’s Arc are an editor-favorite (Vogue’s shopping director Talia Abbas lives in hers), as well as the Winslow Boyfriend jean, which have a 26 and 26.5 inch inseam length, respectively; both are meant to be worn low and loose on the hips. Slightly longer are the Levi’s 501s ’90s ankle jeans—with their 27-inch inseam; they’re ever so slightly on the baggier side, so size down for a closer fit.

The Wide-Leg

Wide-leg jeans are a wardrobe staple that add instant sophistication to any look. If you pick the right wash, they can easily take you from the workplace to the weekend and beyond. We love an assortment of variations, whether that be simple, high-rise jeans in a true blue like the Secret Sauce from AYR, or a fashion-crowd favorite, such as Levi’s loose boot jean, in a milkshake-colored wash.

The Baggy

There’s something about a baggy jean that always feels good. Relaxed and fuss-free—they’re what effortless denim is all about (and are unsurprisingly, are very easy to style). We can’t get enough of the low-rise styles out there currently—Levi’s throwback designs to Gap’s relaxed wide-legs—available in a bevy of washes ripe.

The Trouser

The trouser jean gets comfy points for its effortless, wide-leg, but these are the jeans you can also confidently wear to the office. From pleated waists to creased fronts, be sure to choose a style that resembles the feel of trousers. Consider something from tried-and-true favorite, Agolde, or a pleated pair from Rùadh. Pair with a cropped jacket and loop in a belt and you’ll be good to go.

The Slim-Fit

Slim-fit jeans wear close to the leg, but don’t feel as unforgiving as a skin-tight jegging. Toteme’s organic jean is a forever essential in our book, while Levi’s has an under-$100 option in their classic 501 style. Khaite’s Callum style, meanwhile, is perfect for taller women. A word to the wise: If you’re drawn to this silhouette, opt for a high-rise fit and pair with a pointy shoe (as Vogue’s lifestyle editor, Elly Leavitt, does here) to really get that long and leggy look. You can wear these with everything from tanks and tees to knits and leather jackets all year long—they’re that versatile.

The Barrel

We have officially reached the phase where barrel-leg jeans are now a bonafide denim staple. The curved leg plays off the proportions of a straight and wide-leg, giving them an entirely new feel. From TWP’s statement-making dark-wash to a crisp white from The Maker, these voluminous styles look great with everything from your favorite T-shirt and retro sneakers, to a draped top and kitten heels for a night out. Pump up the volume!

The Carpenter Jean

This style of jeans is the quiet overachiever of your closet—utilitarian in spirit, unfussy in attitude. With their signature hammer loops and roomy pockets, they bring a laidback, borrowed-from-the-boys energy to every ensemble. Try Tibi’s earth toned pair, seen below, or opt for Another Tomorrow’s more elevated wide-leg take.

The Skinny

Skinny jeans are officially back! Whether you’re in the market for a curvy-friendly, black skinny, a stretchy light wash, or a dark wash jeans style with a longer inseam, embrace the Y2K revival with simple styles that work for everyday, sans embellishment or raw hems. The sky’s the limit when it comes to styling, so give them your best Kate Moss by styling with a billowy blouse and ballet flats, or a tailored blazer and silky tank top, to keep things feeling extra polished.

The Trimmed and Tied

All things trimmed and tied have taken center stage in the world of denim trends. Adorning timeless, often wide-leg silhouettes, you’ll find everything from buckles to drawstring waists, plus thin, belted detailing on relaxed fits. Still Here’s Buckle jeans are a year-round favorite, while roomy variations from Citizens of Humanity, Agolde, and Cos, are quintessential summer denim picks.

The Maternity Jean

Finding the perfect pair of maternity jeans depends on your personal style and comfort level. Maybe you don’t want to go down this route (totally fair!), however, if you do, Vogue new mom Cortne Bonilla says that the best ones to invest in are those that don’t look like pregnancy pants—with an easy band that can be hidden beneath chic, everyday layers.