BEST JEANS UNDER $100, $200, & $300 + WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A GOOD PAIR OF DENIM

Best designer jeans at every price

Good morning beautiful ladies!  I’ve always been a denim lover, in fact, my favorite thing to wear even as a little girl were jeans!  I’ve been called the “denim whisperer” and the “jean queen” by some of my fellow denim lovers so it’s no surprise that I’m always on the hunt for the next best pair of jeans.  Another reason I’m always on the prowl for really good denim is that I literally live in them!  I wear them 6 days week, casual on the weekends with sneakers, and dressy to church or a business meeting and every in between during the week.  Needless to say, I know my denim and I know it well.  I try on tons of denim to get just the right fit, I actually have a 3 step criteria I put a pair of jeans through before I buy them which I’m going to share with you below.  I also realize that everyone is on a different budget so be sure and scroll down to check out the best designer jeans for every budget and they ALL fit the criteria below so rest-assured all the jeans listed are close to perfection!

SHOP MY LOOK: (I’M WEARING THE SOPHIE CROP HIGH RISE SKINNY BY AGOLDE & MY SWEATER IS ON SALE FOR ONLY $50)

 

WHAT I LOOK FOR IN A GOOD PAIR OF DENIM:

1.) FIT:

This is the most important factor to keep in my mind when buying denim.  What makes a great pair of jeans more than anything else is the fit and how it looks on your body.  I always make sure they are fitted enough because most denim stretches so I air on the smaller side when buying jeans with any kind of stretch in them.  I make sure the waistline doesn’t gape or isn’t too tight.  The length plays a big role as well, so they hit me just above my ankle bone which is the most flattering length by the way because it shows the thinnest part of a woman’s body – her ankles no matter what her size, not to mention ankle length jeans allow you to show off your favorite pair of heels.  If they are too long which is usually the case for me since I’m 5’4 I consider if having them hemmed by the tailor is a good option.  Usually, if the fit is amazing everywhere else it is totally worth it to me to have them hemmed.  In fact, I would say that I have 90% of my denim hemmed because being the right length is key for a well fitting pair of jeans.

2.) COMFORT :

I want to not only look good in my jeans, but I want to feel good in them too.  I always make sure they aren’t too tight or binding in the waist or the legs.  I also ensure that the denim is soft and feels good against my skin.  I travel quite a bit so it’s imperative that all of my jeans are comfortable.  Yes, some are more comfortable than others, for example, jeans with a bit of stretch in them are far more comfortable than a pair of jeans that are more rigid.  I still make sure that my rigid denim is somewhat comfortable though.  In stretchy jeans, I suggest sizing down one size and in rigid denim, I recommend sizing up one size.

3.) WEARABILITY:

Another thing I look for that’s imperative when I buy a pair of jeans is their wearability or versatility.  Are the wash and color a going to match a ton of items in my closet.  Am I going to be able to create a plethora of looks around the jeans so I ensure I get my cost per wear?  If you are not familiar with cost per wear, I talk a ton about it on my blog.  It basically means that if you spend a certain amount of money on an item are you going to get your monies worth?  If you only wear it a few times, the answer is probably no, but if you wear them 10+ times then that item was most likely a good investment.  To sum it up, if I find a pair of jeans in a versatile wash that I know I’m going to wear a ton because of their versatility then they pass the test!

Because I know everyone has a different budget, I’ve rounded up the 6 chicest pairs of jeans: 2 being under $100, 2 being under $200 and 2 being under $300.  You can also be sure that all 6 pairs of jeans below pass the criteria above making them all a wise denim purchase!

BEST DESIGNER JEANS AT EVERY PRICE: 2 UNDER $100, 2 UNDER $200 & 2 UNDER $300:

BEST JEANS UNDER $100:

JEAN #1: 501 SKINNY JEANS BY LEVIS $98:

 

This season it’s all about light wash denim, it’s so fresh and looks amazing paired with almost anything.  I came across these ripped jeans by Levi’s available on SHOPBOP and was instantly impressed, the fit is perfect and very flattering, and they don’t stretch out much at all so take your regular size.  They’re a high rise of 11 inches which is a little higher than most high rise denim and I personally love this because it means they’re even more slimming and do a great job of elongating your legs!   The best part about these chic distressed jeans is that they’re UNDER $100, yep, under $100, making them quite a steal and a definite must-have!

JEAN #2: TOPSHOP ‘JAMIE’ BLACK JEANS $70:

 

Everyone needs a good clean pair of black jeans in their denim collection.  I wear these non-ripped black jeans when I need to be a bit more dressy than usual like for church or a semi-casual business meeting.  I always love to pair my black jeans with a chic blazer and a stunning heel for a polished look sure to take you anywhere in style!  These jeans are from Topshop and are sold in Nordstrom, they’re called ‘The Jamie’ jean.  This particular style jean comes in tons of washes, some with distressing and some without so there is a wide variety to choose from.  They’re an uber high rise which means they will make your legs appear longer and slimmer, always a plus.  These jeans are also very comfortable because they have a nice amount of stretch to them. They come in tons of washes, I’m really loving the white for spring!  Another thing I love about these jeans is that they come in 2 lengths, I always opt for the shorter length since I’m 5’4.  These jeans run very small by the way so I suggest sizing up one to two sizes.  I wear a size 25 in most designer denim and in these, I wear a size 26W x 28L Petite.

BEST JEANS UNDER $200:

JEAN #1: THE ‘RILEY’ BY AGOLDE $198

 

These are hands-down the most fashion-forward pair of jeans hanging in my closet.  They’re cut in 2019’s hottest denim silhouette which is a straight leg, high-rise, and ankle length.  They’re made of rigid denim which I talked about above so these are not as comfortable as a pair of jeans of with some stretch in them, but for a rigid pair of jeans, these are pretty comfortable.  I love the faded light wash because they go so well with all of my spring and summer tops.  They also come in white which I just ordered and can’t wait to wear this season!  Pastels are also a huge trend in 2019 and this color of denim compliments pastels perfectly!  I’ve only had these jeans for about a month and already worn them 7 times so I know I’m well on my way to making them worth every penny when I consider the cost per wear!

Dallas blogger weairng metallic moto jacket and Agolde jeans

SHOP THIS LOOK:

 

JEAN #2: SOPHIE CROP HIGH RISE SKINNY $158

 

One of the main reasons I love these faded black jeans by AGOLDE is not only because they’re very reasonably priced for a designer jean, but they are extremely comfortable!  In fact, I would name these as my most favorite jeans to travel in for two reasons.  First, they are extremely comfortable because they have just the right amount of stretch in them.  Second, because they’re black they’re virtually impossible to stain and when I’m traveling I almost always end up getting something on me.  These are available on Shopbop and they also come in a really versatile light blue shade which I’m wearing in the first photo of this post and the one below!  They’re high-rise, and ultra slimming, making these the perfect pair of jeans for almost any occasion!  I adore the edgy distressing at the bottom of these jeans and super cool fading making these jeans anything but ordinary.  I also want to point out that these are an ankle length which is the most flattering length of jeans because it shows off the ankle which is usually one of the most slender parts on any woman’s body no matter what her size.  I’m 5’4 so I almost always have to get my jeans hemmed, however, these were already the perfect length!  These chic jeans are by far the one pair of jeans I wear the most, I literally wear them a few times a week, they’re that good and they go with EVERYTHING!  They run true to size, I’m wearing a size 25.

Dallas style blogger wearing Agolde jeans and snake print heels

SHOP THIS LOOK:

 

BEST JEANS UNDER $300

JEAN #1: ELISE AUTHENTIC STRAIGHT BY 3X1 $275

 

I recently did a post titled: I OWN 50 PAIRS OF JEANS AND THESE ARE MY TOP 3 FAVORITE’S and these made this list.  I’m obsessed with this gray/faded black wash, in fact, I love this wash during the fall and winter months even more than blue denim.  The reason I love this wash so much is because of its wearability.  These jeans literally go with everything from chic jackets, to casual tees, and cozy sweaters. These are also cut in 2019’s hottest denim silhouette I mentioned above: straight leg, high-rise, with an ankle length.  This is the perfect formula for longer looking legs making you appear taller and slimmer and honestly who doesn’t want that?  I actually sized down in these jeans and went with a 24 because they do have a bit of stretch to them.

Dallas blogger wearing gray jeans, black leather jacket and Gucci belt

SHOP THIS LOOK:

 

JEAN #2: THE NATASHA BY J BRAND $278

 

If I had to pick one pair of denim in my closet that would make you look 10 pounds thinner it would be these, no question!  The reason is that they’re a mega high-waisted jean which means they sit up about an inch higher than all the jeans mentioned above which is typically the thinnest part of a woman’s waist.  The exposed button fly is another hot denim trend we’re seeing in 2019 and it also has slimming effects.  The buttons on the hips are strategically placed to make our hips look slimmer as well.  These particular jeans come in 2 lengths which I love, an ankle length which is what I got and recommend getting if your 5’5 or under.  They also come in a regular length for all of you tall girls out there.  These slimming jeans come in a variety of washes and colors, my personal favorite is the light gray wash because this shade will pair well with all of the spring and summer pastel colors which are so on trend right now!  These jeans are very soft and comfortable and feel really good against my skin, these would definitely be a jean I would recommend traveling in.  I took my regular size in these chic and flattering jeans.

CHECK OUT A FULL BLOG POST I DID IN THESE JEANS TITLED: 3 REASONS THIS LOOK WILL MAKE YOU LOOK . 10 POUNDS THINNER

 

Dallas style blogger wearing J Brand Natasha jeans

SHOP THIS LOOK:

 

I hope after reading this detailed denim edit you’re more informed about what type of jean to wear and why.  Remember, fit is the most important part when buying a pair of jeans.  Of course, the other 2 factors, comfort and wearability play a huge role and should be considered before making any denim purchase to ensure you get your cost per wear out of them.  So, no matter what your budget is or what type of jean you’re looking for I hope you found it in today’s post!

 

THIS ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN BY ME AND PUBLISHED FIRST ON SUCCESSIBLE LIFE.   

Thank you so much for stopping by today, I truly appreciate all of you!  XOXO, Heather

 

 

My mission is to empower women to look and feel confident. I hope through the different looks I create that I am able to inspire YOU to express yourself in a way that makes YOU feel good – on the inside and on the out. If you wear what you love and what you feel your best in your confidence will shine through and that is the best accessory a woman can wear! Every woman deserves to look and feel like the best versions of themselves, no matter what their age!

Follow Heather
  • videos
  • fashion
  • chic-at-every-age
  • beauty

SHARING MY PERSONAL JOURNEY WITH TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS IN A SPECIAL PODCAST AND YOUTUBE VIDEO

THE HOTTEST SPRING SHOE TRENDS OF 2024

5 of 2024’s HOTTEST SPRING FASHION TRENDS

4 THINGS I WON’T WEAR NOW THAT I’M OVER 50

HANDSDOWN THE HOTTEST DENIM TREND OF THE MOMENT STYLED 4 WAYS

FOUND: THE CHICEST SNEAKERS AROUND + 3 STYLE TIPS GUARANTEED TO ELEVATE ALL OF YOUR SNEAKER LOOKS

5 CHIC AND STYLISH WAYS TO WEAR IVORY DENIM IN 2024

THE HOTTEST SPRING SHOE TRENDS OF 2024

CHIC AT EVERY AGE FEATURING 10 CHIC TOPS GUARANTEED TO TAKE YOU MANY PLACES IN STYLE

SERIOUSLY THE BEST UNDER $100 SUMMER DRESS EVER!

CHIC AT EVERY AGE FEATURING 7 UNDER $100 TOPS FOR SPRING

CHIC AT EVERY AGE FEATURING THE “IT JACKET” FOR SPRING

2023 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES: GIFTS FOR THE BEAUTY LOVER

10 BEAUTY PRODUCTS FROM THE NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY I SWEAR BY

6 STYLE AND BEAUTY TIPS TO LOOK UP TO 10 YEARS YOUNGER

2022 GIFT GUIDE: THE 12 BEST GIFTS FOR ALL OF THE BEAUTY LOVERS ON YOUR LIST