The Bivouac Denim Encyclopedia: 8 Jean Fits Every Girl Needs in Her Wardrobe

There is nothing more essential than a great pair of jeans.
But how do you know which pair is yours?
Welcome to the Bivouac Denim Encyclopedia.

My goal is to help you find your perfect denim fit by teaching you all I can about the wardrobe stable known as “blue jeans”. Every week, I’ll be breaking down a different denim topic in order to help you decide what’s for you, what you love, and what you need to round out a versatile college wardrobe! Without further ado, here’s Part I: The 8 Jean Fits Every Girl Needs in Her Wardrobe.

The Skinny.

In top spot: the timeless skinny jean. Whether you prefer a thick, true denim or a comfortable legging style, this fit has it all! A light distressed pair, like this high rise light wash by Citizens of Humanity is perfect for your casual daytime look. The distress webs from the middle for a cool spin on a classic skinny jean. I love to style a laid back skinny jean with a basic tee and flats for an effortless cool girl look (7 For All Mankind also makes an amazing high rise skinny!)

The Flare.

The 70’s are back and we are loving it. This J-Brand pair of flares will give any outfit you wear the perfect edge. They are perfect for any body type, giving slim girls some shape and balancing out hips on curvy girl. Not to mention, the baggy and loose nature of flares make them ridiculously comfortable! Most pairs are made of cotton denim with a touch of elastane to give you a little stretch. Style the flare with some wedges a crop top for a full on retro look.

The Straight.

A style that is on the rise and we will be seeing quite a bit this fall, straight leg jeans are a flattering fit that does not taper from the knee to the ankle. Perfect for a polished and professional look, this versatile pair can also transition to a casual outfit. This indigo straight leg from Paige Premium Denim is a great darker wash for a sleek vibe – I would pair it with a light top with movement and a pointed toe heel for a sophisticated look.

The Legging.

We all have those days where we are tempted to roll out of bed and schlep to class, judgement-free, in our leggings and a sweatshirt. 8am lectures, there’s a way to look stylish and stay comfy: this pair of Joe’s Jeans denim leggings! Perfect the look with a pair of slip on sneakers or Supergas and a cozy sweater for the fall – just try not to fall asleep during class.

The Cigarette.

The cigarette leg is the perfect balance between a skinny and a straight leg. It tapers from the knee to the ankle, but not as much as a skinny would. For reference, this pair of AG Jeans has a 11 ¼ inch opening at the ankle, while their skinny has a dramatically smaller 9 inch ankle. I love this versatile pair for the breezy days of the summer-fall transition! Pair them with a light jacket and some booties for a seasonal look that’s sure to please.

The Dark and Slim.

Every girl knows that she needs a dark slim jean for dinner dates and drinks – streamlined, not skintight, with an inky wash to couple. This pair from Frame has delicate distress and a perfect fit that complements body shape, not restricts it. Dark slim jeans can be paired with literally anything, and make day-to-night look oh so easy! Just switch out your flats for some stilettos and throw on a printed silk tank for the perfect “going out” look.

The Bootcut.

A great alternative to the flare (and a nod to the 90’s), the bootcut jean is the fashion staple we all grew up watching on the runways. This pair by Hudson, their “Baby Boot”, has a 31 inch inseam, perfect for all of you petite girls! We love the distress on this pair styled with and a light fall jacket. A great finishing touch would be a choker-inspired necklace to complete the look.

The Dressed-Up Pair.

Last but not least: we have your biz-caz ready dressed-up denim. For more professional occasions, try this dressed-up pair from Rag and Bone! The fabric is thicker and the feel is a mix between true denim and a pair of dress slacks. Pair it with a closed toe pair of heels, a collared blouse, and a blazer for when it starts to cool down for fall!

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That’s all for Part I! Keep watching the Blog for more Denim Encyclopedia from me and the rest of the jean experts here at Bivouac! Or, if you have any questions, stop by the store and say hi.

~Bailey J. -Women’s Fashion