I Just Tried On 8 Pairs of Levi’s Jeans and Would Put My Money Behind These 5

There are very few brands that not only truly stand the test of time but even appreciate in value over time. Needless to say, Levi’s is part of that exclusive club. A huge part of why I hold Levi’s so near and dear to my heart is the quality of denim and superb fit at such a low price. These days, when a pair of everyday jeans can cost $200 to $300-plus, I know I can always count on Levi’s to keep me stylish and on budget. 

Spring is officially here, so I decided to do a haul of all the Levi’s I’ve been eyeing at Nordstrom—from a tapered-leg that makes me feel like a carefree Lisa Bonet to a dark-denim straight-leg that feels more Megan Markle, each pair I tried has its own personality and will hold a unique spot in my wardrobe. For reference, I’m 5’6’’ and usually wear a 27. Keep scrolling to see my picks and my best tips on how to style them this spring.

Believe it or not, this was my first time trying on tapered-leg jeans! Something about the parachuting fit didn’t sit well with me in theory, but I was happily surprised at what they looked like on. They give a very ’90s feel and work so well with all my vintage tops and crop tops. The fit was spot-on, with the slightest stretch that keeps them comfortable to move around in all day. 10/10.

The wash on these actually looks vintage, which is the hardest thing to achieve.

Popcorn tops are so Drew Barrymore, aka aspirationally ’90s.

This leather jacket has been a consistent top seller each week, and it’s no wonder why. The bomber-style shape is super on-trend and goes with everything.

These white Docs make every outfit so much more interesting.

If you leave here learning one thing, it’s to run and buy these jeans! First off, dark denim is making a huge comeback. Second, the straight-leg cut and length grazing just below the ankle is the best fit I’ve probably ever experienced in jeans. All this coupled with the iconic Levi’s back-pocket pattern equals a pair of jeans that will stay in vogue and at top of the stack until I’m well into my 60s. (I just have to make sure they will fit!) These also have a little stretch but don’t look like it. Truly perfect. Thank me later.

The dark wash needed its own moment. I can’t wait to see how these start to get whiskers over time.

Something about that tawny leather patch gets me.

A staple worth investing in this season. After all, even Prada featured white tanks on its runway.

The shrug to end all shrugs. You can make so many outfits with her.

Slingbacks have been a favorite of mine lately. These look so classic.

Levi’s 501s are probably the most sought-after jeans in the world! While some prefer to rummage vintage bins until they find a golden pair, I’m taking another route. Instead, I’m looking forward to wearing this new pair to death until they mold perfectly to my body. Did I mention the wash? This light denim wash is so rare and looks so cool over time.

I love how they make my booty look, and while the rise is technically high, they feel more mid-rise, which allows for more variability in how you style them. 

A vintage pair would set you back over $200. These are almost identical and will allow you to wear them into your body over time.

I’m loving oversize vests these days. This geometrical pattern is visually so enticing.

The belt that keeps on giving. 

I’ll admit I’m not a huge fan of black jeans. As I dig deeper, I’m realizing it’s probably because they feel the opposite of the casual, laid-back feel jeans are supposed to have in my mind. I cracked the case by styling them with flip-flops and a casual slip dress, and voilà—problem solved. FYI, these jeans have little to no stretch, so I’d size up if you are looking for a comfier fit.

The cropped length really allows ankle boots to shine and pairs equally well with flip-flops as pictured above.

This slip is slightly stretchy (which helps hold the girls in) and also has cute semi-transparent lace inlays along the sides.

I’d like to welcome the least boring cable-knit sweater you’ll ever see. It has just enough detail to be a cool top, too.

Catch me in these from now until September.

I’m new to the category of mid-thigh shorts and am warming up to the idea. Daisy dukes have historically been my go-to denim shorts, but it’s nice to try out a new shape every now and again. These are a warm indigo shade and slightly flare out from the waist to create a vintage-inspired boxy shape. I’m 5’6”, and they hit my mid-thigh pretty exactly. They’re pretty stretchy, so I might even go down a size. You can wear them with anything from a button-down to a tucked-in vintage tee or a sparkly top and heels for a summer night out.

The length of these shorts is perfect for convertible days when you step outside and aren’t sure when you’ll be back. They’re appropriate for so many settings.

This cardigan gets me. I’m excited to wear it with everything from maxi skirts to denim to cargo pants.

It’s very hard to find low-rise, looser-fitting jeans for women, so it’s no wonder these sell out almost immediately!

So many jeans have trouble cinching the waist. That’s where these come in.

If I’m gonna wear colored denim, it’ll be these. The faded hue doesn’t demand too much attention, so it can be layered with an abundance of other colors and textures.

Grab a chunky belt and rock the hell out of these.

These went from $100 to less than $60? Sign me up.

White denim is a staple that so many sleep on. These look like they’re made with the supplest denim that’ll last forever. 

These feel so L.A. to me in the best way. I see myself wearing these barefoot around the house all weekend.

Wideleg jeans, FTW! Plus those whiskers look so well-earned.

The wash and fit are divine.

Another low-rise banger.

The shape and length of these remind me of the second pair of jeans I tried on—just perfect.

The cargo pockets are a delightful surprise.

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