In my opinion, there’s no better time to shop for denim than in the New Year. Winter has won, you are mastering your layering game, and the peak of resort wear in stores creates an itch for something new – or at least it does for me. With denim dressing up your work wear, date night, and weekend moods, it’s easy to throw a fresh pair into your layering mix or resort-ready/pre-spring game.

I’m a self confessed skinny denim hoarder myself (dark denim in particular). I have loved this fit and wash for years and I know I’m not alone. The comfort and fit most of us love in a good pair of leggings translated into denim is hard to beat. But these days I’m hunting for more relaxed fits, higher rises, cropped lengths, lighter washes and detailing.

Here’s a few of my favorites available for immediate closet takeover:

Banana Republic

Banana Republic Girlfriend: Sale $69.99. These midrise, straight legged jeans are like your best friend, they won’t let you down. These were comfortable and so flattering. Wear them cropped with sneakers or with a chunky heeled fitted boot and oversized sweater. Plus BR had an additional mark down sale so these may be further reduced at the register!

Evereve

Evereve Kut from the Kloth Catherine Boyfriend: $89.99. If you are shy about trying on denim, a must stop is Evereve at Derby Streets. The staff is not only welcoming, but they specialize in denim and finding your perfect fit is their goal. This pair of boyfriend jeans is not your traditional fit of slouchy and relaxed. The brand is a best seller at Evereve likely for the comfort and stretch but what I loved about the Catherine boyfriend is how sleek these looked while still maintaining an easygoing boyfriend vibe.

Eileen Fisher High Waisted Ankle Boot-Cut: $178. Organic Cotton with a slight stretch is comfortable and flattering. This high waisted style is more of a mid rise if you ask me, and the cropped boot cut is all over my feeds lately. What I love about this style is the tailored look of their denim. great for work and nights out.

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Madewell High Rise Slim Boyjean in Raebrook Wash Eco Edition: $118. This might be my new favorite jean. Im gravitating towards high rise these days, maybe it’s the instant defined waist, no fuss no pull up waist, or all the great options in stores? I love the color of this Raebrook wash, light and bright to make you feel spring ready with a tuxedo-esque darker washed stripe down the side. Plus this particular jean is part of Madewells’ Eco Edition which uses organic cotton, sustainably dyed denim, in a factory that recycles 98% of its water, uses renewable energy and turns waste into bricks for affordable housing….be still my heart.

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Madewell 10″ High Rise Skinny in Cordova Wash: $135. I tried these on in petite, which I am not, but I try not to let labels define me #youbeyou. I loved the shorter petite length of these and the raw, ripped hem. As a shoe lover first, these jeans really highlight your sneakers, boots, sandals, you name it!

Madewell Kemper

Madewell Cali Demi-Boot in Kemper Wash (Back Seam Edition): $135. I am not sure what I love most about these pants, the high rise, the button fly, the “magic pockets” that provide a bit of extra sinch at the waist, the cool kick of the boot cut; wait… I know, ALL of the above. This particular pair has a great center back seam, all these details make it easy to wear these over and over again.

Madewell Cali Demi Boot in Berkeley Black with Chewed-hem: $128. What’s great about Madewell if you didn’t already know is when you fall in love with a style, they offer so many great options (rise, wash, button/zip fly, hem finishes) in that same style. Case in point, the same great pant in Berkeley black with a chewed-hem.

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Anthropologie Pilcro High Rise Denim Legging: $120. If you liked the Back seam on the previous pair of denim, you will love these. Same idea, just with a seam down the front and back calf of the leg. Always a lover of dark washes, this darker wash is super flattering but still calls attention to the detailing of the center seam.

pilcro wideleg

Anthropologie Pilcro Ultra High Rise Wide Leg: $150. A great wide legged pant never goes out of style, but wide legs are making a come back. The long flow of the pant lengthens legs, and because of how super soft the denim is you wont want to take them off.

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor Sailor All Day Skinny in Jet Black: $98/$89 online. These skinnies are armed with modal and lycra for all day fit and ultimate comfort. I love the Sailor detailing but in a black wash to give it more edge.

American Eagle

American Eagle Super Hi-Rise Jegging in Crystal Ice: $49.95/$24.99 online. These jeans are such a steal! They are just as soft as they are stretchy. The 10 1/4″ super high rise did not take any getting used to on my part. What really drew me to this pair is the Crystal Ice wash, it’s reminds me of acid washed jeans, sans pleating, of my youth and I’m sure my kids will also think fondly of me when they see this wash in their distant future.