Pamela Anderson and French Women Agree—These $98 Jeans Are Second to None
If there's one thing that all chic people agree on, it's that Levi's makes the all-time greatest jeans. In many cases when it comes to fashion, price is a good determinant for quality, and in my experience, really well-dressed people prioritize quality. But Levi's is the exception to the rule. Most pairs by America's original denim brand are under $100, including the most popular style, the 501s. With their high rise, button fly, non-stretch fabric, and straight-leg fit, the 501s are classic to a T, which explains why they've been beloved by some of history's most lauded dressers, including Cindy Crawford, James Dean, Steve McQueen, Cher, Freddie Mercury, and Marilyn Monroe. Today, they're still a mainstay in fashion people's wardrobes, including editors, stylists, models, designers, and celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Sofia Richie Grainge, and Laura Harrier.
Another big name in Hollywood who can't quit her 501s? Pamela Anderson. The Last Showgirl star was spotted in New York City wearing her version of a Canadian tuxedo, including a plaid blazer, denim shirt, and some perfectly fitted vintage 501s, which she paired with tan suede Christian Louboutin stilettos.
On Pamela Anderson: Levi's 501 Jeans ($98); Christian Louboutin shoes
Anderson's staple denim is everywhere right now. They're especially ubiquitous in Paris, where some of the best vintage pairs are sourced. It's no wonder that influencers like Anne-Laure Mais and Sylvie Mus wear theirs so often. Like everyone who's tried on a pair, they know that 501s are second to none.
But you don't have to book a flight to Paris just to get a great pair of fashion's favorite jeans—not when you can order them from the comfort of your home on Nordstrom.com for just $98. The retailer has an expansive selection of Levi's at the moment, but my favorite style is this slightly distressed option with the same great fit that's kept the 501s in production since 1873.
For a looser, more relaxed fit, it's worth trying out a pair of 501s from the men's department. You'll have the best of luck if you go this route and then get your pair tailored to fit your waist just how you like. You can also get them shortened to your liking. The best part? All new, full-price Nordstrom purchases can be hemmed for free. (This deal is only for plain hems—original hems cost $24.) Nordstrom also does waist adjustments, leg tapering, and personalization.
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This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Eliza Huber is a New York City–based fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and celebrity style. She joined Who What Wear in 2021 after almost four years on the fashion editorial team at Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a marketing degree from the University of Iowa. She has since launched two monthly columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled the likes of Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, and Sabrina Carpenter for WWW's monthly cover features; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top trends from fashion month, season after season. Eliza now lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, running in Central Park, and scouring eBay for '90s Prada and '80s Yves Saint Laurent.
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