I Refuse to Spend More Than $60 on Jeans (But You’d Never Know It)
Sponsor Content Created With Old Navy
The way I see it, there are two types of people in this world: 1) those who strictly relegate denim to casual occasions, and 2) those who will wear jeans anywhere and everywhere (and totally pull it off). I've been a proud member of the latter group for as long as I can remember–yet I struggle to find jeans that are the perfect length, flatter my figure, and don’t cost a month’s rent as much as the next person.
As someone who is literally always on the hunt, here’s my latest denim find. Three seriously good Old Navy styles that have a few things in common: Firstly, they're not just typical skinny jeans. Secondly, they all have cool, subtle raw hems (without looking scruffy). Thirdly, they’re ridiculously affordable. Now, allow me to walk you through my weekend to show you how I'm wearing them IRL.
3:15 P.M. FRIDAY: The Countdown to Happy Hour
Unless your employee handbook strictly forbids it, I'm not sure why you wouldn't wear denim to the office on a regular basis. The only rule I follow is keeping the rest of my outfit appropriately polished. Think low heels, a tidy top, and maybe even a metal watch (my secret accessory weapon for giving off the illusion that I have it all together). Old Navy offers nearly 200 different washes within their current range of denim, but in my opinion, you can't go wrong with a black straight-leg pair with a slight flare. On the denim jeans-to-pants scale, this super clean wash means it's almost like you’re wearing cropped trousers. Almost.
On this particular Friday, I ventured out of the office for a change of scenery (a.k.a. better coffee), so block-heel mules I could comfortably walk in were key. I’m living in white mules this season, and I’m into the contrast against the pitch-black wash. This look gained the approval of my boss—as well as my best friends when I met them for happy hour a little later. Hey, it was #friyay after all.
5:30 P.M. SATURDAY: 90% Sure We’re Not Going Out
Why do I still find myself surprised when my quiet Saturday dinner plans with a close friend turns into a night on the town with five of them? I've learned that denim is the ultimate go-to when the dress code and festivities are not set in stone. This straight leg–meets-boyfriend hybrid is like the more stylish big sister of classic skinny jeans: They hug in all the right places, but have a cool rough hem and more relaxed, edgy fit.
Polka dots are one of my favorite prints of the season, and I awarded myself bonus points for this particular top because it's actually a bodysuit. If that doesn't mean anything to you yet, just wait until you find yourself without any unwanted bunching underneath your jeans. It's truly a fashion game changer, especially when denim is involved. I finished off the look with a bright-red mini bag and heels so fun I couldn't help but find my way onto the dance floor.
10 A.M. Sunday: So Fresh and So Clean
If I had to choose a motto for my spring/summer wardrobe, it would be "give me all the color, and give it to me now!" I want every last one (from bright yellows to soft lilacs) circulating in my warm-weather wardrobe. Since I don't want my outfit to be reminiscent of a giant scoop of rainbow sherbet, I mix in lots of white–which is working out particularly well this season, given that white jeans are having a serious moment.
I'm all about the ultra-flattering high rise and wide legs of these jeans. I'm on the petite side (I'm 5'4" on a good day), so I was thrilled to find out that those two elements somehow combine to actually make me feel—dare I say it?—tall! Bonus: The cool hem also draws attention to the sunny yellow sneakers I'm excited to show off. Finally, this on-trend basket bag is incredibly convenient when all I really need is my phone, cash for the farmer's market, and the rose-scented lip balm I purchased along the way.
Michaela Bushkin is the associate fashion director on the branded content team. She is based in Los Angeles and is going on her sixth year at Who What Wear. Michaela has always worked in the content world, previously at Whalerock and The Zoe Report. Her current role involves executing content, photo shoots, and events for fashion brands from retailers to luxury designers and everything in between. She spends her free time online shopping (or "researching" as she likes to call it), reading at the beach, and trying as many new restaurants in L.A. as possible.
-
These 30 Chic Pieces From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Make Any Outfit Instantly Look Expensive
Luxe vibes right this way.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
If a Stylish Italian Woman Shopped the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, These 30 Chic Pieces Would Catch Her Eye
These are bound to sell out.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
31 Elevated Basics From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale That I Simply Can Not Get Off My Mind
All are building blocks to a chic wardrobe.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
The Shopbop Sale Section Is Filled With Cool-Girl Gems—24 I'm Adding to My Cart
These are guaranteed to sell out.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Nordstrom's Denim Department Is Unmatched—25 Cool Picks Any Fashion Person Would Love
Everything from jeans to shorts to dresses.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Finally, an F1 x Fashion Collab That Fans Will *Actually* Want to Wear
Coming from an F1-obsessed fashion editor.
By Eliza Huber
-
These 23 Madewell and J.Crew Sale Finds Are So Chic You'll Be Getting Compliments Left and Right
Instant cool-girl factor.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Nicole Richie Just Wore the Elegant Top-and-Jeans Pairing That French Women Love
Chic as always.
By Natalie Munro