I Refuse to Spend More Than $60 on Jeans (But You’d Never Know It)

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.