Out of all the jeans on the market—both past and present—none are as iconic as Levi's® 501®'s. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the 501® collection, but it's not just their history that has earned these jeans their icon status with celebs and fashion editors—the expertly designed fits, washes, and fabrics speak for themselves. Who What Wear's very own Kristen Nichols is one of the many, many fans of the 501®'s. (Her go-to pair is the Original Fit.) She's been styling them so many ways lately, but her favorite way to wear them is with a matching denim shirt for an on-trend denim-on-denim look that feels fresh for spring. Get Kristen's outfit details and discover more of her top picks from Levi's® below.
Kristen's been loyal to her 501® jeans for years and says no other pair measures up. "The fit is expertly cut from the hip-hugging silhouette to the straight-leg that falls at the perfect length for my 5'9 frame," she says. "The fabric also strikes the right note, with a weight that's rigid enough to hold its shape and comfortable enough to sit or walk in all day." For a trend-forward take on denim-on-denim, she paired her 501® Originals with a Western-inspired denim shirt and sleek boots.
KRISTEN'S FAVORITES
"The 501® Originals are a straight-leg cut, which is my go-to silhouette for a timeless style any time of year."
"Denim-on-denim is a trend we're seeing everywhere on the street style scene right now, and this button-down is the perfect way to tap into the look."
"Speaking of button-downs, this is a great building-block piece."
"My closet is already stocked with plenty of blue denim washes, so right now, I'm focused on adding pairs in other shades such as this rich black."
"Ribbed knits are something I recommend everyone add to their capsule wardrobe."
"If you're into all things '90s style like I am, you'll want to scoop up the 501® '90s jeans—a perfect take on slouchier denim that defined the decade."
"If you want a denim jacket that has a soft, vintage feel, this is it."
"The exact pair of jeans I wear more than any other pair in my closet is now available in this cool distressed style."
"This blazer is a great piece for spring because of its lightweight and breathable cotton fabric."
"I love the idea of styling this tank with white jeans and a crisp button-down layered on top."
To see more of Kristen's Levi's® styling tips, watch her livestream here.
-
My Friends Love Reformation—I Sent Them 31 Gorgeous Picks I'm Eyeing Right NowOne of each, please.
-
Looking Chic in Cropped Jeans This Winter Means Wearing This Boot Style and ColorElizabeth Olsen would know.
-
Making Basic Jeans and Black Boots Look Elegant Is Easy—Just Add This Coat Color TrendHint: It's neither red, navy, nor leopard print.
-
Sorry, Crewneck Tees—in 2026, Everyone With Taste Will Be Layering Sweaters Like ThisThe recipe for a perfect winter outfit.
-
The 2026 Version of Skinny Jeans Is Here, and I Tried It On—This Is Why It's a Game ChangerThere's nothing dated about it.
-
My Mom Only Shops Affordable Fashion—I Sent Her These 27 Chic, Rich-Looking Nordstrom FindsEverything is under $150.
-
Sarah Snook's New Bag Is So Shiv Roy If She Moved to L.A. and Started a SubstackI'm having Succession withdrawals.
-
My Sister Asked Me What She Should Buy From Amazon—30 Fashionable Items I SuggestedBasically, everything on my Black Friday wish list.
