Substackers' Jeans
Farrah, Becky, Leandra, Grace... 18 beloved style writers share what they're wearing this fall.
What’s everyone wearing – or looking forward to wearing – now that fall is officially here? I’m seriously asking you. I know what I want: Undercover’s tinsel-trimmed baggies, which sadly, no one seems to have in stock. (Yes, I called Dover Street Market; and found the towel tote is available here.) Help.
For this letter I asked 18 Substack writers with great taste and a diverse sense of style to tell me about the jeans they’re into right now. There are so many things I loved about this exercise: Connecting directly with women I’ve admired professionally from afar for so long (Leandra, Grace, Laura), and reconnecting with those I’ve been in orbit with for decades (Claire, Hillary, Becky) was deeply satisfying. Though some trends emerged – these Auralee jeans came up a few times; many of us are excited about designer Jac Cameron’s new line, Ruadh, which launches next month; and no one went for ripped denim – the choices really varied. Good jeans are great at effectively helping us reinforce ourselves. Should anyone need reminding of this, here’s proof – in alphabetic order by name – from some of my favorite follows.
, The Flair Index:
“I ordered these Jamie Haller jeans because they were giving me Demi Moore slouchy J. Crew jeans vibes, and am obsessed. The length is perfect for loafers or little heels. It felt like I was taking a chance ordering jeans from a shoe designer, but then I read your interview with Jamie about her deep denim past and it all made sense.”
, Scratch Pad by The Stripe:
“I am someone who has really struggled with embracing a wider leg jean. I've come to realize it's just a game of trying on a lot of jeans (while also mentally rewiring my elder millennial brain!) I love the waistband of these – it feels pretty and feminine, which balances the baggier shape. And I like that they're slightly cropped to show a little ankle or highlight a fun sock. The fit is really great and the wash is just right!”
, The Cereal Aisle:
“It’s all about these for me this fall!
I’m wearing more cropped blazers lately, which pair well with wide leg pants and I love the low waist line on these B Sides. It’s also still warm enough to swing sandals/mesh shoes and definitely sock/sandal combos which I find to be the best to pair with a style like this.”
, Girls of a Certain Age:
“When it comes to denim, I appreciate a really clean, un-distressed wash, which is the first thing that attracted me to this snappy jacket, but the exaggerated cuffs also remind me of mid-1990s Helmut Lang in a very pleasing way.”
, Ground Condition:
“It took me a minute to come back to jeans after having kids, but I am in love with the Jesse Kamm 225s in Japanese denim. I'm liking them with extremely pointy Toteme flats or Clarks classic Wallabies, and denim on top. I've also resurrected some very roomy Rachel Comey Elkins—which, owing to their wide leg and back buckle, call to mind the pants seen on our mutual archival crush, Rebecca James. (Here’s a pair on The RealReal). These demand a tighter or more cropped top (like these from Maria Stanley), and a flat or platform Oxford or brogue... no heel! Silver cuff bracelets with both.”
, Hi Everyone:
“While I love directional denim, I'm not a trend-forward jean person. Lately, I'm really enjoying investing in vintage jeans that are custom tailored, like this pair of Levi's 501s from Lenny in Los Angeles. The tailoring process is neither inexpensive nor super speedy, but it is in keeping with my attempt to stick to a "fewer, better" shopping policy.”
, In Moda Veritas:
“On my Substack, I’ve written about how I’m not a big denim wearer (even jeans!), and that it comprises a relatively small part of my wardrobe. I’ll see denim outfits on others that I love, but for some reason when I wear them, they just don’t feel like me. So having said that, I discovered this denim jacket by Icon Denim and it’s been so good to me! It reminds me of the cut of the Attico jacket that I also love, but at a much more accessible price point.”
, Time Less:
“My friend Jac Cameron is launching a new line, Ruadh, and she’s starting with some really beautifully crafted denim pieces. I am loving the Rhone jeans in the Mayfly wash - the curved seams and details make the leg shape feel elevated and distinctive. I also am obsessed with the Remi jacket – it has cool oversized pockets and you can really see and feel all the attention to detail. The washes and the finishes are so gorgeous. I can’t wait to live in it when it launches in early October.”
Becky Malinsky, :
“I just bought the Auralee Hard Twist and am in love! Dream pair is the Alaïa that was just worn in the show (below), which is a capsule for the NYC store. It’s the first ‘fashion’ jean I have wanted in a very long time.”
Claire Mazur, :
“I bought the Levi’s 501 90s ankle crop in FOUR colors because I’m nuts. I first discovered them at the Westerlind in the Berkshires in this incredible khaki/sand color that is perfect, but now I can’t find that color anywhere online.”
Anna Newton, The Wardrobe Edit:
“These Loulou Studios are my most recent buy and they are all I want to reach for in the morning - mostly with a cashmere crew-neck jumper, sleeves rolled, as there’s a definite chill in the air now by the seaside. Most of my jeans are a slim-straight leg or a wide leg, but these sit somewhere in the middle with the volume showing more from the sides, than they do from the front. These feel like a barrel leg gateway. I’m 5’7” and they were massively long on me, so I just got them altered (original seams retained!!!) and well, I don’t think I’ve ever had a pair of jeans fit me so well. I’ll be living in them for the foreseeable.”
, Amuse Bouche:
“I know – the Alex Mill Carla. The fit is like that perfect vintage jean, no stretch but still comfortable. Very flattering and I really like the wash. I’m calling them my new casting jeans.”
, Earl Earl:
“My favorite all-time denim, and the thing I plan to wear the most again this fall/winter, is the Wrangler Cowboy Cut jean in Prewashed Indigo. They are 0% stretch and come in the most beautiful solid blue color, and I get so much satisfaction from wearing them every day and the color fading in perfectly. I'm very, very loyal to these jeans –they fit my boyish, athletic frame (neither stick thin, nor curvy) perfectly.
The novelty denim I'm into is this miniskirt from Gap. I'm looking forward to wearing it with my Still Here tee, and then a big Babaa cotton knit sweater when it cools off in L.A.”
, Magasin:
“I recently got a pair of vintage Levi's 503Bs from Front General Store in Dumbo and they're the best jeans I've ever owned, no question. I don't think I could have understood how much simpler life (getting dressed) gets when you have a very good pair of jeans that fit great and go with everything. I also finally got a pair of Auralee dark-wash jeans hemmed, so I'll be wearing those when I want to lean just slightly more formal, with a ‘going out top,’ even.
Oh! I also wanted to add Ruadh to this — Jac Cameron's new brand. I previewed it last week and it completely blew my mind: The fit, the washes, how considered every step of production was in terms of environmental impact and quality. It's launching next month and I already have a pair picked out that I want – a perfect straight-leg called the Quinn.”
, Le Catch:
“True to Le Catch's ethos, my denim dream strikes a balance between high and low, so I'll be rotating these styles! [One is from H&M and the other is Prada.] Note that both are sourced from the men's department, adding an extra layer of distinction.”
, Retail Diary:
“Frame Denim has been my go-to brand for at least a decade. I'm loyal once I find what works. This Fall, I'm loving their new Le Sleek Straight fit, an update to my previously worn Le High Straights. It's got everything I want: Comfort, stretch for the curves, sleek lines, a high rise, and a straight leg. At 5'2", the ankle length works well for me with flats - no hemming needed. After a jeans-light summer, I'm excited to wear them again. Currently pairing them with tees, loafers or ballet flats, and a statement belt. Can't wait for cooler temps so I can tuck in sweaters to layer a bit more and keep that polished look.”
Rachel Solomon, :
“This is a tough one. I am SO ALL ABOUT denim right now. In Miami it's about finding the pieces I can actually wear in this muggy hot climate to give me that fall feeling I long for.
And I'm greedy because the look I keep dreaming about is denim on denim. The piece I'm excited to wear this season is this sort of random, vest-like object I bought at the end of the summer at Tokio 7 in NYC. The label says GmbH. It wraps in back and it's frayed in front and comes to a point there. [Kind of like a bandana.]
I'll wear it over a tank and with a jean that's dressier, but lighter in color, like a pieced Miu Miu pair my hub gave me as a gift. And I will put my old Bottega tux blazer over my shoulders and go to our favorite pizza date night place, La Natural.”
Farrah Storr, Things Worth Knowing ( ):
“I'm very into barrel-legged jeans at the moment and have my eye on these by the Swedish brand Toteme.”
I’ll be back in my studio next time trying on new (non-Undercover) jeans to show you. Anything you want me to investigate, drop it in the comments. For those who requested a closer look at Jamie Haller’s Kenickie, it’s coming. (Hot tip: ByGeorge in Austin, TX has it in stock in most sizes). I’m gifting white Anchor Charms to those who buy a Georgia Jean, Trip Jacket, or Pier Shirt in Salt from me this week. Thank you for reading and subscribing at any level. Extra thanks to the women featured in this letter who took the time to talk to me. Your jeans make me happy. Denim Forever.
Jane
More to read…
The ultimate interview with designer Jamie Haller.
Curious about the Georgia Jean? Here’s how it fits women sizes 26 - 31.
This is still one of my most popular posts (and I continue to stand by the selection.)
Wow this was so comprehensive! I want so many of them .
I love that Auralee is getting love on this side of the world! Thanks for including me, Jane!