J.Crew just released jeans for fall and I’m shopping for these

1995. I was 16, running down to the mailroom at my boarding school—the news from the dorm was that the new J.Crew fall catalog had arrived. Once I had it in my hands, I eagerly flipped through the glossy pages. full turtleneck and polo shirts come in colors like hunter green, burnt umber, and woodsy. And denim fabric. The brand’s fashion bible essentially spells out jeans style I will wear it throughout the rest of fall and winter.

Nearly 30 years have passed since then. While much has changed as I sit in my living room, surrounded by kids and dogs, J.Crew still evokes the same emotions it did as a teenager. Memories of all that come flooding back as I browse J.Crew’s latest products—especially when I see that some latest denim styles is a nostalgic style, inspired by designs of the 80s and 90s.

Out of all the great cuts, washes, and styles, these are the five best ones in my cart right now—and some of them are even on sale.

1984 Mid-Rise Straight Leg Jeans

First up is the pair I’m really obsessed with. These timeless, straight-leg, mid-rise jeans are crafted from 100% cotton denim that’s tough (i.e., non-stretch) and look so refined and classic. Shoppers say the tough denim “feels secure” and that the jeans “transform easily from day to night.” I’m particularly fond of the Cecilia wash hem (which is frayed and gradient) and the fact that they come in classic, petite, and long styles.

Jeans

Wide leg pants definitely having a moment. While linen, silk, and satin styles are everywhere this summer, I like the idea of ​​swapping them for denim for the next few months. These high-waisted, wide-leg, and long-leg styles offer a sleeker alternative to your regular jeans. With “a little” stretch for comfort but enough stiffness to hold their shape, reviewers claim they’re “fit” and “extremely flattering.” Just be aware that these pants are quite wide and long. One 5-foot-10 shopper opted not to order the pants and has no regrets.

Sailor Jeans

Another pant option I’m considering is this nautical-inspired style. With a high waist and long leg, they’re designed to effortlessly elongate the legs. But it’s the subtle patch pockets finished with the brand’s signature gold badge button detail that really make it work for me. “The waist and back fit are very flattering,” wrote one shopper, who sized down for a “snug” fit. “”Fits like a $300 pair of jeans,” added another shopper. While white jeans are often considered a fashion faux pas after Labor Day, there’s also a dark wash option for fall.

2003 Super-Stretch High-Waisted Fit Jeans

I am a big fan of Mother’s Hustler JeansFitted at the hips and thighs with a slight flare at the ankle. This early 2000s-inspired style with an “adorable” raw hem from J.Crew is surprisingly similar in style, but about $100 less. Crafted from a super-stretch cotton, polyester, and spandex blend, it’s “comfortable but not baggy,” notes one shopper, who adds that the “rise isn’t so high that it’s uncomfortable.” The style comes in three washes and lengths, with shoppers suggesting ordering the classic if you’re petite and the tall if you typically wear classic but want a longer leg.

1996 Full Length Loose Fit Jeans Partially Stretchy

I think I wore a slimmer version of these “looser around the ankle” wide-leg jeans when I was browsing the J.Crew catalog back in boarding school. But now I definitely prefer the wide-leg style. Made from 99% cotton, with just enough stretch without sacrificing structure or durability. I’ll be wearing them with heels or flats for the next few months.