Shopping Roundup: The Best Basic Blue Jeans

Blue jeans are as American as apple pie or the Kardashians. But lately, designers seem focused on “upgrading” our jeans. From Balenciaga’s new super bleached pair to Stella McCartney’s recent obsession with acid wash everything, you’d think there was something wrong with our trusty Levi’s and basic bootcuts. While we’re all for embracing the latest and greatest trends, we find ourselves missing the types of jeans we sported back in the 90s when we were walking down our middle school halls like we were taking a turn on the catwalk. As adults, we long to give off that now trademark model-off-duty vibe where the models change out of those constricting runway clothes into a basic tee and blue jeans. Despite all these denim upgrades, classic blue jeans are still widely available, if you know where to look. So we hunted down the best basic blue jeans — think boyfriend and girlfriend styles, slightly slouchy pairs, slim (read: not skinny) cuts and even a Cindy Crawford-endorsed set. And don’t just stick to the women’s department. You’d be surprised how great a pair of men’s jeans will fit your silhouette. (This is one time when you want a skinny version.) Whether you’re searching for the perfect pair to round out your double denim look or dying for jeans to replicate that coveted MOD style, you’re sure to find a pair of basic blue jeans that fits in the slideshow above.

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Basic Jeans

NEED

Cousin Fit in Isla, $185 at Need Supply Co.
Urban Renewal

Vintage Levi’s 501/505 Jean in Indigo, $69 at Urban Outfitters
Levi's

501 Light Weight Jeans for Women in Blue Rewind, $69.98 at Levi’s
Current/Elliott

The Original Straight High-Rise Jeans, $200 at Net-a-Porter
RE/DONE + Cindy Crawford

The Crawford High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans, $240 at Net-a-Porter
AGOLDE

Jamie Hi Rise Classic in Brooklyn, $158 at AGOLDE
Reformation

Sloan Jean in Arches, $128 at Reformation
Violeta by Mango

Bootcut Martha Jeans in Dark Blue, $31.99 at Mango
Topshop Boutique

Blue Boy Jeans, $100 at Topshop
Levi's

510 Skinny Fit Stretch Jeans in Terry, $69.50 at Levi’s
Levi's

SilverTab Relaxed-Fit Straight-Leg Jean – Dark Wash, $98 at Urban Outfitters
ASOS CURVE

Recycled Florence Authentic Straight Leg Jeans in Mindy Vintage Blue Wash, $51 at ASOS
& Other Stories

Loose Leg Denim Jeans, $85 at & Other Stories
Mango

Girlfriend Claudia Jeans in Medium Blue, $59.99 at Mango
Zara

Straight Leg Jeans in Dark Blue, $45.90 at Zara
ALEXACHUNG

Mid-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans, $305 at Net-a-Porter
Violeta by Mango

Straight-Fit Theresa Jeans in Medium Blue, $79.99 at Mango
Pepe Jeans

Check In Bootcut Jeans, $87 at ASOS
Mango

Relaxed Lonny Jeans in Medium Blue, $59.99 at Mango
Raey

Press Straight-Leg Jeans, $150 at Matches Fashion
Topshop

Moto Bleach Hayden Boyfriend Jeans, $75 at Topshop