Jeans: They’re the foundation of any fall closet. They’re the perfect canvas for the season’s best sweaters, boots and outerwear of every kind. They can help you feel your very best—and give your tush major peach-emoji vibes. What more could you want in a pair of pants?

For the aforementioned reasons (and approximately 162 others), you’ll reach for denim on a near-daily basis as the weather cools, so it’s important to make sure your rotation is well-equipped for the season. According to Stitch Fix Stylist Alicia, “A new season is the perfect time to try out a new wash, rise or silhouette—and a fresh pair of fall jeans will inspire endless fall outfits.” 

Whether you’re giving your current denim stack an autumnal audit, or building a blues collection from scratch, below we’ve gathered six must-have jeans for fall (some classics, and a couple newcomers) that’ll ensure sartorial success this season. Scroll on—it’s time to get a leg up on fall’s essential denim.

 

1. Wide-leg wonders

If you’re in the camp that jeans aren’t comfortable, meet fall’s trending wide-leg fits. These retro revivals are defined by a generously roomy leg, meaning they pass the sit, squat and nap test with flying colors. Take your pick from ultra-relaxed pairs for casual weekends, or trouser-inspired cuts that feel polished for the office. Whichever silhouette suits your style M.O., any wide-leg jean will create a nice A-line silhouette—just balance the volume below with a fitted, tucked-in top and you’re good to go.

 

2. Bootcut is back

In a world of fashion fads, there’s something to be said about coming back to a tried-and-true staple. Bootcut jeans are one of these trusted classics. Modern takes feature a subtler flare than bell-bottomed blasts from the past, but they’ll still give any fall outfit a little oomph (especially when paired with a chic boot, as their name suggests). If you’re new to the world of bootcut denim (welcome!) Stitch Fix Stylist Alicia L. recommends asking your Stylist for a pair with “stretch, a high-rise, and a height-appropriate inseam”.

 

3. Straight up

While skinnies aren’t out of the picture (spoiler alert—more on that below), consider the straight-leg jean as their laid-back cousin who’s up for any occasion and outfit combination. With a comfortable relaxed leg, these ‘90s comebacks have swiftly reclaimed their dream jean status today. Cropped, ankle-skimming versions feel cool paired with chunky knits and sneakers, but if a polished look is what you’re after, opt for a full-length cut with a tailored blazer and polished pump.

 

4. Here’s the skinny

You heard it here first: skinny jeans never went out of style. Phew! Defined by a tapered leg and snug fit throughout, this can’t-be-beat fit is a mainstay for good reason—they’ll show off your curves, highlight your favorite shoes, and are supremely versatile to boot. Paired with a printed blouse and heels, black skinny jeans are primed for date night. Have errands to run on a chilly fall morning? Top your look-great-feel-amazing skinnies with a quarter-zip + cool kicks, and you’ll run up your style cred, too.

 

5. Go for cargo

There’s no denying that Y2K fashion is back in full force: shoulder bags, claw clips, platforms, and yes, even cargo jeans are turning up everywhere. If you’ve lived through the era of baby tees and low-rise-everything, you may have mixed feelings about cargo denim’s resurgence (we get it). But today’s utility-inspired jeans aren’t like the fits you rocked at boy band concerts and after-school mall hangs—Fall’s cargo cuts are more sleek and tailored than the baggy, pooling pairs of the early aughts. Rises are higher, pockets are smaller, and inseams aren’t dragging on the floor. Pair the ‘00s comebacks with modern staples like front-tucked sweaters and tailored blazers for a result so chic, you might bid your other blues bye, bye, bye.

 

6. Beyond blues

Do your true blues have a case of the blahs? We get it—even a holy-grail pair can lose its allure after the thousandth wear. So here’s our style solution: shake up your denim drawer with colorful fall jeans. This season, it’s all about eye-catching rinses that rival autumn’s stunning foliage. “From toffee tan to dark olive, chocolate brown, and even deep plum—these shades will add variety to your closet,” says Stitch Fix Stylist Alicia L. As for styling a vibrant pair of jeans, this is your moment to master monochrome! Just reach for tops, jackets and shoes in similar tones, and mix up the textures to avoid veering too matchy-matchy. Pretty soon, you’ll be asking “Blue jeans, who?” 

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Get styled by Stitch Fix this fall

Let our Stylists help refresh your fall denim, whatever you have going on. Take your style quiz, schedule a Fix and get ready to receive fall denim trends that fit your unique taste. Try on your new favorite fall jeans in the comfort of your own home. Pay for what you love, and send back the rest. Shipping and returns are always free, and there’s no subscription required. You start thinking about where you’ll debut your new blues, we’ll take care of the shopping.