How Many Pairs of Jeans Do You Really Need?

This year I’ve been spending more time editing my wardrobe than I ever have in the past. That means more frequent closet purges and more thoughtful purchasing habits. Since I put web design on hold, I have more time on my hands which I’m so thankful for! But at the same time, I’m kind of a busy body, so that extra energy has to go somewhere, right?!

Some that free time has been spent focusing on paring down my wardrobe to only hold the pieces I truly love and wear over and over again. It’s not easy, but I find that the more frequently I go through my closet, the easier it becomes! I also find that I end up dressing in things I love everyday because I can actually see those pieces — before everything was just smushed in there.

I dress on the casual side most of the time and that often means jeans. For as much as I wear jeans, I don’t actually own as many pairs as you might think. The ones I do own? They get a lot of use.

But it begs the question, how many pairs of jeans do we really need? Or maybe a better question is which jeans should you have in your wardrobe?

In my attempt to pare down, I think having one pair of great jeans in different washes and styles is good. I always find that if I have two pairs of the same style of jean, I always like one more than the other and never wear the other one.

So, really, it’s less about the actual number, but instead the variety, and if you ask me, I think you should have one pair of each of these classic styles….

1. JEAN SHORTS: It is summer afterall! I only own one pair of jeans shorts — these — and I’m 100% obsessed with them. I’m actually planning on investing in a second pair in a darker wash.

2. WHITE JEANS: Another summer essential! Last year I bought these white ankle jeans that have a raw hem and are lightly distressed and I’m still in love with them. The rips had such a carefree summer vibe to them. If distressed jeans aren’t your thing, a normal pair of white jeans needs to be in your closet this summer! Just make sure the weight is heavy enough, sometimes cheap pairs can be see through and no one wants that!

3. CLASSIC SKINNY JEANS: Duh, a good pair of classic skinny jeans should be in every gal’s wardrobe. I only have one pair of seriously classic skinny jeans. They’re M.i.H and I’m completely obsessed. They stretch, but don’t stretch out. I opted for the high waist pair because I found them to be the most flattering. You also don’t have to worry about your under things making an appearance if you bend down.

4. GREY-WASHED JEANS: I bought this wash on a whim and still can’t believe how much I wear them. They’re almost black, but look over-washed, making them super casual. They also go with everything.

5. RIPPED BOYFRIEND JEANS: Maybe boyfriend jeans won’t be around forever, but I’m still in love with this pair. They’re not really that oversized and have rips in all the right places. I typically wear mine cuffed at the bottom and pair them with anything from flats, sneakers to heels — they’re that versatile. Oh, and this pair is only $88!

6. BLACK JEANS: Like a good pair of classic skinny jeans, everyone needs a pair of good black jeans. They’re so flattering and perfect for those nights that you want to look a bit more dressed up than your regular denim. My black pair is also from M.i.H — if you’ve never tried them on, I highly recommend them!

Some will probably argue that flares should be on this list, but honestly, I’m just not a big fan of them on me, so I left them off this list.

How many pairs of jeans do you have? What’s your favorite style and color of jeans? And what do you think about this list of must-have denim — agree or disagree?

P.S. Don’t forget the Nordstrom Half Yearly sale is going on now! I’ll be sharing my picks later this week!