Alright mamas, we’ve officially tried on ALL the jeans…or we at least gotten dangerously close. During this Early Access period, Emily, Tiarra, Laura, Scotti, Julieta, Linzi, Jess and I have had a chance to don most of the jeans worth trying in the sale. Thanks for hanging in there with us, Gang, we’re almost through this crazy period!
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale ends on August 4 (prices go up August 5), so we’re hoping all these pairs are still in stock. I will say though, I was pleasantly surprised by the jeans offered in the sale this year. The Topshop Dad Jeans were an unexpected find, Linzi found skinny jeans she loves (which is a huge win), and the animal print has trend has taken off in denim. Also, there seem to be a whole trend of cropped boot cut & flares (which aren’t so cropped on some of us).
The team and I pulled together a little ‘Best of What’s Left’ denim edition, so see if you agree:
Best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Jeans (Still In Stock)
1. Good American Flares
If you haven’t yet snapped up a pair of these insanely flattering flares….grab ’em now. My sister has been raving about Good American jeans for over a year…and, it turns out, with good reason. These flares have a nice bum, a cool wash, and a totally unapologetically high rise. YAS. I brought this pair home (as did a bunch of TME editors).
On Cam TOP: top, s | jeans, 2 (go down 1 size) | shoes, TTS
On Cam BOTTOM: jacket, s | top, s | jeans, 2 (go down 1 size) | shoes , TTS
On Tiarra: sweater (sold out) (S, size down) | jeans (TTS, 30) | boots (TTS, 9)
On Scotti: tee – xs | jeans – 4, run one size big | boots – tts
On Linzi: jeans – 27 | sweater – XS | sandal-bootie
On Shana: turtleneck (s, black) | cami (s, vanilla multi)| jeans (size 0) | boots
Tiarra Says: I love all the flares I’m seeing lately, even if they are a bit long for fellow shorties like myself. I know I can cut a few inches off, but that just feels like a whole thing to me. Other than the length, the fit is really good. They’re stretchy and high waisted and made my butt look amazing. Only the 8 was stocked; I would’ve liked to try my usual size 10
Scotti Says: I guess given my love of all things Good American, I can’t really be surprised that the Good American Good Flare jeans were my favorite flares. They are super high-rise (like I could wear a cropped sweater with no fear of accidental flashing) but stretch for comfort. They might be just a tad long on me, but I could just cut the bottom cuff off and they’d be perfect. (Although I don’t really mind them being a tad long, I guess.)
Linzi Says: Scotti has been raving about Good American, but it took this sale for me to actually try them. I love these flares–fit me so much better than most of the other higher-end brands.
2. Good American Curve High Waist Ankle Straight Leg Jeans
I realllllly wish I had tried on these jeans. This silhouette is basically the shape of Fall denim, and I LOVE how they look on Jess.
On Jess – Good American Jeans | Purple Knit | Grey Knit | Sole Society Booties
Jess Says: These were a surprise favorite from the sale, I just couldn’t believe how flattering they looked on and how comfortable they were. They have the perfect amount of stretch in them and the material is thick and great quality so they don’t sag or anything. If you are in between sizes, I’d suggest ordering a size down bc of the stretch! I’m in my usual size 28!
3. PAIGE Hoxton Ripped High-Waist Ankle Skinny
I tried on (and brought home) this exact pair in a light blue wash…which promptly sold out. Most of the TME editors missed the memo that those beloved Paige Hoxtons were also are available in a perfectly distressed black…which turned out to be a good thing, because the black version is still in stock! Happily, Scotti tried them and SWOON: They’re good.
On Scotti (black): graphic tee (sold out) | jeans | heels
Scotti Says: I knew I wanted to try on some PAIGE jeans because they’re known to be good for curvy girls. I was looking for a soft pair of black skinnies and these are perfect. The rise is spot-on—no muffin top, but not super crazy high either. Sometimes black jeans are stiffer, but these are stretchy and comfortable. (I sized down to a 27 . . . because of the higher rise.)
4. Topshop Jamie High-Waist Ripped Hem Skinny Jeans
I’ve been really impressed lately with Topshop jeans. I picked up the (now sold-out) Dad jeans, I have a pair of Topshop Jamie high-rise flares from last year’s sale and now….Em and Jess make a seriously good case for these skinnies.
On Jess – Burnout Velvet Bodysuit | Ripped Hem Jeans | Vince Camuto Sandals
On Emily – Teal Boxy Tee | Ripped Hem Jeans | Snake Print Booties | Vince Cardigan
Emily Says: This is my first time trying on Topshop jeans, and I loved the fit — especially for the price (under $50). I have a pair of gray jeans at home that have a great wash but a super low rise that is no longer en vogue (or, let’s face it, flattering at all), so I snapped these up right away. My favorite thing about the distressing on these is that it’s confined to the hem, so with a pair of tall boots, they have a completely different vibe. The specific wash is great, too — not too whiskered or washed out in the thigh area. Just interesting enough to give the gams a little definition. Wearing my usual size 25.
Jess Says: I’m with Emily, I haven’t tried Topshop jeans in yeeeears but couldn’t have loved the way they fit and felt more! I love the ultra high waist and the frayed hem and they went so well with basically everything I tried on from the NSALE. I really liked how they looked with the velvet bodysuit and the Vince Camuto heeled sandals – the perfect date night look. Oh, and they also go great with the GORG vibrant purple chunky knit sweater from Topshop and also on sale! I’m wearing my usual size 28!
5. Frame Le High Straight Split Hem Ankle Jeans
I tried these on and they are SUPER soft. They were too long on me….but perrrrfect on Cam. (She’s 5’10”.) Another pair that is really on-point for denim this Fall.
On Cam –top, s (similar) | jeans, 27
Cam says: These were my other favorites! TTS, nice stretch, cute little slit hem on the side. I’d wear these during the day with whatever top I have on hand. They’d look especially cute with either flats or a white or lighter colored bootie.
6. AG Prima Ankle Skinny Jeans
These skinnies are NOT high-rise….but they’re a cross between a skinny and a straight leg, which Scotti swears makes them easier to wear with booties in the winter.
Scotti: tee – xs | jeans – 28, tts | heels tts
Mom/Nana: jacket – xs | sweater – xxs, runs big | jeans – 25 | heels
Scotti Says: These AG jeans were my absolute favorites. They’re skinny, but with a straight cut at the ankle. You know those skinnies that are super tight all the way down? You can’t really roll them without them bunching and looking weird, but then they have to be the right length . . . and don’t get me started on the sock situation. I love that these are skinny in the leg, but straight below the knee. They look good with both boots and heels. LOVE.
7. Good American Good Legs High Waist Skinny
We’re all obsessed with how unapologetically high the rise is on Good American jeans. This particular pair is *almost* sold out. If, however, you need a size 14+…we highly recommend you give this pair a try. The brand is known for fitting curves especially well.
On Julieta: Dark wash jeans |Top | Boots
Julieta Says: The jeans will be my favorite come fall. No rips or distressing, the dark wash is versatile and works for professional or non-professional environments. Size down. Goes up to size 24.
8. AG Mid-Rise Ex-Boyfriend
I haven’t worn my low-rise boyfriend jeans in a while…but these AG boyfriend jeans are a pretty solid choice. They’re not as low rise as rag & bone’s Dre jeans – these are *almost* mid rise. So if you are not a high-rise girl, these.
On Tiarra: Blush moto jacket (sold out) (M, TTS)| Jeans (30, TTS)| Sweater (M, TTS)| Boots (9, TTS)
On Shana: jacket (sold out – similar) – US 4 | tee (xs, white) | jeans (size 25) | loafers(run slightly big)
On Scotti: jeans– 28, tts | sweater – S | ankle strap heels tts
On Cam LEFT: top, s | jeans, 27 (similar option) | shoes, TTS | bag
On Cam RIGHT: top, s | jeans, 27 (similar option) | shoes, TTS | bag
Tiarra Says: These jeans have a lower rise than I typically go for, but I still loved them. The fit was perfect. The were already cuffed, which was cute and different for me. They’re not too rigid, so they’re comfortable for my fellow curvy girls. I also like that they’re not too distressed, so I can wear them to work.
Scotti Says: I thought I would hate these jeans. They’re not typically my style, but these AG Ex-Boyfriend jeans were perfectly slouchy without being sloppy. They’re super-comfortable and I kind of fell in love with the relaxed style. I liked offsetting their “boyfriend-edness?” with cute comfy heels.
9. Wit & Wisdom High Waist Ankle Skinny Jeans
I’m such a denim snob that I passed these right by….but I’ll admit to doing a double-take on Laura. The price is insane (and the contrast stitching is pretty darn cute).
On Laura: Vince Step-Hem Cashmere Sweater (m) | Wit & Wisdom Gray Jeans (4p) | wedge heels (similar and 30% off)
Laura Says: Ya’ll. This color could not be better and these jeans are $51. Yay! I could kick myself (again, ouch) for not hanging onto another pair of gray skinnies from last year and these are the same shade. So good! They fit TTS if not just slightly big. Super soft and stretchy, but not thin. Wearing a 4 Petite.
10. Spanx Cropped Flare Denim Leggings
I’ve never noticed that SPANX makes jeans…but the dip-dye hem is a nice, subtle touch.
On Tiarra: Sweater (M, TTS) | Jeans (TTS, L)| Boots (TTS, 9) | Star/camo coat (sold out) (M, TTS)
Tiarra Says: Soooo, the is my first time trying Spanx denim and I LOVE them! TBH, I already had on Spanx, so they were hard to pull on, but gosh, they fit my waist like a dream and were the perfect length. They have a raw hem and bit of a dip-dye treatment about six inches above the hem, which is kinda cool. And, of course, the crop/kick-crop is definitely on trend. I’ll go ahead and say these were my fav (non-leopard) denim of the day. TTS, I’m wearing a large.
11. FRAME Leopard Skinny Jeans
The product photo is rather horrifying…which is why these are probably still in stock. In reality, however, these are much easier to style and the vibe is playful and fun. Tiarra rocks ’em.
Left: Jeans (30, TTS)| Silk shell (M, TTS)| Wool coat (M, TTS)| Flats (TTS, 9)
Center: Jeans (30, TTS) | Cashmere Sweater (sold out)(M, TTS)| Boots(TTS, 9)
Right: Jeans (30, TTS)| Tank (sold out)(M, TTS)| Blazer (M, TTS)| Boots (TTS, 9)
Tiarra Says: As much as I love print/color, animal print pieces can be iffy. I’m glad I tried these jeans. I sized up to a 31 because I’m size wasn’t stocked, but my usual 30 would be perfect, so I’m saying TTS. I was impressed that they weren’t terribly long…that happens a lot at my height. I was surprised how much I loved these. I didn’t take them home, but after seeing the pics, I’m pretty sure they’ll be in my next shopping bag.
Jeans Worth Stalking
Gosh these jeans went fast. Some of these are sold out, but most have a few sizes left (click the links to check for your size). This list below represent some of our very favs (I’ve only included sold-out jeans we actually came home with), so they are definitely pairs worth stalking. May the force be with you.
1. Topshop Ripped High-Waist Dad Jeans
These were the jeans of the sale. These Topshop Dad jeans* are super high-rise, non-stretch (yet comfortable), with a loose, cropped leg. They’re basically the boyfriend jean update I’ve been looking for. I immediately paired them with this FRAME silk top (my OTHER favorite thing in the sale) and snake print booties. LOVE them on Tiarra, too.
*Check for more sizes in washed black here
On Tiarra: Sweater (size down, S)| Tee (TTS, M)| Jeans (TTS, US 8-10) | Boots (TTS, 9)
On Shana: top (tts, black) | jeans (size 2) | boots
Tiarra Says: I swear I’m always grabbing the wrong Topshop size. I needed the US 8-10, but ended up with a size or two larger. Anyway, this is me holding the waistband of the jeans because I loved them so much, even though they were huge. I’ll be looking online for my usual size. I was surprised at how much I liked the large holes. I’m really going for more relaxed denim this season. I love my skinnies, but dad jeans are a good switch up. They’d look cool in the fall with fun tights.
2. AG The Farrah High-Waist Ankle Skinny
These are some of my most-worn jeans. AG’s ‘The Farrah’ is basically the AG ‘The Legging’ jean that I’ve been wearing for years…but with an updated high-rise. Like they legging jean, they’re super comfortable, stretchy (without completely losing their shape), soft, and will fit perfectly under OTK boots come winter.
NOTE: I hack all of mine off with scissors…and in these pics, they’re turned under. So yeah – they’re longer than pictured here.
Left: top (sold out)(xs, navy ombre) | cardigan (s, washed black) | jeans (size 24) | booties | backpack
Right: sweater – XS | jacket – 0 | jeans – 24 | loafers | bag
3. Madewell 10″ High-Waist Crop Skinny Jeans
These are one of the pairs Scotti brought home with her from Milwaukee try-on sesh (read: 5-hour family road trip). Go one size down for best fit.
Scotti – (left) sweater – S | jeans – 27, run one size big | sneakers tts | (right) sweater – M
4. Paige Hoxton High-Rise Distressed Skinny Jeans
These have a nice high rise, but with a curved waistband, so I really liked the fit. The legs aren’t as skinny as my typical AG jeans, but the wash and distressing was just right.
ps. the black is still in stock.
On Shana: jeans – 25 | boots | bag | middle sweater – XS
On Laura: Frame Snake Print Silk Cami (s) | Paige jeans (27) | wedge heels (similar and 30% off)
Laura Says: Shana tried these on and I see why. I love these. They came home with me, too. They are soft, fit well, have a good rise without being too high and the perfect vintage wash. They have stretch, cool distressing and are just that go-to skinny jean you’ll love. I found them to fit true to size. Wearing my regular 27.
5. FRAME Le High Slit Hem Skinny Jeans
I actually bought these jeans during last year’s anniversary sale, and was thrilled to see they are back in stock! One year later, they’re still one of my go-to pairs of jeans. (NOTE: I chopped off the hem. Which, sad, because there’s a cool split-hem detail at the bottom. Ah, well. #shortgirlprobs) I’m wearing a size 24…but in hindsight, I’d be more comfortable in a size 25.
On Shana: jeans | top | shoes | bag
6. Levi’s Wedgie Icon Fit High-Waist Ankle Jeans
Levi’s Wedgie Icon-fit jeans have been a TME editor fav for years now, so I’m not surprised that these flew off the shelf.
On Emily – Distressed Gray Jersey T-Shirt | Black Jeans | Black Over-The-Knee Boots | Vegan Leather Jacket
Emily Says: I’ve been wanting to get my hands on a pair of black Wedgie Levi’s since I saw Laura try on a pair in her Stories a couple of weeks ago, so thanks NSale! Wearing these in my usual 25, but I’m not gonna pretend it didn’t take some deep exhales to get them buttoned. (Once they were on, though, they were glorious, so I would still say they’re TTS.) They weren’t quite ankle length on me (I’m 5′ 5″ish) — and I actually rolled the hem a teeny bit in these pictures. Even though they’re a straighter fit through the ankle, they still worked with a pair of trim over-the-knee boots, too (more on those later). The resulting look is kinda Sandy from Grease, and I dig it.
7. Levi’s Ribcage Super High-Waist Ankle Straight Leg
I’ve been meaning to try these insanely high-rise jeans, but worried that they wouldn’t work on my short self. Julieta proved me wrong but….too late. Stalking.
On Julieta: jeans (sold out – similar here)
Julieta Says: Get a tummy tuck and butt lift with these jeans. These are the Levi’s with the highest rise compared to the 501 or Wedgies, and have a true straight leg. Better yet? They have stretch. TTS. I’m actually btw 24 and 25 and went with the 24. But the 25 worked too.
8. Madewell 10″ High-Waist Skinny Jeans
Em says it best: “I went into the sale specifically crossing my fingers that some iteration of Madewell’s 10″ high-rise jeans would be included, and ding! ding! ding!”
On Emily – White T-Shirt | Madewell High Rise Jeans | Red Booties
Left: ALLSAINTS Blush Jacket (Sold out ) // Graphic T (Not available online // Madewell High-Rise Jeans
Center: Olive Knotted Shell // Madewell High Rise Jeans // Madewell Mules // Open Front Cardigan
Right: Olive Leopard Cargo Jacket // Madewell High Rise Jeans // Red Booties
Emily Says: I went into the sale specifically crossing my fingers that some iteration of Madewell’s 10″ high-rise jeans would be included, and ding! ding! ding! Love it when that happens. As much as I typically prefer distressed and even destroyed jeans, I love that these are more polished and in a darker wash that will be easy to dress up. (If I was working in an office environment, these could definitely work for a Casual Friday situation.) They’re crazy soft, super-comfy and high in stretch — I’m wearing my typical 25 here, but may have even gone for a 24 if they had it. There are still some plus-size options available, too.
9. FRAME Le Skinny Crop
These jeans are more low-rise than I like…but the wash is so freaking spot-on that maybe I don’t care? I think they run a bit small, though, so size up. (And they look amazing on basically everyone.)
On Laura: striped tee (sold out)(s)| gray jeans (27) | snake boots | orange purse (LOVE!) | green tee (similar) | mules (similar)
On Scotti: jeans – 28 | off-the-shoulder sweater – S | boots
On Linzi: jeans
Laura Says: I thought these were the FRAME jeans from last year, but they’re not. They’re even cooler. They have a rad really faded black wash and are a mid rise, but I’m loving it…like, I can actually sit down in these. Unless you wear your shirts fully tucked, in you’ll like these, too. Short-waisted mamas rejoice. And these are good on the booty!
Scotti Says: These ran a little small on me? Probably because they weren’t as high-rise . . . I usually size down the higher the rise (#bigbootyproblems). But I loved the faded black wash and the fact that they look good with everything from heels to booties to over-the-knee boots. These weren’t as soft as the Le High Waist skinnies, though.
Linzi Says: These obviously weren’t crop on me, but I liked the length anyway. The fit was different from the blue Le High Waist skinnies—much tighter…the denim feels totally different….not bad, just different. I loved the color, but need to size up if I want to keep them. These felt way too skinny for me, but I’m hoping the size up will be more comfortable.
10. FRAME Le High Waist Skinny Jeans
The rise isn’t quite as high as the AG ‘The Farrah’ jean, but they still are, technically, high-rise. Great wash, per usual. 
On Linzi: Skinnies – 27 | Tank – S | Heels
On Scotti – cardigan – M | henley – S | jeans – 28, tts | booties
On Julieta: jeans | top | shoes
Scotti Says: Love the way these fit. I agree with Julieta that they’re more of a mid-rise . . . high enough to avoid muffin top, but not as high as, say, the Good American flares. The length was also perfect for me if I roll up once. Super comfortable and soft—definitely keeping these.
Linzi Says: I found skinny jeans that I like! Yep-biggest news of the sale! FRAME is my new favorite brand (especially on sale). Soft, comfortable, and looked pretty darn good!
Julieta Says: Check the pic to see where the rise hits. They are supposed to be high-rise but they are more of a mid-rise. Especially if you have a long torso, which also means, it’s perfect for shorter torsos.
11. FRAME Le High Waist Flare Jeans
UGH we LOVE these. Annoying how fast they sold out. You’d be hard pressed to find a more flattering jean.
Linzi Says: LOVE! Keeping these. They’re stretchy (but don’t look stretchy), are soft, and I love the rise and flare. I definitely need to get them hemmed, though. Very long.
Scotti Says: I have been looking at these for months and was happy to finally try them on. I liked the dark wash and the fit of the knee-to-flare—some flares aren’t skinny enough in the knee, but these are a perfect flare silhouette. These make your legs look long! I’m debating between the Good American flares or these . . . both are just a tad too long without hemming (or chopping) and I sized down to a 27 in both per usual for high rise jeans.
Don’t forget to check out the rest of the team’s faves and our full NSale coverage here!
xo,
S
Love the comments from each contributor.
So I’m late to the party…I just purchased my first pair of high rise during the Anni Sale…AG Farrah, and I’m in love!!! With that being said, I took a trip back to October 2017 and revisited Shanas article “How to Cut Your Skinny Jean (So They Work With ALL Shoes/Boots)”…thanks TME team!!
Got my Good American Flares on RIGHT NOW! They are fantastic and I’m so surprised because as a short-waisted gal, I thought they would be too high waisted on me. But they are perfect and so soft and comfortable. I’m going to wear them out, I can tell.
Just ordered Jess’ Good American ankle length straight jeans. I can’t wait to get them! They look so cute!
Yay!! I hope you love them Elizabeth!