Last year I ventured out of my Levi’s 501 and Wedgie Fit zone and entered the world of Levi’s Ribcage. You may remember my full guide to those jeans earlier this year.

Well? Two sizes up this year, and I’m happy to report they don’t fit anymore, which led me to find new ones. As my body changes, I think: “Dress your body today. There’s no time to waste wearing things that don’t fit, even if that means you wear the only two pairs that fit over and over” — it’s one of my mantras.

Levi’s Ribcage: The Black Straight Leg Jeans I Can’t Stop Wearing

I’ve been looking everywhere for the same wash I loved and had with no luck. Until! I found this black wash with a straight leg (40% off & sustainable), and they have quickly won a special place in my top 5 most-worn jeans this season.

A quick review of Levi’s Ribcage in case you’re new to them. They are super high-rise, hence the name Ribcage. The rise is 11-12″. From there, you can find them in straight, flare and wide-leg leg cuts.

Jeans 40% off (also in Bloomingdale’s) l Boots (on sale) l Turtleneck l Coat

4 Reasons I Love These Black Levi’s So Much

1. They Have Stretch But Are Substantial

There’s nothing I loathe more than thin legging-type jeans, which usually happens when the cotton composition goes below 95%. I usually go for those with most cotton and only a 1-2% elastic fiber, no polyester or one of its derivates, but believe me, as someone who often wears 100% cotton, 2% stretch makes the whole difference.

Jeans 40% off (also at Bloomingdale’s) l Boots (on sale) l Turtleneck l Coat

A quick note on sizing: I’m size 26 for the most part, but after ordering that size and one down, I ended up with the size down, which has now broken up nicely. When jeans have no polyester, the cotton stretches, and I don’t like jeans that get too loose, but your true size is perfect if you like them looser or need more room in the waist.

2. The Straight Leg Is Freeing

Have you noticed that now “straight leg” can be a slim leg and a wide leg? Well, these are true straight leg jeans. While one to two pairs of skinny jeans are usually part of my cold-weather wardrobe, I love the feeling of a looser leg, especially now that I spend more time at home. I love that I can wear super-warm long socks under in the winter, and with higher shaft booties, it’s OK for NY winters.

Jeans 40% off (also at Bloomingdale’s) l Boots (on sale) l Turtleneck l Coat

3. They’re The Perfect Black Wash

If you’ve followed some of my color posts, my best color palette lies in warm and rich colors, and my best black is one that is slightly brown—warm black, which is so hard to find, but I’m not one to be so strict. The washed black is so versatile you can style it with cool and warm colors depending on the look you want. With enough knowledge about your personal coloring, you can make it work flawlessly. I always take my clients’ preferences into account — one page in the e-guide I give them is titled “What about black?” with tips to wear it if black is not one of their best colors.

Jeans 40% off (Also at Bloomingdale’s) l Boots (on sale) l Turtleneck l Coat

Here I’m keeping the rest of the colors in my palette. I’m creating connections: the print of my turtleneck, even the elastic and sole of my green boots transition perfectly to the black. I finish off the look with a colored coat in one of my favorite colors.

4. They’re Sustainable!

They’re made with Levi’s Water<Less® techniques that reduce water use in the garment manufacturing process. I love finding things that are sustainable yet affordable.

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Let’s Not Forget Styling Them With These Boots…

They are my most-worn boots right now. I’ve walked all over Manhattan with them, taken my kids to the park, worn to my husband’s office (I get so much done there), outdoor dining, and more. They have only become more comfortable with every wear, and I love to wear them with all my jeans.

So, tell me, what are your most-worn jeans right now? Should I make my top five jeans in another post?

Chao, chao

Julieta

Looking to know what colors look best on your complexion from the comfort of your home? Shoot me an email. We can do it all virtually and I’d love to help!

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