I find myself continually coming back to Levi’s jeans year after year, especially Levi’s 501 styles, after trying SO many other brands. I just love their washes and fits and the details…not to mention the price point. Recently, I got an updated pair of Levi’s 501 ’90s jeans and thought I’d style them up a few ways for our later summer into fall outfit ideas. This specific pair is lightweight and an ankle length and perfect for sneakers and sandals and flat shoes this time of year. They feel classic and easy…just how I want jeans to behave right now.
Want to see more Levi’s style comparisons? Abby did a whole giant try-on earlier this spring.
5 Cute Outfits With Levi’s 501 ’90s Ankle Jeans
The key to making these jeans work right now is to size up. I went up about 2 sizes from my actual size to get them to sit lower on the waist and then to be just about full length on my 5’4″ self…ooh and I’m loving the Natural Style wash of this other pair, too. (Taller? This pair is the same cut/fabric but gives you longer inseam options.) I like how these sit lower and have a baggy shape but aren’t too huge or overwhelming.
1. Blue Sneakers + Fav Button Down + Levi’s 501 ’90s Jeans
shirt (M) | jeans (31) | sneakers | bag | necklace
I love a blue sneaker with blue jeans and the light blue of my favorite button down tops off the look nicely. These TWP shirts are freaking phenomenal if you haven’t tried them. A fun yellow bag and cute summery necklace finish off the look. I adore this necklace from our shop btw and wear it SO much! It’s cute with a button down or a crewneck neckline…many of my other necklaces don’t always work with both.
To note: The jeans above and in the second outfit are a different pair (same fit, wash and size though) as the final 3 outfit pics…because I couldn’t decide, returned and then reordered them. They look a little darker in this first pair, but some of that is lighting and some of that is slight variation between exact pairs I’ve noticed lately. The second pair I got below sit a tiny bit looser and longer, too.
2. Freda Salvador Fisherman Sandals + Levi’s 501 ’90s Jeans
top (M) | jeans (31) | sandals | necklace
There’s not much more of a classic pairing for summer in my opinion than blue jeans and a pretty crisp white top. This eyelet tank from Splendid has been a great addition to my closet this summer. It runs just a little small, so size up if between. Also here.
3. Striped Tee + Levi’s 501 ’90s Jeans
tee (M) | jeans (31) | flats | necklace
Levi’s slub cotton tees are so soft, and while I am typically loving a cropped tee more these days, this one is easy to tuck or half-tuck and just so darn good. Also good, these little crocheted Rothy’s ballet flats. They stretch to fit my wide toe box due to bunions and are super comfortable (I typically can’t wear most ballet flats.)
4. Frank & Eileen Denim Tank + Levi’s 501 ’90s Jeans
tank (M) | jeans (31) | shoes | bag | necklace
I love a denim on denim moment and a denim tank is one of my go-to summer favs. This one from Frank & Eileen I love is going fast, but this from Z Supply is cute, too. Gap makes a great one, as well. A fun print on a cute pair of shoes breaks up the solid-on-solid thing and adds a little flare. These adidas Sambas would be freaking adorable, as well.
5. AE Rugby Sweatshirt + Levi’s 501 ’90s Jeans
shirt (M) | jeans (31) | shoes | bag
If you have a cool morning or evening right now this American Eagle sweatshirt is the best. It’s a terry fabric, not fleece, so it’s perfect for warmer months when you need a little layer. The collar moment is also fab. Brought in a little pink in these super comfy jelly flats from Jeffrey Campbell. I love them and didn’t think I’d find a pair of jelly style shoes I’d like for my weird feet. See all our fav jelly shoes here if you have been wanting a pair.
Btw, I adore this tote bag from Tuckernuck. It’s the perfect size and is shaped more like a purse than a traditional tote with a rectangular bottom. It’s so dang good.
Hope this got some little ideas flowing if you have some 501s you’ve been wanting to update your closet with, too. I haven’t done a styling post in a minute and I forgot how much I really adore this type of work. If there’s anything else you want to see styled for late summer or into fall, please let me know in the comments!
xo,
L
Say hi on Instagram @laurajansenstyle











