Fall Denim Try-On Haul

I’ve been looking for a pair of black jeans to replace this pair of Fidelity Denim for months, and I keep coming up short. I’m determined to figure out this fashion dilemma this fall, so I ordered several options to try.

Fidelity Cher in Nova Black

These jeans have been a favorite in my fall/winter wardrobe for going on two years, now. They have the perfect slim straight ankle fit that goes with every heel height and style of shoe, in the perfect washed black finish that I can dress up or down, depending on the look I’m going for.

The problem, you may ask? Well, besides the fact that they’re starting to feel a little tired and they tend to bag out faster between washes, I can’t link them.

Yep, that’s basically it. I would keep wearing and loving them, and I probably still will occasionally, but I really need a pair of versatile black jeans that I can link when I style them with outfits including other current items.

I realize these are #fashionbloggerproblems, and I don’t expect you to relate to that aspect of my dilemma, but I thought you might want to come along for the ride, as I try a bunch of black straight leg jeans and try to find another unicorn as magical as this pair.

Their measurements, for comparison purposes, are 27″ inseam; 13″ leg opening; 11″ front rise.

Good American Always Fits Good High Waist Straight Leg Jeans (Black 253)

at Nordstrom (6-12) // line and dot top (S) // P448 sneakers (39)

Good American jeans are known for their contoured waistband, gap-free fit, and rear-enhancing effect, and these jeans have intrigued me ever since I noticed the unconventional sizing. They come in sizes 00-4, 6-12, 14-18, and 20-26; and they claim to stretch up to 4 sizes, guaranteeing the perfect fit every time.

I’m wearing the 6-12, and they fit really well. I like the subtle off-black wash and the sleek, straight leg fit, and the length is just about perfect for wearing with sneakers. I like how they end just above the top of the shoe.

I also wanted to see how they look with boots, especially my flatter styles, and they actually work really well with these Tory Burch Chelsea Boots.

The measurements on the website were clearly off, so I measured mine, and these jeans have a 28″ Inseam and 14″ leg opening, which makes sense.

A 28″ inseam has always been a nice, classic ankle-length on me; although I’ve been gravitating more towards the 27″ length for the past few years. That isn’t quite a crop on me, but a “shorter ankle length”, so to speak.

And then, for the true test, I tried them with loafers. (I feel like loafers are tricky and require the jeans to be the exact right length to look right.)

I think this works too, making these jeans highly versatile… much like the magical Fidelity Cher.

VERDICT: Deciding. I also really like the next pair. My only complaint about these jeans is how thick the denim is. This is always my issue with Good American jeans. It’s nice and stretchy and has great shape retention, but it’s not a pair of jeans I want to wear all day, if that makes sense. Still, I think they’re worthy of consideration.

Mari High Waist Slim Ankle Straight Leg Jeans in City View

25% off at Bloomies (29) // at Nordstrom (29) // line and dot top (S) // boots (8)

AG Mari in City View (size 29)

This is the AG Mari, which I’ve worn before, and I’ve always liked the fit, but they’re a little longer than I typically wear with flats. In the past, the AG Mari has had a 29″ inseam, but these are 30″ inseam; 13 1/2″ leg opening; 10 3/4″ front rise.

Of course, they can be hemmed, and I’ve been really drawn to this off-black wash, so I decided to try them again.

The first thing I noticed was how soft and stretchy and comfortable they feel. It’s like pulling on pajamas, which is hard to find in a black wash. For some reason, black always seems to feel stiffer than blue denim washes.

The length looks fine with these flat Chelsea boots, but I might want them hemmed a tad shorter for the sneakers. I don’t know, I’m conflicted on that.

I’m not sure what is up with that super faded spot on the hip. It’s a little too exaggerated for my taste, but otherwise, they fit and feel great.

AG Mari in City View (size 29)

They’re definitely too long with the loafers; I feel like they need to sit up off the top of the shoe, or be a little longer for a truly full-length fit.

AG Mari in City View (size 29)

The AG Mari is always a little snug in my waist, and black washes tend to run smaller than other colors, so I also ordered the 30 to try.

For some reason, the wash is totally different on this pair. I even double checked that they are both the City View wash. I like this pair so much better; that faded area on the hip is there, but it’s so much more subtle.

AG Mari in City View (size 30)

I also think I like the fit of the 30 better. They’re a little looser, and since relaxed styles are trending, I feel like they look a little more modern than the super slim straight fit.

I was worried they would bag out and look bad, but I’ve worn them for a couple days, and they hold their shape pretty well. They’re still looser through the leg than I’m used to, but I don’t think it looks bad.

This pair seems to sit up a little higher off the loafers, which makes no sense, since they’re bigger, but I like this length a little better.

AG Mari in City View (size 30)

VERDICT: Keeping the 30. I like the wash better, and they fit well too. It’s always hard to swallow your pride and go up a size, but it also feels amazing to wear jeans that fit comfortably.

AGOLDE High Waist Stovepipe Jeans (Captivate)

at Nordstrom (29) // BR sweater shell (S) // similar loafers

Yikes, okay. I don’t know why I keep trying these. I follow a few influencers who make these look so good, but they’re probably 5 inches taller than I am and half my size.

They really need to be shorter to look right, an I don’t care for the rag-tag hems and the ginormous rear pockets.

These jeans have a 29 1/2″ inseam; 15 1/2″ leg opening; 12″ front rise; and they look best with fitted tops tucked in, so even though I knew I wasn’t keeping them, I decided to try tucking this ribbed top.

I did a full tuck on the left, and a front tuck on the right, but neither does very much for me. I can get away with it when I have a layering piece on top to break up the expanse of midsection, but I just don’t care for this look on me.

And because I’m a glutton for punishment, I also tried them with sneakers and a more relaxed pullover sweater.

I know the slouchy denim pooling on top of sneakers look is a thing, but this is just not a look that I’m going to be embracing. I realize this needs a totally different top to look relevant to the current trends, but it’s still not a good look for me.

My personal style goals are to look polished, modern, and understated, and this seems everything but.

VERDICT: These are going right back!

Banana Republic The Straight Jean

at Banana Republic (29 Regular) // Essential Long Sleeve Polo Shirt (S) // Tory Burch flats (8)

These are a similar style, but they look a little better. They have that same rigid denim look, but more of the stovepipe-straight fit that I was going for. This is the length that I like with the ballet flats.

They have a 29″ inseam and 11″ rise, so they’re similar to the AGOLDE pair, but just enough shorter that they work with these shoes. Plus I like the wash and the finished hem much better.

All that said, I still don’t care for how they look on me, and they’re also really tight in the waist. I tried tucking in this top, and I was verrrry uncomfortable. All in all, I just don’t think this look is for me, even though I like it on others.

VERDICT: Going back.

Banana Republic The Relaxed Flare Jean

at Banana Republic (29 Petite) // Nezha Merino Sweater Polo (S) // Vince Hilda (8)

Now, these, I like! For one thing, they fit much more comfortably than the straight pair, even though they’re the same size. I don’t know what is up with Banana Republic’s sizing; I also ordered some trousers, and they all fit very differently.

They have an 11″ rise and 31.5″ inseam (I ordered the petite) and they describe them as having a relaxed fit with flare leg. Compare these to the Frame flares below, and I feel like these have more of a modern vibe.

VERDICT: Keeping!

FRAME Le High Waist Flare in Kerry

on sale at Saks (29) // BR sweater shell (S) // Marc Fisher boots (8)

I love a good pair of flares, and these are sooo comfortable. The fabric is thin and stretchy and soft. I actually have a similar pair in a raw hem style, but I want a finished hem, so I ordered these since they’re on sale at Saks.

I’m just not sure I like the way they fit so tight in the thighs. I feel like today’s styles are a little looser, like the BR pair above. They would also need to be hemmed, which isn’t a deal breaker, but I need to be sure I love them before I take that step.

VERDICT: Deciding…

FRAME Le High Raw Hem Ankle Straight Leg Jeans (Dublin)

at Nordstrom (29) // Gap sweater (S) // P448 sneakers (39)

I ordered these as another update to another pair of jeans I wear a lot, but can no longer link. I thought I might like this darker wash, but I’m not sure I’m feeling that crop length these days.

The measurements are 27″ inseam; 14″ leg opening; 10″ front rise; so technically they’re the same length as the Fidelity Cher, but because the leg opening is wider, they seem to cut the leg off in an awkward spot. I still think I like this style for summer, but probably not for fall.

VERDICT: Returning.

Since I’m doing a denim try-on, I thought I’d show you a few other styles that I like, even though you regulars have probably seen them before.

MOTHER The Roller

similar on sale at Saks (size up) // similar on sale at motherdenim.com // Banana Republic sweater (S) // Vince boots (8)

These are more of a wide leg than a flare, but this is where I see styles going right now, and I really love this pair. Mine have a 10″ Rise and a 31″ Inseam with a 26″ Leg Opening, for reference. They’re an older style, but there are lots of different MOTHER Roller options out right now.

This pair is on sale at Saks, but they run really small. I ordered them and realized they’re 100% cotton, and I couldn’t even get the size 29 to fasten over my belly.

This pair is probably more like the pair I have, as far as the fabrication goes, but the sizes are a little picked over. If in doubt, I’d order multiple sizes and return what doesn’t fit.

PAIGE Anessa High Rise Wide Leg Ankle Jeans

on sale at Saks (29) // FRAME tee in Surplus on sale at Saks (XS) // sandals (8)

This is another pair I have that I like a lot, but I feel like they’re more of a summer jean. I need to try them with boots and see what I think. I wanted to link them here because they’re on sale at Saks.

MOTHER The Dazzler Ripped Mid Rise Ankle Slim Jeans in Hopeless Romantic

at Nordstrom (29) // Sunwashed pullover // P448 sneakers (39)

These were an #NSale purchase, and I sized up to the 30 because they didn’t have the 29 in store, and I felt like I could use the extra wiggle room.

They have a 27 1/2″ inseam, 13″ leg opening, 10″ front rise; and I like this length and silhouette a lot, even though it isn’t as fashion-forward as some. I feel like it still looks relevant, and it’s such a flattering fit.

J.Crew Denim Midi

at J.Crew (28) // BR sweater shell (S) // Sam Edelman knee high boots

This skirt keeps going in and out of stock, but I finally got the size 28 in, and I wanted to share it with you. It runs reeeeally big, so definitely size down. I don’t wear 28 in anything these days, but I needed the 28 in this.

I tried styling it with knee boots. I love this look! It needs a belt and some jewelry, maybe a different top, but it’s something I can work with.

And that, my friends, is a wrap!