I own a lot of denim, but every season I seem to end up with one or two go-to pairs of jeans that I reach for over and over again because they’re comfortable, flattering, and seem to go with everything. This spring, the Madewell Jules Slim Straight Ankle Jeans are quickly earning that top spot in my everyday rotation.
As much as I’ve tried to love wide-leg and barrel styles—and I’ve found a few that work pretty well for me—at the end of the day, I know I look and feel my best in silhouettes that are more slim-fitting, especially through the hips and thighs.
Madewell Jules Slim Straight Ankle Jeans (29) – 25% off // Steve Madden Lucia Mary Jane in Taupe Suede (8.5) // Velvet Zoella Sleeveless Collared Sweater (M) // VESTIRSI Eden Suede Shoulder Bag c/o // Boho Bangles // Multi Rondelle Necklace – 15% off with JOLYNNE15 // Baublebar Melanie Stud Earrings c/o // Tom Ford sunnies
And when it comes to shoe pairings, nothing is easier than a slim straight ankle jean. As I’ve been experimenting with different tops and shoes lately, these are the jeans that just seem to work every time. Even though it isn’t officially spring yet, I can already tell these are going to be the ones I reach for all season long.
Sizing Tips + Sale Details
The Madewell Insiders Event ends today, so I wanted to share a few ways I’ve been wearing these unicorn jeans so far this season. If a slim straight ankle jean is on your radar for spring, this is a great opportunity to try them for 25% off. (And Madewell Insiders always get free returns, so you can order two sizes if you’re unsure about the fit.)
Fit note: For reference, I’m wearing the Atlin wash in a size 29. My true size these days is closer to a 30, so I definitely recommend sizing down in these. I initially tried the 30, and after wearing them for a few hours, they stretched out quite a bit and ended up looking a little sloppy. Learn from my mistake, and size down! They also come in Petite and Tall sizes, by the way.
Look #1: Mary Jane Flats
One of the reasons I keep reaching for these is how easy they are to style with different shoes. The slim straight ankle length works especially well with low-profile sneakers and Mary Jane flats, which have been my go-to pairings lately.
These Mary Jane flats are incredibly comfortable, and I think they’re super cute. They also come in a bunch of other colors and materials, but I especially love this taupe suede version with the brown leather strap and mixed metal hardware. The color combination makes them a great neutral that goes with just about everything.
With a denim and shoe pairing this neutral, almost anything works on top. Because the jeans are ankle-length, I tend to wear a shorter top to keep the vertical proportions in check.
This sleeveless collared striped sweater is really fun. I love the boxy, cropped fit and the muscle-tee silhouette, with the rugby stripes and collared polo neckline adding a sporty touch. I added some simple mixed-metal earrings and a necklace, plus a stack of resin and gold bangles for a little extra interest.
Look #2: Slim Sneakers
These jeans also pair really well with the slim, minimalist sneakers that are trending this season. I often wear them with my new Dolce Vita Sariya Sneakers.
Madewell Jules Slim Straight Ankle Jeans (29) – 25% off // Dolce Vita Sariya Sneakers (8.5) – 40% off // Michael Stars Mikaela Striped Pullover (M) // Quince Woven Satchel
I love the streamlined shape and the combination of nylon and suede, which gives them a sporty feel without looking bulky. They have really nice cushioning and were incredibly comfortable right out of the box.
The white and light grey with the camel-colored gum sole and toe cap creates a nice balance of light neutrals. They also happen to be on sale at Nordstrom!
This time I topped them off with a red and white striped cotton-blend sweater that’s perfect for transitional weather. I love the classic stripe pattern and the rolled hem, and I carried a woven leather satchel in versatile cognac.
Look #3: Casual Quarter-Zip
Another option for milder temperatures is this short-sleeve quarter-zip sweatshirt. Sadly, sizes are getting depleted; it’s a really cute casual top with a sporty flair, perfect for throwing on with jeans and sneakers this spring. Zella makes a similar version, but they don’t have this pretty red color.
Caslon Short Sleeve Quarter Zip Sweatshirt (S) // Madewell Jules Slim Straight Ankle Jeans (29) – 25% off // Dolce Vita Sariya Sneakers (8.5) – 40% off // Quince Woven Satchel // Tom Ford sunnies
All that to say, the Madewell Jules in Atlin Wash have quickly become one of my favorite grab-and-go pairs of jeans.
If you’re looking for a style that hits that sweet spot—not too slim, not too wide, and easy to pair with lots of different shoes—these are definitely worth a look. And with the Madewell Insiders Event ending today, it’s a great time to try them for 25% off!
Shop More of my Madewell Insiders Event Picks:
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18 Responses
The Madewell jeans were sold out in petite, but I did get the Sanctuary shirt and Sam Edelman Mary Jane’s. Thank you
I was wondering your thoughts on cropped jeans. How would you style them. Thank you!
Pretty much the same as these, I feel like cropped and ankle are pretty close.
I love everything in every outfit! We have such similar taste and style, and body type. I have been realizing this is my favorite style too, and have been removing wide leg, barrel, and even relaxed straight. I do still like flares and boot cut too. I recently found an Ayr that is slim straight and my current fave in a light wash. I discovered Moussy jeans and have 3 pairs. I did recently buy a Madewell that fits well.
Can you let me know which AYR and moussy jeans you like? Thanks!
It’s been a bit of trial and error, but the Ayr is The Pop, in a light wash with no distressing, with a normal hem. My normal size fits perfectly. The Moussy that is a straight leg that I love is slightly darker with a normal hem and no distressing, and is called The Walmore. Styles come and go so fast, so I hope both are still available for you to try.
Thank GOODNESS those barrel and wide-leg jeans are on the way out! I always thought those jean styles added 5 pounds to a women’s look. Unless you were a tall size 2, those jeans just added weight to your physique. As a short apple-shape (thanks to menopause), I have been wearing slim-straights, mostly from Chico’s petite sizes. Always enjoy reading your fashion updates!!
Completely agree. I think there is going to be a lot of “what was I thinking” when looking back of pics in wide leg and barrel jeans.
Those jeans look great on you! I absolutely agree that this is a really good cut for your body.
My local madewell had the jeans in the bone color regular not petite. Sadly not a good fit for me. 5’2” athletic build with strong legs and butt. The evereve slim straight are a perfect fit so I am considering those instead.
This definitely is the best cut for you. You look best in this style jean. Thanks for showing styles that look good on everyone as individuals, along with styles that are trending.
Nice jeans. I wear similar styles in my every day life because I can wear flats and sneakers. I do wear my bootleg ones too. I save my wide leg styles for dressing up since they look better with a heel on me.
Darn two sizes I’d try in the denim in petite are sold out. Went to order to get the sale.
I am also glad to see the barrel and wide leg leave–never a big fan. I just think on shorter gals, it was never a good look. I have one pair of wide but they are somewhat tailored with a tie waist. But almost all my days–its a straight pair I reach for. I’m not too much a fan of mary janes either–they are just too flat to be comfortable for me–I need more support or at least a tiny heel. My sister just bought a pair of light colored denim overalls! And I gotta say they looked really cute–I’m exploring that!
Where did she buy them?! I still long for the overalls from Gap (late 90’s.)
Thanks!
Love the styles above too!
Are the sneakers white and light gray? The ones called white on the Nordstrom website look more cream and tan.
Yeah, I would say white and light grey.
Hey Stephanie, my sister lives in Ft Collins and found her denim overalls at a Supermarket! They are Wallflower brand. I was unable to find her exact ones anywhere. I just ordered one on Quince, hoping for the best. I tried a Levi one from Zappos, but returned, didn’t like at all