The fall denim styles our editors are shopping, coveting, or otherwise drooling over

Fall is a time for a lot of things—loving or hating seasonal lattes, carving time with your friends to go peep some changing leaves—I won’t bore you over the details. Let’s get to the denim! Fall denim is what we really want! (No, just me?)

I’ve always used the change in weather as an excuse to pick up new fall denim styles that I inevitably wear to pieces until the following autumn. A) Because I know what like, and B) Because I can’t be bothered to spend time sorting through the many, many choices, washes, and fits available more than once a year. So, in order to save you the department store slog or the trips to and from UPS lugging boxes of returns, HelloGiggles editors are sharing their favorite fall denim styles with you here. We promise you can wear these apple picking (or to whatever your fall fancy entails), but trust us—these are year-long favorites.

Hayley Mason, Editorial Director

1Madewell 10-Inch High Waist Skinny Jeans: Button Front Edition

“Every year, like clockwork, I re-invest in a new pair of dark denim. Because although I have my eye on several more trendy styles, like ultra-wide leg flares or all-over embroidered pairs, simple dark denim never goes out of style. (That and I will not give up on the idea of “back-to-school” shopping until I died.) This Madewell pair hits right at the ankle, so they’re perfect for pairing with ankle booties or sneakers. Plus, the button-fly is a fun detail that makes them stand out. Granted, $135 is a little more than I typically like to spend, but I can almost guarantee this exact pair will be on sale several times throughout the year at Nordstrom. In fact, they’re marked down to $80 right now.”

2Kick Crop Jean Bone

“I love a kick crop jean. (As evidence, I just learned that term last summer and I already own three pairs!) This Everlane pair comes in the shade “bone,” which is a creamy, not-quite-white shade that pairs easily with camel, black, and denim for fall. And no, the Labor Day rule does not apply, so you can wear these all year long.”

Claire Harmeyer, Editorial Assistant

The Perfect Vintage Jean in Cassie Wash

“I’m a sucker for some great mom jeans, and this pair fits the bill. The medium wash is perfect for pairing with the jewel tones I wear a ton of during fall—burgundy, emerald green, and purple complement this subtly dark wash. You can dress this pair up for work with a blazer and heels, or down with a white tee and sneakers after hours. Bonus: the high rise makes for a super comfy and flattering fit. Oh, and the crop above the ankles is just asking to show off a statement shoe.”

Danielle Fox, Social Media Manager

Cynthia High Relaxed Jean

“Finding good jeans is a hard feat—one made harder by my desire to only shop at ethical, sustainable stores. One of the few non-secondhand jeans I’ve sprung for are by Reformation. I feel the most me in a pair of non-stretch denim, high-waist black jeans, and these check all the boxes. Sizing for non-stretch jeans can be tricky (cowboy crotch and camel toe are legitimate concerns!), but I often buy a size up and get them taken in at the legs if needed. It costs a few extra dollars up-front, but I find that I can wear and repair rigid denim jeans for years longer than stretch pairs, which is better for my wallet and for Earth.”

Nicole Adlman, Senior Editor

Angled Hem High Waist Jeggings

“I have strong feelings about distressed denim. For fall (and all seasons, really, because I live in California), I’m looking to update my worn-in denim collection with a pair that offers something new without breaking bank. These jeggings (remember that word?) from 1822 Denim fit the bill: slightly distressed, light-medium wash, invariably comfy, and featuring a raw step hem that will look killer with high or low heels.”

Caitlin White, News Editor

William Rast High Rise Perfect Skinny Jean

“I have far too many pairs of jeans in my closet or dresser at all times, but frankly, I’m mostly just rewearing and rewashing these William Rast jeans on the daily. They’re called the ‘perfect skinny jean’ and I endorse. You know how some stretch denim gets all saggy when you wear it too much? These are so soft and have the right amount of stretch to fit you snugly, but they never, ever get that droop. And seriously, they are soft—which is great because when I’m not wearing jeans, I’m in sweatpants (I live for cozy). I love the high-rise waist, but be warned that they run a little long for us shorter gals (I’m 5’4″). But that’s nothing a cuffed hem or a good tailor can’t fix.”

Rachel Sanoff, Features Editor

High Rise Crop Skinny Jeans

“When I’m in a rush, the quick, easy outfit that lets me feel like I still possess any kind of fashion sense is a graphic T-shirt tucked into a pair of high-waisted jeans. I am also actively working to consume less fast fashion this fall (and afterward), so these jeans by Madewell are perfect for me. They hit my five favorite things in a pair of denim pants: cropped, skinny, high-waisted, stretchy, and faded. And at $59, you can avoid participating in fast fashion while still maintaining some affordability. Now, to find the perfect sneaker to show off with this cropped fit.”