5 Expert Tips to Actually Find Perfect-Fitting Skinny Jeans

If you’re a skinny-jean enthusiast (like I am), your denim drawer is probably stocked with a variety of the slim-fitting denim. But do you have that perfect pair yet? If you don’t, we’re here to help you get one step closer to uncovering that ideal cut with a few skinny-jean fit tricks to keep in the back of your mind next time you’re shopping.

Sure, everyone’s style and body types are different, but after we caught up with Emma Grede, the CEO and co-founder of Good American (which prides itself in designing flawless-fitting denim), and Shopbop’s fashion director, Caroline Maguire, it quickly became evident that there are a few general tips that could help you actually find those perfect-fitting skinny jeans. We rounded up their five expert tricks for you below, along with some of the best skinnies from Good American—which has a fresh range available on Shopbop right now. You can also keep on scrolling to shop other flawless skinny jeans that are worthy of a little add-to-cart action as well.

“Always look for high-rise skinny jeans. My favorite pair are my Good American Good Waist skinny jeans because of their super-high waist. The fit is so flattering, and you can pair it with any top for a casual or put-together look.” — Emma Grede

“Because skinny jeans are such a closet staple in any wardrobe, it’s important for them to be stretchy and hold their shape from wear to wear, allowing you to wash them less and preserve the fabric.” — Grede

“A gap-proof waistband is another crucial aspect of great-fitting skinny jeans because there’s nothing worse than pulling on pants and feeling exposed by an ill-fitting waistband. Also, every woman seems to pull up her jeans by grabbing on to the waistband and shimmying in. (We’ve all done it!) For this reason, it’s important to find jeans that have reinforced belt loops that won’t snap under pressure.” — Grede

“Find a favorite wash. The wash on a jean completely changes the look of a given style.” — Caroline Maguire

“Know the right rise and inseam for you. Everyone’s body is different, so I recommend trying multiple pairs to find the most flattering and comfortable dream denim style.” — Maguire

Grede went on to mention that sizing tools (like Good American’s online tool) are worth checking out if you order online and don’t want to gamble with the wrong size.

Everyone can use a pair of black skinny jeans in their arsenal.

Don’t be afraid of slight distressing to bring a cool twist to your look.

Colored jeans are coming back, and these rose-colored skinnies will catch all the compliments.

The button-front detail gives these frayed black skinnies a little something extra.

A little distressing at the knee never hurt anyone, right?

These skinnies have just the right amount of whiskering for that lived-in feel.

Snakeskin print continues to be one of the biggest trends of the season. Go bold with the pattern in denim form this winter.

If you want a slightly looser pair of skinnies, this high-rise pair is for you.

Team these classic skinnies with sneakers, heels, flats, or anything else really.

You can legit wear these classic skinnies for a multitude of occasions.

You just might want to live in these lightweight, cool skinnies. And that’s okay.

Introducing your new off-duty favorites.

Want the look of leather without actually wearing it? Try these coated black skinny jeans as a chic alternative.

Check out Good American’s Open Casting initiative for a chance to star in the brand’s next campaign with Khloé Kardashian.

Next, cool skinny-jean outfits that won’t feel dated this year.

21 Holy-Shit Beauty Products From the Nordstrom Fall Sale

There’s nothing we love more than a good sale, especially from one of our all-time favorite retailers, Nordstrom. The OG department store might be your go-to for the best booties and denim, but the selection of beauty products never ceases to amaze us. This time around, we’ve spotted some highly coveted beauty buys we rarely find at a discounted price, so we’re even more pumped for the epic fall sale.

Even though it still feels like summer at Who What Wear HQ in L.A. (seriously, it’s 80º today), the holidays are right around the corner, so it’s time to turn our attention to the gifts we’ll be grabbing for our loved ones and ourselves. We see it all, and we know what’s worth the hype, so we’ve handpicked the 21 head-turning items you’ll be mad you missed from this epic sale. Trust us, you’ll have a hard time finding them at these prices again. Read on for the best picks.

It’s officially red-lip season, and this beloved duo by Nars will come in handy any time you’re in the mood for a bold look. 

This lightweight concealer is perfect for brightening under the eyes and covering up hyperpigmentation, but our favorite thing about it is how easy it is to work with. Simply place a dot of product wherever you need a little help, and blend it out with your fingers or your favorite makeup brush. Simple.

You probably don’t need us to tell you that this famed setting powder is iconic, but in case you do, here it is: This stuff is everything. Don’t believe us? Just check out the thousands of positive reviews.

There’s nothing better than a super-hydrating lip balm that also provides a subtle wash of color. Oh, and SPF!

Eighty-plus dollars is a lot to spend on an eye shadow palette, but these metallic shades from Tom Ford are among the most pigmented and universally flattering we’ve ever seen. Get this foursome on sale to soften the blow a bit.

This chic lipstick from YSL will look as gorgeous sitting on your vanity as it will on your lips. We love the square shape of the lipstick itself to really define the Cupid’s bow and perfect that pout, even without using a liner.

This is the perfect combination of colors to create any number of eye looks, from subdued and neutral to rosy and bright. Plus, it’s small enough to travel with, so you can easily take your glam on the go.

This set is an absolute can’t-miss. Whether you’re looking to get an intro to the greatest hits from powerhouse skincare label Sunday Riley or you’re looking for travel sizes of the essentials you already love, this set covers all your bases. And while you’re treating yourself (you deserve it!), snag one for a holiday gift, too.

We never miss an opportunity to stock up on this OG body lotion. It’s super hydrating, absorbs quickly, and is unscented so you never have to worry about it competing with your signature fragrance. It’s the perfect cream.

Facial massage is all the rage right now, and these heavenly globes are just the tool to experiment with. They’re soothing and gentle so you don’t have to worry about being too rough with your face. 

Nothing fights dark spots and hyperpigmentation like a potent vitamin C treatment, and this one by Perricone is among the most effective out there.

When a celebrity facialist who works with the likes of Mindy Kaling, Mandy Moore, and Emma Roberts creates a product line, we pay attention. Joanna Vargas isn’t new to the skincare game by any means, but this anti-aging serum from her line is one we’ll buy over and over.

If you’re on the fence about eye cream, the 261 reviews of this particular one will sway you to start using it. According to satisfied customers, it’s lightweight and goes hard at softening crow’s-feet and under-eye bags.

Dermaplaning is one of the buzziest skincare trends out there right now, and for good reason. It instantly reveals bright, peach fuzz–free skin that’s ready to absorb all those incredible active ingredients in your skincare.

This holy-grail serum employs resveratrol, viniferine, and grape-seed polyphenols to firm, brighten, and protect the skin against free radicals. It also helps to promote collagen production, so in essence, it helps turn back the clock.

If you’re not on the facial essence train yet, it’s time to get familiar with the multi-use solution. This OG offering from SK-II touts a potent formula including vitamins, amino acids, and minerals to reduce the appearance of fine line and wrinkles and deeply hydrate the skin. Start with the small bottle to see how you like it. (Hint: You’ll be addicted.)

If you’ve been eyeing a microcurrent device, this is the time to take the plunge. This one is FDA-cleared to treat your entire face to combat the natural aging processes that cause wrinkles, sagging, and loss of contour. 

Want to smell rich? Get this. Clary sage, lavender tonka bean, and leather make it a truly captivating, totally expensive-smelling scent. This allover body spray is perfect for layering or reapplying throughout the day.

If you’re spending a bunch of money to color your hair, and even more money to maintain it with the best products, then the last thing you want is for your shower water to sabotage all your hard work. This genius shower head by T3 features a mineral filtration system that removes damaging impurities like rust, dirt, sediment, and odors from your shower’s water supply.

Any device that helps lower the time and stress involved in styling gets a gold star from us. According to the reviews, this heated brush straightens even the curliest hair.

After you’re done straightening your strands, go in with this finishing spray for added texture, volume, and body. Oh, and it smells really good. Up next, celeb glam squads love these 25 products, and they’re really cheap right now. 

Our Readers Divulged Their 22 Best Winter Purchases

Welcome to #WhoWhatWearing, a series in which we highlight you, our stylish community of readers. Each of the following looks came straight from a photo you tagged us in on Instagram. Want to be featured next time? You guessed it: Use #WhoWhatWearing on the outfit posts you want us to see.

As we’ve shown you time and time again, our readers are a wealth of style inspiration. Whenever we log on to check our tagged photos, our stylish community of readers and followers never fails to leave us with an outfit idea or clued into an emerging trend, and now we’re turning to them for shopping ideas, too. Though as an editor I may be the one reporting on the trends, you’re the ones going out and discovering the coolest pieces and styling them to a T—and I’ve definitely noticed it. So today, I asked a handful of our coolest readers to divulge the contents of their shopping carts.

The styles they’re diving headfirst into? Winter’s top items, like the prettiest pearl-adorned cardigan, Prada’s chunky combat boots, and more than one Saks Potts coat. Not only are they adding these items to cart, they’re also already wearing some of them on repeat. So without further ado, discover the best winter shopping picks our readers have been wearing and/or eyeing lately and add them to your own cart if you’re so inspired.

“Such a practical everyday bag with a great design and color—so easy to style!”

“This is a classic men’s loafer with a vintage vibe. It will look great with a pinstripe suit or a white shirt dress and trench coat.”

“One of my favorite combinations to wear this season is the boots tucked into pants. These boots from Dear Frances are perfect to wear with pants that are a little bit wider. I love to wear it combined with a heavy knit turtleneck and an oversize coat or blazer.”

“Since I’m always cold I love to wear oversize wool coats because I can wear layers underneath them. I love to combine it with a simple T-Shirt (or knit), a blazer and some pants.”

“I prefer wearing more of a statement shoe in the winter, especially when I’m all bundled up in a coat, and I’ve had my eye on a few pairs of chunky oxfords that I think would be perfect to stomp around in. The Prada platform Derby shoes are so good, but I also really love these Proenza Schouler leather Oxford shoes.”

“I recently added a pinstripe blazer from Billie the Label to my wardrobe, and I have to say it is the perfect fit. It’s structured with just the right amount of oversize boxiness, and it’s a woman-founded brand, which I’m always a fan of. This blazer can definitely be worn on its own with a sweater underneath, but I think it would also layer beautifully under a winter coat.”

“The Prada Monolith boots are the ultimate boot of the season. The added side pockets are key to the versatility of the shoe, which can be worn in a plethora of ways. To be honest, this is the perfect statement to any outfit you decide on wearing.”

“Monotonous outfits tend to reign supreme during the colder seasons, which is why I’ve been eyeing this Burberry bag. The asymmetrical color play on this bag is the perfect edge to any outfit for this upcoming season.”

“These boots have made multiple appearances on my Instagram since they are hands down my favorite shoes to wear with jeans. I love the modern squared-off toe and hourglass-shaped heel. Plus the black-and-beige color combo means these will go with just about every color clothing item.”

“I’ve had my eye on these pants; they’re flannel and plaid—two things that are so winter. They make a matching plaid jacket, so naturally I’d want to wear them both for a real statement. But these pants would also look good with a black sweater or blazer. Festive but not too festive.”

“I’ve thrown caution to the wind and purchased this Saks Potts coat I’ve had my eye on for about two years! It sells out fast, but this time I said no, not happening.”

“I’ve had my eye on another trend-heavy piece—completely unintentional—the Bottega Veneta ankle boots. Currently sold out in my size, but a little birdie told me Net-a-Porter will be restocking soon.”

“I’ve been wanting the perfect fall/winter shirt to add into my wardrobe; leave it to Nanushka to come up with the perfect one. This vegan leather shirt is so incredibly soft, and there are so many ways to wear it (open, closed, layered). I’m planning on throwing on a white turtleneck underneath and wearing the shirt buttoned up and tucked into some trousers.”

“I picked up these Chloe rain boots a few weeks ago and am so happy that I did. Not only are they comfortable, but they have amazing tread and can be worn in rain, snow, or sun (for us in California). I’ve already paired these boots with trousers, skirts, dresses and even denim.”

“Winter is all about layering, so finding a piece that makes layering super effortless and chic to me is a thrill. I would pair these with a crewneck black tee, chunky chain-link necklace, and black knee-high boots.”

“This winter, it’s time to turn the tights notch up a dial. Fishnets and plain sheer tights are cool, but floral or embroidered tights are even cooler. I would wear these with any of my midi or high slit floral dresses and strappy sandals to create a romantic’70s-style look.”

“Winter is all about layering so finding a piece that makes layering super effortless and chic to me is a thrill. I would pair these with a crewneck black tee, chunky chainlink necklace, and black knee-high boots.”

“Obsession levels are high with this one. The upgraded version of the perfect cardigan that comes puffy sleeves and pearl buttons—want!”

“When I spotted these beauties, I knew I had to have them. They tick all the boxes for me: chunky heels? Check. Square-toe? Check? Brown croc-effect? Check. Though they’re on the higher side of heels, they’re actually pretty comfortable, which makes them the perfect go-to boots for any outfit. My favorite way of wearing them is either with good-old denim jeans or tailored-trousers if I’m feeling a tad dressy.”

“We all deserve a Saks Potts coat, and if there’s one style I could get my hands on, it’s this! I hate the cold, dull colors, and everything else associated with this season. So this monochromatic beaut is perfect for brightening up those dark winter days. Plus, I have a thing for fur trimming at the moment.”

“After endlessly searching for the perfect style, this winter I’ll be keeping my feet warm in these cowboy boots from Zara. I’d wear them with a pair of light blue mom jeans finished off with a supersized blazer. Or better yet, a pair of track pants for an effortless ‘I can’t be bothered, but still want to look stylish’ look.”

“What I like about this pair of boots is the croc effect. It’s definitely a very low-key winter pattern. I usually wear them with blue jeans and a blouse for an everyday look.”

“A leather trench in a classic black is a must for the winter. You can easily create an everyday look by combining with a pair of leather boots and leather shorts. Chic and powerful.”

Next, see (and shop) the coolest fall and winter jackets our readers are wearing.

21 Winter Boots You Should Buy From Nordstrom Before They All Sell Out

Not to stress you out or anything, but winter is well on its way, meaning that before you know it, you’ll be ankle-deep in snow, slush, and icy mystery water of all kinds. If you live where the sun shines 24/7 (L.A., we’re looking at you), then the desperate need to stock up on the best winter boots might not make sense to you. To those of you who know what it’s like to look outside, see the snow falling, and realize your weather-proof boots are nowhere to be found, you get it. The stress is real and there’s no way you’re about to mess up all of your favorite suede boots just for a quick jaunt around the block. No, not at all. New winter boots are in order.

To ensure you are proactively prepared with the correct seasonal footwear, I scrolled through all of the best winter boots at Nordstrom and narrowed down my favorites to an impressive 21. I don’t know about you, but when I think of winter boots, I think of something unattractive, bulky, and unstylish. However, thanks to the wide variety at the beloved retailer, we have 21 pairs of winter boots that prove footwear can indeed be stylish and practical all at once.

The cool-girl way to tackle snow boots.

Resisting shearling-lined boots that are this affordable would be a crime but also a miracle. 

I personally have been dreaming about these boots since I saw them on the runway. 

Quick, buy these in every color. 

All of your fashion trousers will look top-notch with these.

Throw these on after a workout with leggings or pair them with your favorite jeans. Either way, these boots are a must. 

Surely you’ve never seen chicer rain boots.

These lug-sole Chelsea boots are my thing right now. 

Truly “boots with the fur.”

Bring these on your next ski trip and let the compliments roll in.

I can’t quite put my finger on why, but I trust that sole with my life.

If you’re going to splurge on winter boots, might we suggest these?

One more pair of Dr Martens for good measure.

These are sleek and chic but have the sole of a worker boots.

When rain boots and winter boots collide.

So soft yet so practical. 

Get a snakeskin style too. 

These mean business. 

These are the winter boots I’ve been searching for. 

They call these classics for a reason. 

Dramatic but cute.  Next up, find out what the most stylish New Yorkers are wearing for the rest of the season. 

Okay, Here’s What I’d Buy With $50 at All My Favorite Affordable Stores

Okay, I’m about to share with you the fruits of all of my online shopping labor; I don’t do this often, so consider yourself lucky.

…Just kidding, it’s basically my job, but this time I’m spilling all the under-$50 items I’d buy right this second from five of my all-time favorite affordable retailers. I don’t know about you, but I often find myself in “need” of a little pick-me-up, which ends up being either a $6 latte or an under-$50 impulse buy. And today it was a random assortment among the selection ahead.

Here, I’ve shared a list of all the things I contemplated buying (some of which actually made the cut) from H&M, Zara, Topshop, & Other Stories, and Urban Outfitters, aka my favorite affordable shopping destinations. In case you too need a mood booster, I recommend you shop my under-$50 picks from the stores you probably love just as much as I do.

I plan on wearing this at least once a week.

My denim drawer may be overflowing, but I’m determined to make room for these.

To the snow and beyond! 

Always into a vintage-looking sweater.

Is that a cargo skirt? I’ll take it. 

I’ve made it my mission to step away from only wearing delicate stacking rings. 

How to tackle a “going-out look” when it’s cold outside.

This bra looks like a thousand bucks. 

I always think I own a black belt, but it turns out I actually don’t. That’s where this guy comes in. 

This bag style will be huge come spring, so I’m buying it now to feel ahead of the curve.

Need this whole outfit, tbh.

This one came in just in time for the holidays. 

These beige trousers will make all of my chunky sweaters feel so much more loved. 

^^^ Exactly how I plan on styling this sweater.

Note to self: Re-create all of these fall Zara looks ASAP.

The sleeves sold me.

Finally, an evening bag that won’t leave me broke.

Might not be practical for the winter in NYC, but I’m adding it to my cart anyway. 

Still leaning into the pistachio trend. 

I’m a sucker for crewneck sweatshirts. 

No, that isn’t a typo—these are $49.

Convinced this shoe style will never fade.

All I can think about right now is cow print. 

Because all of the blacks and browns in my wardrobe could use some new life.

I plan on wearing this over all my turtlenecks.  Next up, discover the five brands that are about to reinvent your fall wardrobe.