When it comes to styling blue jeans, Dani Michelle has the ultimate blueprint.
After all, the superstar stylist doesn’t just collaborate with the likes of Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber on their show-stopping red carpet looks — she’s also the mastermind behind many of their off-duty style statements.
“When I’m styling my girls in jeans, it’s really because denim is the perfect cool-girl item of clothing,” Michelle — who recently became the creative director of Joe’s Jeans — tells Page Six Style.
“People always think of jeans as a casual piece, but you can really dress them up,” she adds. “When everything else feels like trying too hard, it’s a jeans moment.”
And while we can’t all have Michelle’s personal styling services on speed dial, the below tips and tricks just might be the next best thing. Read on for the wardrobe whiz’s guide to finding the best jeans for you — and styling them flawlessly.
How to style wide-leg jeans
“I love to style a wide-leg or baggy jeans with a more fitted top so you don’t lose all of your shape. You can throw a sweater over your shoulders when it gets cooler out for that effortless look.”
Shop the look:
Joe’s Jeans The Ryan Oversized Baggy Jean
Reformation Caspia Cashmere Cropped Cardigan
Abercrombie & Fitch Paloma Top
How to style slim straight jeans
“A slimmer cut is going to keep your shape, so I love to pair my slimmer jeans with an oversized sweater or button-down shirt. I love a men’s white dress shirt because you can tuck it in for a more polished look, or wear it out for a really effortless undone moment.”
Joe’s Jeans The Margot Slim Jean
Brochu Walker The Everyday Shirt
Everlane Honeycomb Funnel Neck Sweater in Wool Cashmere
How to style bootcut jeans
“I love to style a bootcut jean with a heeled boot to keep the length in your legs. Throw on a belt with a gold buckle and fitted sweater and it gives simple but styled.”
Joe’s Jeans The Stacey High-Rise Ankle Bootcut Jean
Aritzia Solid Brass Leather Belt
Reformation Gillian Ankle Boot
Adding accessories and outerwear
“Accessories are my favorite way to elevate any outfit. A great pair of jeans is always so timeless, and can be taken to the next level with great accessories,” Michelle says.
“A classic long trench coat on top of jeans is always so ‘London classic’ to me. Something about the elongated jacket always feels so elevated, and paired with jeans it just feels cool.”
Joe’s Jeans The Elizabeth Trench Coat
Nordstrom Oversized Trench Coat
Mega Small Step Earrings
How to find the right pair of jeans
While the best denim ultimately boils down to personal preference, Michelle has a few tips and tricks for finding your favorite.
“If you want to create more of an hourglass, a high-waisted pant will help curve over the booty and hips for more shaping,” she says.
And while a wide leg is her current go-to for the “cool girl effect,” she also loves a classic cropped ankle jean for “for anyone wanting to elongate the leg” (and show off their shoes in the process, of course).
“If a crop doesn’t work for you, then move into a bootcut to get those extra inches and have the jeans touch the ground,” she adds.
And while denim trends are a hot topic these days — particularly amid Gen Z’s so-called cancellation of skinny jeans — Michelle hasn’t counted out the mid-aughts hit just yet.
“I think the skinny trend isn’t necessarily over if done properly, and rumor has it it’s coming back!” she says.
Why Trust Page Six Style Shopping
This article was written by Hannah Southwick, Commerce Writer/Reporter for Page Six Style. Hannah spies deals on actually affordable celebrity-worn styles, puts Hollywood’s favorite labels to the test and finds the beauty products that keep stars red carpet-ready. She consults stylists and industry pros — including celebs themselves — for firsthand product recommendations, trend predictions and more. In addition to writing for Page Six since 2020, her work has been featured in USA Today and Parade.