By Taylor Davies, Source: EatSleepDenim

When I was younger, maybe in high school or so, I thought that black jeans were for grunge kids and out-of-touch moms. Flash forward eight years (ahhhhh!) and I can hardly think of anything more chic.

As you might recall, during the spring I was on a mad hunt for the perfect white skinny jeans. These were the winners, and now I’ve set my sights on the winter equivalent – the perfect black skinny jean. Unlike white jeans, which I wanted thick, not-too-tight and slightly cropped at the ankle, I want my black jeans to be soft, super-skinny and sufficiently long, so they tuck perfectly into everything from knee-high boots to booties.

Some of you may already have the perfect pair of no-fuss black jeans, and are ready for something a little more fun. A pair of black jeans with a little something extra are the perfect update for your cold weather wardrobe. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

The James Jeans High Class coated Twiggy jean is super skinny and looks like leather. They’re sexy and easy to dress up.

The MiH Marrakesh ‘kick flare’ has been a favorite silhouette of mine for a long time, and a slick black flare with a tucked-in top and heels is a can’t-miss look.

If you’re in the market for the easiest, most comfortable denim leggings, it doesn’t get much better than the Rag & Bone / Jean legging. Simple, high-waisted, easy.

I’m sort-of on the fence about these, but if your inner grunge child is still around, a pair of distressed black jeans, like these from J Brand might be right up your alley.

My black denim moto? When it doubt, channel Emanuelle Alt.