I know this isn’t something I’m supposed to say on this blog – but sometimes I feel like I have too many pairs of jeans. Not too many because I don’t want them (clearly I can’t resist) but too many because I have a seriously difficult time picking out a pair each day. Which dark skinnies? Which color? A flare on Friday? Are boyfriend jeans appropriate for this brunch? The crop on this pair is not quite right…

I could go on. And on! You can file this under #fashiongirlproblems for sure, but come on! I believe that if it really came down to it, a girl could get by on just 5 pairs of jeans. And I bet some of you might even have less than that anyway – because you’re just so cool and easy and do not have the kind of “must buy now” issues that so many of us have.

Without further ado, and with a little bit of sass, here are 5 Essential Pairs of Jeans:

1. The “I Can Do Anything” Dark Jean: This is the most important pair of jeans in your wardrobe. Whatever cut flatters you most, in either a very dark rinse or black. To be honest though, I think that in 2012 boot cut jeans are for quitters. They flatter everyone, I know, but humor me and try out a nice, skinny or straight leg or a dramatic flare. J Brand  and 7 For All Mankind get my vote for the most versatile and flattering basics. These are the jeans that will take you from the office to the bar, to a first date to the flea market and back again.

2. The “Not So Basic” Novelty Jean: Go on, live a little! Denim is getting wilder and more fun by the season – from prints to colors to coating to cargo pockets. What about a zipper at the ankle? You need a pair of jeans that do more that just work. You need jeans that werk. Colorful jeans are all the rage, in hues from neon to pastel, and spring is taking a cue from the 1990′s with major floral denim. No matter what special little quirk tickles your denim fancy – you need at least one pair that’s not blue.

3. The “I Live For The Weekend” Distressed Jean or Short: Boyfriend jeans had a major moment a few years ago, but they’ve still around for good reason. They’re comfortable, they’re cool and they only look better the more you wear them in. Same goes for denim shorts – you just need them. When it gets hot, you need denim that won’t stick to your skin and lets your legs come out and say hello! White jeans get an honorable mention in this category, but if I had to pick, it’s a distressed pair for the win. My 7 For All Mankind Josefina jeans are my favorite, but the Current / Elliott boyfriend is another classic.

4. The “I Needed That Donut” Denim Legging: Everyone said the jegging was just a terrible fad. Too tight, too stretchy, too much a combination of two different things. Low-and-behold, we are all still rocking the denim leggings. The truth is, they are genius and practical for many reasons. First of all, they tuck into boots so perfectly. No bunching, no twisting and folding – just zip and go. Second, they forgive. When I’ve had a particularly indulgent meal or 6, I put on a denim legging so I can feel put together without a muffin-top meltdown. My go-to is the Paige Verdugo.

5. The “Long and Lean Machine” Flare: I’ve said before that every jean I wear that isn’t skinny makes me feel like I’m committing denim adultery. I vowed once that I’d never wear anything but a skinny jean, but flare jeans have become a revelation in my life. Suddenly I want to wear heels and wedges – that never used to be the case. I want my legs to look as long as possible, and give my boyish shape a bit of curve. Where skinny jeans make me feel grounded, flares make me feel fabulous. Flare jeans are necessary because they bring out the feminine side of denim – no matter the wash. I find that the MiH Denim Marrakesh Kick Flare gives me the most sky-scraper-esque shape, but the J Brand Lovestory is also an easy option.

So let’s talk about this. Tell me truly, how many pairs of jeans do you own? How many pairs do you wear regularly? Do you think I missed anything on this list of essentials?

(Source: www.eatsleepdenim.com )