It can be easy to fall into a style rut while social distancing and working from home. Day by day, the tailored blazers and black dress pants I once wore to the office are replaced by cozy sweatpants and no-frills tees. But there’s one piece of my wardrobe that has yet to be phased out: denim. Yes, I’m aware it’s a controversial choice to sport the seemingly least-comfy pants out there, but I’ve yet to give up on wearing my classic Levi’s—even during my morning Zoom meetings. There’s something satisfying about slipping on something familiar; it somehow makes me feel more in control of my situation. I even think clearer when wearing them, and find myself doing better work.
My colleague Madeline Fass, Vogue’s market editor, feels the same way. “For me, a pair of jeans has always been what has made me feel the most like myself, and that feeling doesn’t go away when I am in the house,” she says. “It feels liberating to swap my pajama bottoms or sweatpants for denim in the morning, even if I’m just moving to the other room.”
Wondering if there are others out there who are as denim-obsessed as us, Fass and I proceeded to ask our friends what they have been wearing to their home offices. Mine proved to be a surprisingly anti-jean crew: When they found out I still wear denim almost every single day, I was met with shock and horror. One even jokingly called me a “psycho,” while another asked, “What are you trying to prove?” referencing this viral tweet. Fass’s circle proved to be a tad more open-minded to the idea. “After I shared an outfit pic in jeans around day three of quarantine, it turns out I’m not alone,” she says. “Many of my friends and followers were also giving them a try and having success.”
Slipping on jeans can be a way to instill a little bit of normalcy into the work from home schedule. Sure, they may not be as cozy as sweatpants or your bathrobe, but there are tricks and tips to finding denim that are comfortable. They can—and should—feel like you’re wearing pajama pants. Feeling inspired, Fass and I zeroed in on three specific tips for nailing jeans that you’ll want to work from home in, plus where to shop the best styles now too.
1. Go Vintage.
Now is not the time to break in stiff, raw denim. Fass’s number one tip is: “Stick to vintage denim. It is surprisingly comfortable, because they’re pre-worn in. They get softer every time you wear them, and almost form to your body.” When we discussed this, I realized that most of my favorite pairs in my current rotation are vintage or pre-worn as well.
2. Pick the Right Fit.
Presumably, you’ll want to wear one thing all day. So look for loose, forgiving silhouettes such as rolled-up boyfriend jeans—basically anything less constricting than pin-thin skinny jeans. Again, pre-owned is a great option here. “Vintage jeans often come in relaxed silhouettes, not skinny or tight,” says Fass.
3. Style With Cozy Staples.
Just because wearing jeans is slightly dressier than pajamas doesn’t mean you have to actually dress up. At the end of the day, working from home is all about comfort, and the way you style your denim shouldn’t be approached any differently. Fass suggests throwing on “a sweater, cute socks, and slippers—and you’re set!” As for me? I have been enjoying wearing mine with the mounds of graphic tees that I have rediscovered from my high school wardrobe.
Below, find nine jeans that fit the criteria.
