A round up of the best basic jeans, pants and shorts I wear every day. Dress them up, down or in-between!
In This Post
Kim’s Favorite Basic Bottoms
I shared the basic tops I love for every day, and I couldn’t let that go without sharing my favorite basic bottoms, too! My favorite style of pant includes a high waist, short(er) in-seam, and a straight leg. Of course there are times where I enjoy a bodysuit paired with wide legs pants or jeans as well, or maybe a vintage T-shirt paired with a midi-length skirt. See below for what fills my closet, what size I recommend, and my notes on each of these basic bottoms!
*I’m 5’4″, 120 lbs. My TTS jean size is 26 or size 4, and my leggings are size small.
Basic Bottoms
1. Wide-Leg Cargo Pants
I’m sad to report that these are no longer sold, but I love the fit and style so much, that we couldn’t help but find a similar pant HERE! What makes them a standout: A crisp cotton fabric, cargo pockets on the side, a high waist and a wide leg. I’ve paired these with everything from a T-shirt to a bodysuit, perfect for dressing up with heels or dressing down with sneakers!
2. Levi’s Wide Leg Jean, $80
The perfect wide leg jean IMO. They’re more of a mid-rise, but there’s a sweet detail where they dip ever so slightly in the front, falling just at (or barely below) the belly button. The material is substantial, yet it drapes beautifully – something that can be hard to find in a wide leg! Order your usual size and skip the break-in period. They’re good to go from the start!
3. Compressive High-Rise Legging, $88
Hands down, my favorite legging. The high-rise and compressive fabric keeps everything tucked in while providing the right amount of mobility. I also like the mission behind the company, with every legging being made from recycled materials and efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. I size down in these and wear an XS.
4. Ultra Stretch Long Skirt, $30
Not too slim, but not boho either. Juuuust right. But even more so, the price is right, while being made from smooth ‘AIRism’ fabric that the brand is known for. A great skirt for the summer to pair with your favorite T-shirt! I have this in a small and would consider this TTS.
5. Midi Slip Skirt, $88
I love this simple skirt, and I receive compliments every time I wear it. It’s light and airy for even the stickiest days of summer! I would say that this style runs a tiny bit big. I have it in a 4, but I likely could have sized down to a 2.
6. Levi’s Crop Jeans, $70
There are two washes in jeans that I always gravitate towards: A true blue and a faded black. These fit the bill for the latter, and with a laid-back vibe, it’s like you’ve had them in your closet forever (in the very best way). I wear a 26 and would consider these TTS.
7. Levi’s High Rise Shorts, $70
Two of my favorite things: high rise and true blue! I truly only have two pairs of shorts that I wear over and over again, and they’re the two that you see on this list! I feel the shorter inseam make my legs look longer, and they’re super casual for a bicycle ride through the city or taking Lucy to a nearby playground. Fits TTS.
8. High Rise Dad Short, $70
On the other hand, my high rise dad shorts have a slightly longer inseam. I wear these constantly, for the days where it’s too hot to wear pants, but you still want to look pulled together. I sized up to a 27!
9. ’90s Cheeky Jean, $110
Aaaah. My GO TO. The GOAT of jeans! I have this style in several washes, and they only get better the more I wear them. The fit is a mid-to-high waist, straight leg, yet nice and fitted on the backside. These run TTS and look even better with age.
10. Rigid Slouch Jean, $110
100% cotton jeans are hard to find, but these are IT! A true straight leg with a mid-level rise and available in two lengths. (I wear the shorter length, obviously). They’re effortlessly cool, and like the jeans above, they get better and better with age. Also TTS.
Looking for more? I’m always sharing my seasonal style favorites right here, or check out our Amazon storefront.
