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When In Doubt, Wear Denim

Monkee's of Brentwood Explains Why It's Important To Invest In Your Jeans

Article by Sophie Brock

Photography by Christy Hunter

Originally published in Brentwood Lifestyle

Fast fashion comes and goes, with trends fading as quickly as they emerge. But one wardrobe item remains timeless: a well-made pair of jeans. Unlike trendy pieces that sometimes fall apart after just one season of wear, a quality pair of jeans can last for years, making them one of the most worthwhile investments.

With fashion constantly evolving, how do you determine which jeans are genuinely worth the investment and can blend effortlessly with both trends and timeless pieces? 

“Denim never goes out of style,” Amanda Hellman, Monkee’s of Brentwood owner, explains. “It’s known for being sturdy and long-lasting. Denim can also be dressed up or dressed down.”

Monkee’s of Brentwood is a local boutique that offers a wide selection of high-quality jeans and an array of other stylish pieces like dresses, skirts, purses, tops, and even shoes. Shopping in-store allows you to skip the uncertainty of online ordering, giving you the convenience of trying on different styles and finding the perfect fit in person.

However, finding the right pair of jeans isn’t always as simple as it seems. It’s easy to make mistakes when trying on different styles, whether choosing the wrong size, overlooking how the fabric stretches over time, or not considering how the jeans complement your body shape. To help you avoid these common mistakes, Amanda shares expert tips on what to avoid, ensuring you make the best choice for your perfect pair of jeans.

First, prioritize the size of the jeans over the fit.

“(People) focus too much on size,” Amanda says. “Many people buy prior to size alone, but it’s important to consider styles fit differently, like skinny, straight, or boot-cut can fit differently even in the same waist size. It is essential to focus on how the denim fits your body shape, not just the number on the tag. Denim, especially with different cuts, fits, and rises, can behave differently depending on the brand and fabric. It is always best to try them on before purchasing to ensure fit and comfort.”

Secondly, the importance of the rise of jeans is underestimated.

“(People) ignore the rise,” she says. “The rise refers to how high the waistband sits on your body, low rise, mid-rise, and high-rise. Choosing a rise that doesn’t suit your body shape or personal style can lead to discomfort or an unflattering fit.”

Lastly, don’t ignore the waistband.

“(People) forget about the waistband, make sure the waistband fits snuggly without being too tight or too loose,” she says. “A waistband that’s too tight can be uncomfortable and cause a muffin top while one that is too loose will slide down.” 

Shopping for jeans in person not only helps you avoid these common mistakes and assess the quality of the denim, but it also provides the opportunity to try on different styles, cuts, and washes to find your perfect pair.


With new styles of jeans constantly emerging and fashion trends shifting, it can be challenging to determine which is genuinely worth the investment. While some styles come and go, certain styles stand the test of time, offering longevity and timelessness. But what is the one style of jeans that guarantees a long-term investment, one that is effortlessly stylish and adaptable regardless of changing trends?

“A classic cut of denim that will remain timeless is straight-leg jeans,” Amanda says. “This cut offers a clean, versatile look that works with just about anything, whether you dress up or dress it down. It’s not too tight. It’s not too loose, making it flattering for most body types.”

Straight-leg jeans are not only a timeless wardrobe essential that never goes out of style, but they go with just about anything. Dress it up with some cute heels and a nicer top, or pair it with some sneakers and a t-shirt to wear while you go run errands. Straight-leg jeans offer endless styling possibilities, remain stylish throughout changing fashion trends, and are perfect for every season.

While investing in a timeless pair of jeans is always a smart and worthwhile choice, incorporating current jean trends into your wardrobe can bring a fresh and exciting touch to your personal style.

This spring, Amanda notes that some of the standout denim trends making waves in the fashion world are slim straight jeans, wide-leg jeans, and white denim. Because these trends are more neutral, they are easy to incorporate into your current wardrobe.

“Trends come and go, but a good fit never goes out of style,” Amanda explains. “Focus on a timeless fit that you’ll wear often and forever.”

To see some of the new spring jeans trends or add some high-quality denim to your closet, stop by Monkee’s of Brentwood.

monkeesofbrentwood.com

@monkeesofbrentwood

High-quality denim characteristics:

1. Texture and feel. Premium denim often has a slightly rough texture.

2. Stitching. High-quality denim typically has neat, even stitching with no loose threads.

3. Fit and construction. High-quality denim will contour to your body well and provide a good fit.

4. Premium denim. You’ll notice that high-quality denim may fade more naturally over time.

5. Brand reputation. High-quality denim is known for their craftsmanship

“Trends come and go, but a good fit never goes out of style,” Amanda explains. “Focus on a timeless fit that you’ll wear often and forever.”