Tag: SHOP

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

2025 was a big year for sneakers, with everything from retro velcro to animal prints to suede trending. Looking ahead to the New Year, we’re seeing some similar 2026 shoe trends, with some of this year’s micro trends stepping into the sole spotlight.

2026 Sneaker Trends at a Glance

Whether you want to make a statement with sculptural soles or make sure your outfit looks en pointe with sneakerinas, there’s a sneaker for everyone in 2026. We’re especially ecstatic to learn that some of the more functional shoes in our wardrobe (hello, hiking sneakers) are also high up on the trends list next year. Plus, some of the more minimalist, low-profile designs are still very much a vibe, too. 

If you want to get ahead on your go-to shoes in the New Year, we tapped a stylist to find out what is trending, plus how to style the biggest 2026 sneaker trends. 

Sculptural Soles 

“Sculptural soles will be dominant with wild twists and warped foam soles,” says celebrity stylist Samantha Brown. Since these make a statement on their own, Brown says you can pair them with more quiet wardrobe staples, such as simple jeans and a t-shirt or crewneck sweater, and “let the shoe be the focal point of the outfit.”

SOREL Kinetic Impact II Wonder Lace Sneaker

On Sale 48% off

The SOREL Kinetic Impact II Wonder Lace Sneaker is a great way to try the sculptural soles trend in 2026 without feeling it too out there. These sneakers are actually a nice blend between the sculptural soles trend and the trail sneakers that are also growing in popularity. 

Sizes Available: 5-12

ALDO Aet hera Sneakers

On Sale 29% off

The ALDO Aethera Sneakers are another trend crossover with sculptural soles and a sneakerina silhouette. These are also comfortable slip-ons that look slightly more elevated with a midi-length dress, but also work well with baggy jeans and an oversized t-shirt for some nice contrast. 

Sizes Available: 5-11

If you’re looking to splurge on something truly eye-catching, the Melissa X Icon Sneakers are it. These sneakers have that sculptural sole that Brown mentions, but with tons of colorful detail to really draw attention to the design. Similar to the SOREL sneakers, it also has a hiking shoe feel, making it a great hybrid of two trends. 

Sizes Available: 5-11

More Sculptural Soles 

Sneakerinas 

In 2026, we’re moving away from the chunky sneakers style and going with something a bit daintier with sneakerinas—aka, sneakers that resemble ballet slippers. “Lean into a more feminine aesthetic and pair these with girly dresses or play with juxtaposition and style them back to structured, menswear-inspired trousers,” says Brown. 

PUMA Speedcat OG Ballet Sneakers

The PUMA Speedcat OG Ballet Sneakers are the sneakerina shoe to wear in 2026. We love how versatile this silhouette is—and how the many different colorways can either elevate or dress down a look, depending on what you’re going for. If you’re wearing something sparkly, consider the metallic silver, and if you want a more laidback, casual style, consider the cow print or classic pink. 

Sizes Available: 5.5-11

Vivaia Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina

If you want a shoe with a true ballerina feel, the Vivaia Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina is it—these even come with the option to add ribbon laces. In addition to their balletcore details, the satin sneakers are actually machine washable, too. 

Sizes Available: 5-11

Lacoste For FP Mvmt Club Low Sneakers

We love the Lacoste For FP Mvmt Club Low Sneakers as an option for those who are sneakerina curious but not quite ready to commit to a full dance recital look. These low sneakers feature a flat sole and chic netting uppers for added texture and interest. 

Sizes Available: 6-10

More Sneakerinas: 

Minimalist Silhouettes

One of the biggest 2026 shoe trends is equestrian-inspired, minimalistic riding boots—so we aren’t surprised to see the sleek and simple style make its way into the sneaker category. “Minimalist, wearable silhouettes continue to be front and center, as these are easy to wear with anything,” says Brown. She says to think thin soles, quiet branding, and sleek materials. 

For a retro-inspired sneaker with minimal branding, consider the SHUSHOP Sarah Sneaker. This sneaker boasts a low profile with almost flat soles and slim-fitting uppers. Despite its more minimal silhouette, it’s still possible to make a statement with these sneakers, thanks to all of the fun colorways. 

Sizes Available: 6-11

All Birds Tree Runner Go

On Sale 50% off

The All Birds Tree Runner Go is another option with a simple silhouette and minimal branding. These sneakers are great for everyday wear, and the best part is that they’re also machine-washable. 

Sizes Available: 5-11

Dolce Vita Serina Sneakers Yellow Suede

On Sale 43% off

If you love a pop of color but want a sneaker with a more minimalist silhouette, the Dolce Vita Serina Sneakers in yellow suede are a must-try. In addition to the fun yellow tone, the sneakers are also available in pink, blue, burgundy, plus three more neutral tones, too. 

Sizes Available: 5-12

More Minimalist Silhouettes

Trail Sneakers 

“Trail sneakers that would ordinarily be reserved for hiking—like Solomon elastic lace sneakers—are very popular right now,” says Brown. “These have become the ‘cool girl’ go-to, paired with athleisure and casual denim looks.” The best part about this trend? It’s incredibly functional (and so comfortable if you commute on foot).

The Salomon XT-6 are the sneakers Brown mentions when calling out the trail sneaker trend. As she notes, these have become the ‘cool girl’ sneaker of the season and are expected to only get more and more popular into 2026. 

Sizes Available: 6-11

HOKA Anacapa Breeze Low Sneakers

For another hiking sneaker, consider the HOKA Anacapa Breeze Low Sneakers. These are actually inspired by the HOKA hiking boots—which feature a similar look—and are even constructed from waterproof leather, so you don’t have to worry about soggy soles this winter. 

Sizes Available: 5-11

Hunter Miller Lace-up Sneakers

The Hunter Miller Lace-up Sneakers are a mix between a sneaker, hiking shoe, and rainboot, making them one of the most versatile and functional shoes to wear this winter. They also feature a chunky, sculptural sole—a clear indicator of the trail shoe trend—and pair well with anthleisure looks. 

Sizes Available: 5-11

More Trail Sneakers

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

I think we can all agree that we’re in the golden age of at-home skincare. From red light masks that look like props from a sci-fi movie to high-frequency wands and ultrasound skin spatulas (yes, really), there’s a device for virtually every skin concern—and the tech just keeps getting better. Many of the treatments that used to require expensive in-office visits can now be done from the comfort of your own couch. And now, that includes laser. 

Enter the Lyma Laser, a sleek, luxe-looking, handheld device that costs a whopping $2,695. It’s made a splash in the beauty scene for promising derm-level results without any of the pain or downtime. Editors, influencers, and skincare enthusiasts claim it’s helped them fade dark spots, soften wrinkles, calm inflammation, and even skip Botox. But does it actually work? And is it worth a paycheck to bring it home? I decided to find out. After nearly two months of testing Lyma’s buzzy laser, find my honest review below.  And if you’re sold on it, snag it for 25 percent off for Black Friday.

Buy It

The Lyma Laser

On Sale 25% off

How it works

To be clear: The Lyma Laser is not the same kind of laser you’d get at a dermatologist’s office. Graeme Glass, MCbSc, a plastic surgeon based in London and aesthetic director for the brand, explains that in-office treatments usually use high-energy lasers that work by causing controlled thermal damage to the skin, which then kicks off your body’s healing response and stimulates collagen production. It’s effective—but it also comes with redness, peeling, sensitivity, and often a hefty price tag.

The Lyma Laser, by contrast, uses Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)—aka cold laser technology. “The Lyma Laser is very different from the cosmetic lasers that many people will be aware of,” says Dr. Glass. High-energy lasers require a huge amount of energy to power them and can get very hot. The LYMA Laser uses technology proven in medical settings for over five decades to be incredibly powerful and yet remain entirely cold.”

So, how does it work if it doesn’t cause any damage? “The Lyma Laser causes an epigenetic shift in cells to favor a more youthful reparatory profile and inhibit genes associated with tissue decline,” says Dr. Glass. “It empowers skin to repair and rejuvenate itself. The result is a collagen-producing powerhouse that you have total control of.” Translation: it gives your skin cells more energy to repair themselves and act younger, without hurting them in the process.

Its cold laser technology also makes it safe for all skin tones and types, including melanin-rich and sensitive skin. “I can’t think of anyone I wouldn’t recommend it to,” he says. He recommends it for a wide range of concerns, too, and to use it consistently for three minutes a day per spot. 

 “I have clients who love it for calming their redness, fading dark spots, lessening lines, plumping out wrinkles, redefining their jawlines, and tightening up sagging on the neck,” he says. “Now, a 25-year-old will see results before a 65-year-old because younger skin already has higher mitochondrial activity, but mature skin still benefits significantly over time.”

My Review

Okay so it sounded high-tech, but as a commerce journalist who’s been down by countless gimmicky beauty gadgets, I was skeptical. Happy to report that I don’t think the Lyma Laser is a gimmick, per se. It is definitely a commitment that requires consistent use for long stretches of time. But if you’re all in, it can work. 

My device arrived in quite possibly the chicest packaging I’ve ever opened: a matte black box with an instructional book—not a paper pamphlet but an entire book. Also included was a USB charging dock, the brand’s Oxygen Mist and Oxygen Glide gel, and a gold membership card that felt like something you’d flash to get into a speakeasy but just activates your laser’s warranty. Very fancy. 

The device itself resembles a small flashlight in both look and feel, only instead of a bright beam, a steady red laser glows from the end. It doesn’t buzz, heat up, or make any noise. You just mist your face, apply the glide gel, and hold the laser over each section for three minutes. I focused on my forehead, cheeks, and jawline—so a full routine took about 15–20 minutes.

At first, I didn’t feel much. Actually, I didn’t feel anything. No warmth, no tingling, no temporary tightness like with some LED masks or microcurrent devices. After a few weeks of daily use, I did notice my skin had a slight glow to it—like I had just come from a facial, but subtler.

Now that I’m nearly two months in, the results are… modest, but they’re there if I look closely, which is more than I can say about a lot of other devices on the market. My skin tone looks a bit more even, the fine lines on my forehead and near my eyes are slightly softened, and there’s a touch more firmness along my jaw. It’s not dramatic—and if you’re expecting a total transformation, this probably isn’t it—but it’s definitely an improvement.

I also tried it on a patch of hyperpigmentation on my cheek, which has started to fade, and even used it on a hormonal breakout (risky, I know). To my surprise, it helped calm the inflammation instead of making things worse. That’s one of the perks of cold laser—it’s gentle enough for sensitive and acne-prone skin, and doesn’t trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

As Dr. Glass puts it, “Tissue repair begins from the first use, with most noticing a glow within weeks and full results appearing around the 12-week mark.” I’m not quite there yet, but based on what I’ve seen so far, I can say this: while it’s not a miracle cure, it’s a promising tool if you’re in it for the long game and promise yourself to use it consistently. 

Final Thoughts

So, is the Lyma Laser worth the nearly $3,000 price tag? It depends. If you’re someone who’s dedicated to your skincare routine, wants long-term results, and doesn’t want to deal with needles, redness, or downtime, this is a very compelling alternative to in-office laser treatments.

“The LYMA Laser, whilst a significant investment, is a hospital-grade product in the palm of your hands,” says Dr. Glass. “After treating clients for decades, I can assure you, you never regret investing in your skin.” It’s not a quick fix, and it’s definitely not a casual purchase. But in a world where a single in-office laser session can cost $1,500 or more—and where downtime can derail your week—the idea of a damage-free, do-it-yourself treatment that actually works feels like the future. If you’re willing to commit the time, the Lyma Laser might just be your skin’s new secret weapon.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

When the air is crisp and cold, your skin might feel thirstier than usual. With winter right around the corner, the forecast is only getting drier and more frigid, so we’re stocking our shelves with the best skincare for winter dry skin. This includes the best barrier creams to slather onto your complexion when the temps drop below freezing (or—sorry to say it—your skin starts to flake). 

The Best Barrier Creams for Winter

As their name suggests, these creams exist to quite literally repair our skin’s moisture barrier with nourishing and deeply hydrating ingredients that can improve moisture levels, improve suppleness, and make the skin feel a little more equipped to handle the frost. 

When to Use Barrier Creams

“Barrier creams can be used year-round, but many people find them most beneficial in the winter, because they are particularly good at preventing damage and dryness caused by cold, harsh winter air,” says Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic in New York City. Since these creams are thicker, heavier formulas, she recommends using them at the end of your skincare routine, either as the last step at night or right before applying sunscreen during the day. 

According to ​​Erica Marie Gatt, esthetician and founder of EM Skin Studio, barrier creams can also be applied as a treatment for addressing temporary harsh temperatures. “If you plan on skiing in the mountains this winter, you may want to apply a barrier cream due to the cool temperatures, heaters, and high altitude, which can lead to excessive dryness, eczema, and other skin conditions.” 

As Dr. Engelman notes, barrier creams can be used year-round, but it all depends on skin type and climate. If you live somewhere hot and humid, she doesn’t recommend a barrier cream for regular use since they are heavy and occlusive formulas. This means that the cream creates a layer that protects the skin and prevents transepidermal water loss. “While that is a good thing in cold, dry climates, in hot temperatures, it can trap in sweat, oil, and bacteria, thus clogging pores and leading to acne breakouts,” she explains. 

What Makes Barrier Creams Special?

When it comes to moisurizing the skin, barrier creams are elite. These formulas contain nourishing ingredients and a thicker consistency that hydrate, protect, and help heal the skin’s barrier. “You need to have a healthy skin barrier to have healthy skin,” says Gatt. Barrier creams also create a layer on top of the skin, which Dr. Engelman says can keep unwanted stressors from coming into contact with your skin and wreaking havoc. 

How Often Should I Use a Barrier Cream? 

Barrier cream usage will vary depending on your skin type, the climate, and your skin concerns. According to Gatt, you can add it into your routine daily, once a week, or as a spot treatment on dry patches. To get an idea of how often to use a barrier cream, Dr. Engelman says to evaluate your complexion and look for signs of a compromised skin barrier. “Experiencing dryness, redness, and flaking is a strong indicator that your skin barrier is in a vulnerable state and could benefit from a barrier cream,” she explains.

The Best Barrier Creams to Slather Onto Your Skin This Winter

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Bluemercury is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Colorscience Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer

Review: “Out of all the formulas I have tried, the Colorscience barrier cream is one of my favorites. The moisturizer comes in a pump bottle—similar to serums—making it super easy to get the right amount of formula out. It also features a more lightweight consistency compared to other options on this list. This makes for better (and faster) absorption, no residue, and more versatile wear, since it’s lightweight enough for daytime application and wearing under makeup.”—Jessie Quinn, Contributing Commerce Writer at StyleCaster 

Key Ingredients: Tri-molecular hyaluronic acid, prickly pear cactus extract, apple fruit extract, snow mushroom extract, goji berry extract, lactobacillus ferment, squalane, Crystalide™, Vital ET™, hydrolyzed pea protein 

EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex

Review: “EltaMD is one of my favorite skincare brands and a go-to in the sunscreen department (I don’t go a day without the brand’s UV Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+). The brand’s Barrier Renewal Complex is a formula I come back to when I need a little extra daytime hydration—especially in the winter, when it’s bone-dry out. I love that this formula can provide the complexion with plenty of hydration to erase some of the fine lines that appear when the skin is parched. It also features nourishing ingredients such as squalane, ceramides, and biotin, which can actually enhance the skin’s structure and improve elasticity.”—Jessie Quinn, Contributing Commerce Writer at StyleCaster

Key Ingredients: Squalane, ceramides, biotin, tocopherol, Caprooyl Phytosphingosine, Caprooyl Sphingosine

Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream

On Sale 27% off

Review: “I use Avene Cicalfate once a week as a ‘treatment,’ but I know so many people (including Leah Kateb!) who use it regularly. It’s very, very similar to Creme de la Mer in that it’s almost like a paste-like formulation that you have to work to rub in. It’s incredibly emollient, so your skin will really drink it up. This formula is unique in that it contains postbiotics that help revitalize your skin’s microbiome. As in, if your complexion is thrown off by extreme weather, stress, hormonal changes, or a couple of days of intense makeup, this will “reboot” things. A couple of years ago (I’ve been using this stuff for the past five years!) I went to New Mexico in January, when the weather was super arid and cold; as an LA girly, I didn’t think to bring any rich moisturizers. So as a result, my skin turned raspberry-red and started flaking. When I came back home, I slathered on Cicalfate+ morning and night, and within two days, my skin healed. French drugstore skincare FTW!”—Gina Vaynshteyn, Editorial Director at StyleCaster

Key Ingredients: C+ Restore, copper, Avene thermal spring water

Farmacy Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer

On Sale 23% off

Review: “Farmacy is another brand with some of the best skincare for dry skin, and its barrier repair cream is no exception. The Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer relies on the hydrating superpowers of honey with ingredients such as buckwheat honey with propolis and royal jelly, as well as ceramides for warding off moisture loss and fig fruit extract to create a plump and supple look. While this moisturizer is great for nighttime wear on super dry skin, I tend to use this as more of a ‘treatment’ when my skin feels like it needs a little more moisture and bounce. Honey is also a natural humectant, so I like using it in the late summer when Los Angeles hardly has a drop of humidity in its weather forecast.”—Jessie Quinn, Contributing Commerce Writer at StyleCaster

Key Ingredients: Ceramide blend, buckwheat honey with propolis and royal jelly, fig fruit extract

BYOMA Barrier Repair Treatment

Review: “The BYOMA Barrier Repair Treatment is proof that you don’t need to spend a lot of money on a barrier repair cream to get great results. I love when I find an under $20 formula that I reach for just as much as its more expensive counterparts, and the BYOMA moisturizer is on regular rotation in my skincare routine—especially when I want instant glowy skin. I travel a lot and often stash the TSA-friendly bottle in my carry-on to rehydrate my skin midflight.”—Jessie Quinn, Contributing Commerce Writer at StyleCaster

Key Ingredients: Tri-ceramide complex, avocado oil, ectoin, squalane

Skinfix Barrier Restoring + Pore Refining Gel Cream

Review: “I always thought barrier creams were for those with dry skin, but it turns out there are formulas that cater to me and my fellow oily skin girlies. I’ve heard great things about Skinfix’s bestselling Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream Refillable Barrier Moisturizer, so I was happy to discover the brand created a more lightweight version specifically for oily and combination skin: the Skin Barrier Restoring + Pore Refining Gel Cream. The gel-cream formulation suits my complexion much better than a thicker, richer, heavier goop. It delivers moisture and up to 72 hours of hydration, all while being non-comedogenic, silicone-free, and fragrance-free. Additionally, the cream helps control shine and minimize the look of pores. 

Once applied, my skin feels moisturized without appearing greasy. It sinks into my skin quickly, instead of sitting atop my skin like some other moisturizers do (I don’t love it when my complexion looks like it has a dewy layer of product that hasn’t absorbed). Within my first week of using the cream, I could already see clear results. Exhibit A: I had picked at a blemish right before testing the Skinfix gel cream, and I swear the dark spot healed and flaked off faster than usual, without leaving behind a lingering scar. If you have oily skin and are looking for a neutral, no-fuss moisturizer formula, this one’s for you. Its lipid complex, niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and saccharide isomerate keep your moisture barrier in tip-top condition and leave behind a healthier overall appearance. I also love the airless pump jar packaging. It feels more hygienic and you can easily control how much product you use. Overall, this is a winner in my book, and while I don’t always use up every sample I receive from a brand, I know I’ll empty this jar (and maybe even repurchase it).”—Katie Decker-Jacoby, Commerce Editor at StyleCaster

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, fatty acid-rich oils 

rhode Barrier Restore Cream Comforting Daily Moisturizer

Review: “The rhode barrier balm is thick and creamy and fantastic for those who have ultra-dry skin year-round. My skin tends to be chronically dehydrated, so I am able to wear this formula on a no-makeup day and reap the benefits of instantly soft, nourished, and glowy glazed skin. Note: it’s definitely too heavy for wearing under makeup and a much better pick for nighttime application if you have a normal or less parched skin type. Since my skin is so dry (thank you, Los Angeles weather), this will absolutely be a formula I reach for on the regular.”—Jessie Quinn, Contributing Commerce Writer at StyleCaster

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid complex, polyglutamic acid, murumuru butter, ceramide NP

Tower 28 SOS Daily Skin Barrier Redness Recovery Moisturizer

Review: “The Tower 28 SOS Daily Skin Barrier Redness Recovery Moisturizer is another one of my go-to barrier creams. It feels much lighter than others on this list and is a formula I often use for daytime wear when my skin needs some extra hydration. The formula has some nice weight to it, but doesn’t sit on top of your skin. Instead, it absorbs quickly and makes your complexion feel like it is naturally soft and smooth. The Tower 28 moisturizer is enriched with hyaluronic acid and ceramides to repair the complexion and soothe redness. It’s also fragrance-free, so it’s safe for sensitive skin. ”—Jessie Quinn, Contributing Commerce Writer at StyleCaster

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid  

Drunk Elephant Bora Barrier Repair Cream

Reviews: “I’ve had this Drunk Elephant barrier repair cream on rotation for the last few months, so this isn’t exactly a first impression. It’s a formula I reach for when my skin needs a little extra oomph, and I love that it’s lightweight enough (for a barrier cream, at least) to wear during the day on my super-dry complexion, but also nourishing enough for nighttime, especially if I apply a face oil on top. The cream gives my skin an instant burst of moisture that melts into my complexion like butter, leaving no residue behind. I also love the applicator and find that just one push gets me enough product to cover my complexion.”—Jessie Quinn, Contributing Commerce Writer at StyleCaster

“Drunk Elephant may not be trending with the teens anymore, but I’ve been an OG user since 2015—my mid-20s. Now, as a 35-year-old, I swear by Bora Barrier’s thick, moisture-locking formula at night as a final step in my night routine. It’s really a triple-whammy formulation that knocks back redness and inflammation (I have slight rosacea, so I need that), plumps skin and makes it look more youthful by morning, and, over time, helps with firmness and wrinkles. I swear it’s the only nighttime moisturizer you really need, especially in the wintertime. I have combo skin that’s prone to blemishes when I’m stressed, and this has never broken me out.”—Gina Vaynshteyn, Editorial Director at StyleCaster 

Key Ingredients: 6 butterlipid complex, zinc and copper gluconates, alpha-glucan

Other Barrier Creams to Consider

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

I guess “hot” is an overstatement, but yes: I have a pair of jeans that make me feel hottish for the first time in two years. And they’re the Levi’s Wedgie Straight Ankle. A style that’s not considered “cringe” by Gen Z and Alpha, and a style that I can dress up or down when I’m forced to go to at the office or at the farmer’s market (or whatever social event I tell myself I’ll commit to when it’s finally the weekend).

Y’all! This is a huge accomplishment! To provide some context: I’m one-year postpartum and my body has changed tremendously since getting pregnant. I’m not going to sugarcoat it—I miss fitting into my old clothes, specifically my jeans. I am so grateful to my body for creating and bringing life into this world, but I want squeeze into some denim, ya know? I’m not going to get into body image, because that’s a lot to unpack. The point is this: These jeans are magical and confidence-boosting. They make me not resent putting pants on.

So with that said, enter Levi’s Wedgie Straight Ankle jeans that are low stretch. The key word being “low” because you get the look of a classic, rigid, crisp pair of jeans, but the fit of something with a little more give.

Levi’s Wedgie Straight Ankle Women’s Jeans

Washes: 8
Sizes: 23-34

As someone who wants to love baggy jeans, I’m just not totally sold yet (I said it!). I prefer something that’s tighter and hip-hugging even though I sit in a desk chair all day long. I know it would be too much to ask for the skinny jean to come back in vogue, so I’ll settle for the straight leg. It’s got similar motives as the skinny jean: It accentuates your hips, thighs, and butt, and makes styling (IMO) your whole look a little easier of an endeavor.

Launched in 2016 due to the popularity of mom jeans, the Wedgie is the ultimate mom jean style (straight leg, high waist, tight in the thigh and butt area), reminding me a lot of what Princess Diana used to wear on her days off from royal duties. What was cool in the late ’80s and early ’90s (and again in 2016) proves to be a timeless wardrobe staple. And now that I’m an actual mom to a human baby, I get it.

I now have more “junk in the trunk” as they (who are they, even?) say. I need a jean that’s snug but forgiving. I want to feel pretty and cool at the office and with my friends. I want to be able to wear all my shoes without feeling weird or too styled. The Levi’s Wedgie is that jean that checks all the boxes. I’ve been wearing it a lot with my Adidas Sambas, but I’ve also paired them with ballet flats and boots so far—and all my ensembles have been very good, if I do say so myself.

The Wedgie is designed to especially make your butt look good: Rounder and more lifted, like your butt but better. Thanks to its low-stretch cotton fabric, the tight and lifted fit stays consistent all day long, too—you never have to deal with saggy crotch/ass. Plus, even though the Wedgie is billed as high waist, it offers more of a mid-rise, which is personally more flattering and comfortable.

I’m wearing the “Unstoppable” wash, but I’ll be purchasing several more pairs now that I unlocked the secret to feeling good in jeans again. (Now that is a good slogan Sydney Sweeney should have run with.)