Skinnies, dark wash, low waist. That’s my denim cocktail of choice. It’s like ordering a drink at the bar – you chose a base and add flavors (unless you like it straight up). Just like we all have our signature drink, we all have our go-to pair of jeans and they’re one item that can be worn all seasons without looking out of place.

Denim has come a long way since their invention in 1853 by Levi Strauss. Originally made for their durability during the California Gold Rush, denim was popular among miners. Although jeans are just, well – jeans, it’s important to note how each season brings a new denim trend.

How does denim keep its flare? Well, they aren’t just straight leg, flare, or bootcut anymore. Now we have; Joey, Becky, Dojo, Ingrid, Kelly and Olivia. These are just some of the names our favorite pairs of jeans go by today.

For Fall and Winter 2008 the skinny jean continues to make its mark. The trend started back in the '50s and '60s when denim was a sign of youth and rebellion. James Dean and Marlon Brando wore their jeans straight and slim and while women didn’t often wear jeans, Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe wore their pants slim and tight-fitting.

Skinnies are great because they’re extremely versatile. It’s easy to be the preppy J.Crew girl or the punk rocker from downtown. They’ve already been around a few seasons and it’s not clear when the trend will die. The American Apparel slim slack is popular, plus they have a great selection of skinnies in any color you can think of, and any of your mainstream brands like True Religion or J Brand carry more than one style of skinny jean. Try out True Religion’s Stealth Stella or J Brand’s Low-Rise Skinny Leg in Stinson, both available on their respective websites.

For this winter, many early trendsetters are headed towards the cuffed boyfriend jean. Quite the opposite of skinnies, boyfriend jeans are unshapely and loose, but there’s something modern-chic about them when paired with a black blazer and pumps. They’re comfortable and easy to move around in. Katie Holmes was one of the first to adopt the trend and was criticized for “wearing Tom’s jeans,” but the cuffed jean is definitely a trend to keep watching as more retail stores begin to pick them up. If you’re feeling trendy, check out Urban Outfitter’s Urban Renewal Vintage Distressed Levis 501s for a steal at $48.

In the end, it’s all about finding the right pair for you. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is some serious bullshit. There can’t possibly be four best friends that can all love the same jean – that’s completely blasphemous to the denim gods. Jeans have a personality, like we do. Whether you’re high-waisted-wide leg, acid wash boot-cut, or skinny with zippers, raise your glass and celebrate YOUR denim.