Jeans are always a favorite because they are an easy piece to take from casual to night out: Start with a feminine blouse with ruffles, add ankle booties, an oversized clutch and statement necklace for a night out with the girls, or pair with a long cardigan belted at the waist and ballet flats for a weekend outing.

"This winter, look for denim in lighter washes and medium tones. With more and more skinny silhouettes on the racks, pair the style with the flat riding boot for a complete look," says Sonya Consentini, T.J. Maxx and Marshalls style expert. The denim legging, or "jegging," is another similar trend. They have the look of jeans, but the comfort of a legging. They are perfect to match with that tunic you love that's already in your closet, or a new long t-shirt and bomber jacket.

"It's still all about the skinny, and our stores have been asked for a slightly higher rise, too," says Janie Wood, U.S. director of MIH Jeans. The MIH Oslo skinny comes in a five-pocket or with the signature jet front pockets, too. The Paris is a cropped skinny that can be thrown into boots -- and for petite customers, means no hemming.

Janie swears by denim as timelessly transitional but reminds us that accessories are key. Switch up your jewelry, change your shoes, or add a great clutch and a fresh shade of lipstick. Michelle Madhok, editor-in-chief of SheFinds.com and an online shopping expert, says the best jeans this season are some of the most versatile. We are leaving summer's boyfriend behind for skinny jeans and denim leggings that you can sport with practically all your fall footwear. These slim styles go from day to night and work to play -- for our money, a better investment than the pairs we can't wear to work.