Everyone has a special pair of jeans they can’t live without. Whether they’re super comfortable or compliments your figure, they’re a must have.

Jeans are one of the hottest items in the fashion industry right now, with a diverse style that can be dressy or casual. Women can combine a dressy top and heels for a night out on the town while men can combine a dress shirt and blazer with a pair of jeans for a more panache look.

The current jean styles are all about the fade and pockets. The more washed and worn looking the pair, the more valuable they are. Pocket designs of today’s jean trend range from rhinestones to squiggly designs etched onto the pockets.

With so many designers to choose from, deciding on where to get your jeans can be tough. Since many popular high end brands are available, spending at least $150 for a pair of jeans is not unheard of.

Some of the most trendy high end labels are 7 For All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, Diesel, True Religion, Lucky and Rock & Republic. These brands average $150 to $300 a pair. It sounds steep, but surprisingly, average consumers are now spending this kind of money for fads.

7 For All Mankind is the hottest label out right now, primarily known as Seven Jeans, which can be found in Nordstrom’s and Macy’s in Arden Fair Mall. Nordstrom’s will even alter the length free of charge. This can make paying $150 for a pair a little less painful.

Luckily, there are affordable equivalents that average to about $60 a pair. Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, Roxy, Hurley, Guess and Tilt are some of the more popular brands that are more suited for the average student’s income. These labels are high in quality and have the same trendy designs as the high end names.

Jeans are the most common clothing items for students and can be as individual as the person wearing them. Picking the perfect pair for yourself is easy as long as you know what you’re looking for.

The biggest mistake people tend make with jeans are either buying them too big or too small. Try to find a pair the closest to your size.

Don’t buy a pair two times larger because the baggy look is no longer in style and saggy jeans don’t flatter any figure. On the same note, if you can’t breathe when you’re trying on your jeans, most likely you won’t be able to breath in them once you take them home.

Remember to pick a comfortable pair that compliments you and your own individual style, not necessarily what you see on the latest issue of In Style or GQ magazines.

Regardless of what you decide on, make sure to pick up a pair because jeans are essential to every wardrobe.

Linda Le can be reached at [email protected]