I had just returned home from a round of rooftop cocktails in full view of the Empire State Building and I was buzzing—but not because of my espresso martini. My leg-tapping, can’t-stop-smiling, can’t-wait-to-post-pics mood could all be credited to my new white jeans.

You see, as a short girl with less-than-modelesque proportions, I had resigned myself to the idea that the rarely forgiving style just wasn’t made for me. The light color would make my legs look too short and wide, I’d say to myself while shopping, slinking away from any pair I came across without even bothering to try them on. They’ll show every lump and bump I have! But then, this summer, filled with a sudden surge of courage, I took some pants into an Everlane dressing room—and left with them in my shopping bag. Now, at 34, I am the proud owner of my first pair of white denim: the Everlane Way-High Curve jeans ($148), technically, in ecru.

I’ve since been wearing them every chance I get. Like at the aforementioned outing, where I felt as confident as ever rubbing elbows with the snazzily dressed after-work crowd and strutting through the streets of Manhattan. Cue the Bee Gees, baby. 

Now, these pants didn’t just magically add 4 inches to my height, or remove them from my waist. And, in fact, have a wide-leg cut (the very thing I’ve always been so afraid of). So what exactly is it about them that makes me feel so good?

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