Alissa Wilson of Stylish Curves in Avenue for Plus Model Magazine; Model Danielle von Grondelle in Eloquii; and Chante Burkett of Everything Curvy and Chic in the Fashion to Figure Denim Lookbook

Everyone knows the importance of a good pair of jeans, and the skinny jean is a favorite of mine: The sleek silhouette is both hot and versatile, and it is a great base for playing with proportions. This season, a different wash is vying for the top spot.  Whether polished or distressed, black skinny jeans are a key staple for fall 2014. I love how one item can go from polished workwear to chic casual to effortlessly sporty.  Even Leandra Medine of Manrepeller approves.

Fashion to Figure Black Stretch Skinnies, $35 Of all the pairs I’m featuring, these might be my favorite.  I just got my pair in the mail, and damn!  These are some seriously sexy jeans.  I am already planning so many outfits for these (which you will see soon!).  Order true to size – they look a bit small out of the box, but the fit is spot on.  I love that these look just as good dressed up with heels as they do with sneakers, like on Chante from Everything Curvy and Chic in the FTF lookbook picture above.  BONUS: Everything at Fashion to Figure is Buy One, Get One for 50% off with code BOGO50 until September 1st!

ASOS Ridley Skinny Jean in Washed Black, $61 If you want your black jeans to look a bit tougher, these perfectly faded and ripped skinnies from ASOS Curve are just the thing.  This fit also comes highly recommended by one of my style faves, Franceta Johnson.  These are next on my denim shopping list.

Deb High Waist Jeans, $27 The triple button fly gives high waisted jeans a retro flair – play it up with a polka dot chambray top knotted at the waist for a fun end of summer look.

Alloy Super Stretch Jeggings, $35 If you are looking for junior plus sizing in a variety of lengths (everything from 30″ to 37″ inseam), these clean jeggings from Alloy are for you.

Forever 21 Classic Skinny Short, $15 The shorter length on these is perfect for tucking in to a pair of moto boots, and at $15, the price is certainly right.  Two things to keep in mind with Forever 21 denim though: 1) Size up if you are between sizes; and 2) It likely will not last.  I’ve come to accept the latter, and that way I am just pleasantly surprised when a pair is still kicking after a year.

James Jeans Twiggy Z Cigarette Jean, $172 If the thought of cheap jeans make you shudder, this pair from premium denim label James Jeans are just what you’re looking for.  The luxe material means you could even take these into a corporate office with a sharp blazer on Casual Friday.  Bonus: You can get $25 off your first order at HeyGorgeous.com!

Eileen Fisher Organic Stretch Soft Skinny Jeans, $198 If your beef with disposable denim is more about sustainability, consider investing in a pair of organic jeans, which are also known for sustaining their shape wear after wear.  Because these will last for years to come, the price per wear will be quite reasonable.

NYDJ Jade Legging in Black, $130 NYDJ is also all about fit, with [very effective] shapewear built right into the jean.  I have this pair in a classic washed blue denim color, and can attest to a fantastic, high waisted fit.  The shapewear aspect is a bit odd to me, but I’ll admit that sometimes it comes in handy.  I’d recommend ordering this pair true to size.  If you are unsure about whether NYDJ is for you, I suggest trying out the brand through Gwynnie Bee.

Violeta by Mango Super Slim Fit Cadenit Jeans, $90 Mango’s new-to-the-US inbetweenie label Violeta has a perfectly downtown pair – I am all about the asymmetrical zippers.

Torrid Stiletto Skinny Jean, $59 The perennial favorite Torrid “Stiletto” skinny is even sleeker in black.

Old Navy Rockstar Jean, $35 So much of jeans shopping is about finding the perfect fit, and sometimes you just want to go with what you know.  The ever popular “Rockstar” fit from Old Navy doesn’t work on my body type, but I have friends who are strict adherents to the style.  The clean black wash updates this basic.

Lane Bryant Genius Fit Black Skinny Jeans, $70 These are great for the jet black color, the high tech fabric that prevents lost shape from stretching, and the fact that they come in short, regular, and tall sizes up to 28.

SWAK Black Skinny Jeans, $30 Independent plus label’s SWAK’s foray into denim includes this classic black skinny, generously sized and cut for curves.

H&M Plus Black Skinny Jean, $30 I have a lot of gripes about H&M’s plus size section, but one thing they are doing very right is pants.  I have three pairs that I love from them, including my favorite pair of boyfriend jeans.  Size up one with their denim.

Bonus pair: Though these are not technically skinny jeans, the new black denim joggers from Aussie label 17 Sundays are just great, as is blogger Ashley Rose’s styling.  These are like the baby of my two favorite pants trends: Black skinny jeans and joggers.  What could be better?