William Rast Jeans

William Rast Jeans came into existence in 2006. Founders Justin Timberlake and Trace Alaya launched this L.A. label's moniker using a combination of both their grandfathers' names, but their clothes are anything but old school. Timberlake's promotional videos of himself and model Erin Wasson tell a fictional love story about imaginary bad boy William Rast and his girlfriend.

Known for their trademark pocket design resembling the letter "V" with a line crossing it, William Rast Jeans come in a large selection of styles. Jeans options include capris, flares, trouser cut, boot cut, straight, and skinny, as well as shorts.

With offerings for women and men, William Rast Jeans also sells accessories, tops, and jackets. For men, t-shirts with the signature jean pocket design or William Rast logo, musical themes, jersey knit henleys, and distressed styles dominate this season. The distressed look is extended to the jacket and shirt offerings as well. One popular look is a long-sleeved version of a camp shirt.

Plaid shirts are V-neck sweaters are big, often shown with t-shirts underneath. Dressier shirts make appearances too, along with traditional vests and sweater vests, the latter with big plaids. Military-inspired and biker jackets prevail in the outerwear department, and distressed baseball caps top off the look.

Men's William Rast jeans are equally distressed. Offered in boot cut, straight cut, or flares, all but the latter are shown mainly cuffed. The flares are worn slouchy at the ankle. This season's William Rast Jeans collection for men is characterized by a hybrid of smooth urban appeal and traditional tough-guy style.

Women's styles are similar in flavour -- either city-inspired, or at home in the country. Sleeveless tunics and dolman-sleeved tees with distressed silk-screened American flags are big, with bold skull prints popping up on some styles. Several plaid shirts are offered for women, too; plain, or with scoop necks or the occasional ruffle. Richly-colored turtlenecks make for sleek silhouettes, but there are plenty of other, more girly options. Bell-shaped sleeves transform a classic top into something special, and a deep-cut halter top looks great for a night out.

Vests are shown for women, too, like the asymmetrical one shown over a plaid shirt, or the classic cuts worn solo. The baseball caps are unisex, and the women's jackets are often biker-styled as well. One unique take on this look is a motorcycle jacket done in black and red plaid wool, with a sherpa collar and leather sleeves. The unisex theme spills over into the musically inspired t-shirts, but the women's versions sport more abstract designs.

William Rast jeans for women are similar to the men's in that they are distressed. However, women have additional options, including skinny, capri, and trouser cuts, as well as short and knee-length shorts. Women's William Rast jeans are shown mostly with high heels.

Jeans for women and men average in the $200 range, with a much broader range for jackets. Shirts are anywhere from $50 to just under $200.

William Rast Jeans are available in stores on both coasts, and in various locations in between.