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I wonder if Levi Strauss ever dreamed the denim material he used in 1853 for overalls in San Francisco would still be in production in the 21st century, used by every fashion designer around the world.

Jeans by Seven for All Mankind, Chip & Pepper, Paper Denim and Cloth, Lucky, Diesel, Ralph Lauren and others sell for more than $200. I saw a $1,000 price tag on white jeans at the Polo Shop in Waterside.

Remember the jeans you just had to have in high school? Jordache, Sasson, Calvin’s. Well, you’ll be able to get classic Jordache jeans this fall at Macy’s: The company is launching its Jordache Vintage line with an advertising campaign that features Elizabeth Hurley.

I went shopping to see what’s popular for back-to-school. I found an overwhelming selection, from flares, boot leg and narrow leg to ripped and vintage washed — in practically every store. I narrowed it down to:

Jean jackets ($68) at the Gap. Perfect when the nights turn cool, or when the air conditioning is going full blast. They come with copper (like the original Levi’s) or silver buttons. They had denim vests, too, but I thought: Why?

Aeropostale has many pant styles and shades. I like the flare-leg vintage washed style with just a little pocket embroidery ($19.50). I’m sure they’ll last as long as the high fashion styles.

This mini skirt ($34.50) from American Eagle Outfitters will look great with leggings when it gets cooler.

Denim just keeps re-inventing itself.

Where to shop

Aeropostale, Coastland Center, 1912 U.S. 41 N., Naples, 261-2275

American Eagle Outfitters, Coastland Center, 1814 U.S. 41 N., Naples, 430-2969

Gap, Coastland Center, 1810 U.S. 41 N., Naples, 263-2026; Waterside Shops, 5415 U.S. 41 N., Naples, 513-9874; Edison Mall, 4125 Cleveland Ave. (U.S. 41), Fort Myers, (239) 939-4466; and Bell Tower, 13499 U.S. 41, Fort Myers, (239) 489-1377

New stores

Cole Haan, a shoe store, has opened at Waterside Shops, 5435 U.S. 41 N., Naples, 591-0018.

Movado, a watch and jewelry store, has opened at Miromar Outlets, Estero, 947-3870.

Zumiez — a gear, clothing and accessories for skaters and snowboarders — has opened at Coastland Center, 1900 U.S. 41, Naples, 403-7661.