I bought a size 10 and they were too small around the waist.  I returned them for a size 12 and they are kind of big.  An 11 would be perfect.  They are high waisted mom jeans so I wish they were mid-rise, but they fit my fanny well. (I am 71 so mom jeans probably are what I should buy).  I have heavier legs which they camouflage nicely but are a little too floppy at the bottom.  I have them in the black and have loved them. I don't know what the difference is.  If I were designing them for me I would lower the waist and slightly taper the bottom.