Not So Skinny Jeans

10/11/21

Hi Friends! Today let’s talk jeans. Specifically, let’s talk about alternatives to skinny jeans. Skinny jeans have been my go-to jeans for years, and while Tiktok has claimed that skinny jeans are “not cool” or “outdated”, I don’t care. I will still be wearing skinny jeans for years to come. BUT, I do like that TikTok has opened the conversation up to other styles. I was a ride-or-die skinny jean girl for years, however, over the last year, I’ve really embraced the boyfriend and straight-leg styles.

Did you know that Urban Outfitters doesn’t sell skinny jeans in-store anymore (you can still find them online)? That is so crazy! I think it goes to show that other styles of jeans are becoming more popular and may be around to stay. I’ve had a few pairs of jeans that I would pull out of the back of my closet every once and a while – mostly straight-leg jeans – for a few years now. But, over the last year, I’ve purchased several pairs of different denim styles and focused on various ways to style the different trends.

Now that fall is officially here, I will be wearing jeans much more frequently, so I started thinking about my favorite jeans and how I style them. There are so many styles out there now – wide leg, barrel leg, straight leg, flared, boyfriend, and many more. I tend to purchase boyfriend or straight-leg jeans. They are on-trend AND flattering. Both tend to show off my natural waistline and they can be styled with sandals, sneakers or boots. If you’ve been thinking about trying out a pair, but don’t know where to start, I listed out some tips and tricks that I’ve learned.

Let’s Talk Hems

Both boyfriend and straight-leg jeans can have a sewed hem or raw cut. I own both types and wear both on different occasions. I like the raw-cut version for a more relaxed, casual look. These are also a great option for those of you that have to get your pants hemmed. You can hem them on your own at home with a pair of scissors – just measure where you need to cut, mark the area, and cut. It’s pretty simple (and less expensive than a tailor). For a more polished look, a sewn hem is definitely the way to go.

Wedgie Straight Fit Jean (size: 25)

I would suggest purchasing a pair with a sewn hem first. They are more versatile and you can wear them dressed up or down. Then, once you want to add an additional pair to your closet – look into a raw hem.

Slim Straight Jean (size: 25)

Which Wash Should I Get?

Jeans these days come in SO MANY washes. To make it simpler, I’m going to split it up into dark wash and light wash and black jeans. Dark wash jeans, in my opinion, tend to be more polished, formal and are the most flattering. Light wash jeans are usually more casual while black jeans can be dressed up or down.

Riley High Rise Straight Crop (size: 25)

I would suggest first purchasing a pair of black jeans and a pair of light-washed jeans. The dark wash jeans definitely have a place in any closet, but I wear my black jeans and light wash jeans more frequently. Dark wash jeans are pretty similar to black jeans anyway. If you only want to purchase one pair, I would go for the black jeans.

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Cropped or Not?

Ok, so I buy mostly cropped jeans. But the style usually hits me right at my ankle. A lot of styles on the market today are actually meant to hit much more cropped. But, for me, since my legs are pretty short, it hits my ankles. I tend to like this style the best. They are easier to style with plenty of different shoes – sandals, heels, ankle boots and sneakers.

Curve Love High Rise Mom Jean (size: 25)

I’ve purchased a few longer pairs of jeans, but I usually end up rolling them. So to get the most versatility out of your jeans, I suggest purchasing a pair that hits right around the ankle.

Tips For Styling

Boyfriend jeans have a baggier fit than a straight-leg jean, making them more casual style. While straight-leg jeans are what they sound like – they have a consistent leg width from top to bottom. Therefore, they are a bit snugger around your thigh and looser around your ankle. Straight-leg jeans can be casual or formal, depending on how you style them. Both styles fit looser around the ankle than a skinny jean, so here are a few styling tips I follow.

First, I either tuck in my shirt or wear a fitted top. This allows the top of the jean to show my natural waistline. A tighter top also balances the outfit. I’m not into an all baggy look. I don’t think it’s flattering on me personally. But, when you pair a tighter top (like a smocked top), it balances out the baggier bottoms.
Secondly, when choosing a bootie, I would suggest a bootie with a tighter shaft. The shaft should be able to slide under the jean. I don’t tuck these denim styles into a bootie. There is too much jean material to fit into the bootie.
Distressed denim gives your outfit a more casual look. For a formal look, chose a jean without distressing.
Boyfriend denim is hard to roll. Therefore, it’s important to purchase a jean at the right length. Or be willing to get the jeans hemmed. You can easily roll a straight-leg jean, though.

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My Favorite Jeans

I have two go-to pairs of jeans this year. The first pair is the Abercrombie ultra high rise jean (I included this pair in my fall capsule). They are a good balance between casual and formal. They are black (a more formal color) but have some great distressing. It makes them interesting to wear. Plus, they are VERY comfortable.

Ultra High Rise Straight Jean (size: 25)

My second go-to pair is the Levi wedgie jean. I’ve owned the light wash pair for several years. They are very flattering. They have a little stretch and hold you in. I purchased a darker wash in the same jean this year. I wear both washes frequently and love the overall style.

Wedgie Straight Fit Jean (size: 25)

What About Wide Leg Jeans?

Boyfriend jeans and straight-leg jeans are definitely my go-to. But, if you already wear these styles frequently and want to try a new style, I would suggest going for a wide-leg jean. They are a fun jean to style and always gives your look a pop. I don’t wear them as frequently because they tend to take a little more time to style and are not as versatile. BUT, I always love my outfit when I wear them.