Who among us can live without our jeans? They truly are a wardrobe essential!
This season we’ll be seeing everything from a super-wide leg silhouette to the fabulous flare-leg to the ankle-length straight jean. And because I wanted to include styles and price points for everyone, you’ll note that I shopped a bit at the discounters and a lot at our favorite retailers.
In addition, I have shopped both mid-and high-rise jeans. Most of my clients prefer mid-rise jeans—as do I—for both comfort and to accommodate our body shapes. Having said that, an increasing number of my clients prefer the high-rise look. I wanted you to be aware that both are included as you peruse these yummy offerings.
The Straight Leg Ankle Length Jean
This jean, though not technically listed as a trend, is a hot topic this season. Its length and style give off a vintage vibe and is a cool look we haven’t seen in years. Okay, so the straight-leg jean has been around, just not to the degree we’re seeing them this season, and especially at ankle length—which is exactly the length you want to wear.
Style by Season – Fall & Winter
So, how do you create the perfect look with this particular style of essential jean? In the colder months, your UGGs and combat boots are the best shoe pairings for the straight-leg jean. Even your ankle height boots will work here. Your jean legs should easily skim the top of your ankle boots, and if you are working with a taller combat boot or UGGs, I recommend ruching them at the top of your boot. This is a very casual, relaxed look, but then so are the boots.
Now that your jeans and boots have been decided, let’s work on your top. Longer sweaters of the turtleneck, mock neck, V-neck, or crewneck varieties are perfect. And by “longer” I mean they should cover your backside. If you opt for a V-neck or crewneck, layer them over an iconic white crewneck T-shirt. Regardless of which style of sweater you choose, you can tuck a little bit of the front into your jeans and leave the back hanging out. And finally, a peacoat, utility jacket, or shacket would all make marvelous candidates for layering.
Style by Season – Spring & Summer
In the warmer months, this style of essential jean is a lot of fun as well. I am a huge fan of the short-sleeve button-front crispy shirt paired with this new direction for the straight leg ankle-length jean. These shirts look fabulous in classic white, but also other colors and even prints as well. And an iconic white T-shirt, preferably crewneck, looks amazing paired with a shorter cardigan that is either cropped at the waist or falls over the backside. As the weather continues to warm up, tank tops are great as well.
And what shoes will you pair with these looks? Well, plain, simple flip flops and white leather sneakers are my two favorite styles.
Casual Evening
If you need a look for a casual evening out, pair your straight-leg ankle-length jean with a delicate strappy sandal, a halter top, and either a denim jacket or a light cashmere wrap. This show-stopping look is au courant and ever-so-trendy.
The Wide-Leg Jean
This style of jean is both timeless and trendy at the same time. In fact, the wide-leg jean is seriously hot at the moment.
If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you’ll likely have heard me proclaim at some point, how flattering the wide-leg jean is on everyone’s body. It may seem counterintuitive, but its silhouette both minimizes and flatters all backsides and body shapes. The reason I bring this up is that nearly every client I’ve ever had was under the misconception that a wide-leg jean would make their derriere look big, when the truth of the matter is, that’s just not the case.
Another thing to keep in mind about this silhouette is that while it’s a huge trend right now, you can wear these jeans until they literally wear out—because they don’t actually ever go out of style!
The wide-leg jean is extremely versatile when it comes to styling, so here are a few tips that will help get you started.
Oh, and by the way, if you’re someone who usually wears longer T-shirts and/or sweaters to cover your backside, you don’t need to do that when wearing this style of jean.
Style by Season – Fall & Winter
In the colder months, you’ll want to opt for a simple turtleneck, mock neck, crewneck, or V-neck (worn over a white crewneck T-shirt). They all work beautifully with this silhouette of jean. Tuck the front of any of these sweaters into your jeans, leaving the back out. Add a great statement belt and you are chicly ready to meet the world.
Shoes to consider in the colder months are your UGGs, combat boots, and smoking slippers.
Style by Season – Spring & Summer
In the warmer months, shorter crispy white shirts or shirts that are tucked in (either entirely or only in the front with the back hanging out) are adorable with wide-leg jeans. And naturally, the iconic white T-shirt is a winner. Add a crewneck sweater, cardigan, or denim jacket to create yummy looks with this silhouette. Longer cardigans work as well, so be sure to note that. And last but certainly not least, blazers over a white T-shirt look fabulous with this jean.
Where your shoes are concerned, white leather sneakers, unadorned leather flip flops, driving mocs, smoking slippers, ballet flats, mules, and delicate strappy sandals are all showstopping looks worn with your wide-leg jean.
Bootcut and Flare-Leg Jeans
And don’t think I could bring this post to a close without including the bootcut and flare-leg silhouettes that flatter us all so beautifully! They continue to be a hot ticket and timeless, iconic pieces. The treasures you will see here are fabulous and will serve you endlessly.
Choose Your Shoes
What can you wear with these silhouettes? In the shoe department, you have so many options! We’re talking anything from your combat boots to your pointy-toe ankle boots, as well as platform and strappy sandals.
These jeans are also perfect for casual evening looks, worn with your pointy toe ankle boots, platform sandals, and delicate strappy sandals.
Choose Your Top
Once you’ve chosen your shoes/boots, you can choose your top. The longer A-line fluted sweaters are perfect and incredibly flattering with this jean. And if you channel your inner hippie, the Bohemian ‘60s look is adorable with this jean.
One Final Word of Advice…
You always want to wear this jean style long. Absolutely do not go cropped here. This tip will serve you endlessly.
We live in our jeans, so finding those few perfect pairs that we go to each day is a joy.
What options speak to you and will make your jean wardrobe super adorable and easy?
