New denim style: the boyfriend jean

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

New denim style: the boyfriend jean

— by Angie

on February 9, 2009

It’s “boyfriend” everything at the moment. First the cardigan and now the jeans, thanks to Katie Holmes and her stylist. With the new “boyfriend jean” the shape of denim has expanded beyond the four main silhouettes (skinny, straight, boot cut and wide-leg) for 2009.

Boyfriend jeans are supposed to look baggy, worn and distressed, although some versions are less so. The style is usually rolled up at the hem and worn with heels for a final feminine touch. The look reminds me a little of when us gals wore men’s Levis 501’s in the 80’s. Baggy crotches, turned up hems and belted waistbands were so in back then. The look has been revived and updated. Celebrities in Hollywood are all over the trend.

The style can be adorable worn with flats or a small heel on a preteen and teenager. They seem like an arty, hip and cool expression for that age group. Cute (don’t shoot me, Mums). But for anyone older I vote for giving this trend a miss. Maybe I’m getting old, but I am so over ripped jeans of any description. It’s not a stylish look. How do you vote?

Spring 2009

57 comments · Add a comment

Sarah

I’m definitely passing. I agree that the look can be cute, but it’s neither appropriate for my figure or my life style.

February 9, 2009 at 8:09 am

Ashley

(website)

I’ll take a pass also. Not put-together enough for me. I’ll leave it to the young ones.

February 9, 2009 at 8:11 am

Meredith

Agreed. I’ll also take a pass on this one!

February 9, 2009 at 8:14 am

Joy

I’m definitely leaving this look for young girls. Even then I think it can be tricky to pull off without looking completely sloppy.

February 9, 2009 at 8:16 am

Linda

(website)

Angie: You’ve taught me to shun the capri length and that is essentially what I am seeing in most of these photos. Dark Jean lovers unite!

February 9, 2009 at 8:28 am

Jill

Yucky. No, no, no.

Pass.

February 9, 2009 at 8:48 am

Tanya

I have already expressed my feelings for this on the forum, so I’ll just repeat it here: I will personally pass. The right person with the right attitude could pull them off, but not me.

February 9, 2009 at 9:00 am

Nadia

Only the Jcrew pic looks halfway decent, and then only from the front. This look is only cute when washing your car or moving. I can’t stand pants like the ones on the far right with the sagging crotch. Sorry pants makers, my legs are short enough. I don’t need a sagging crotch, capri length legs, and cuffed hem to emphasize that.

February 9, 2009 at 9:04 am

Wendy

(website)

I concur Angie!

February 9, 2009 at 9:06 am

Lisa

I’ll pass. I don’t think the look is flattering and I refuse to spend money on jeans with holes in them.

February 9, 2009 at 9:08 am

Telly

I too will pass–I’m saving up for white jeans!!!

February 9, 2009 at 9:10 am

Eva

Clearly a style meant for only the very slim as the baggy jeans would just add weight. To repeat what Linda said, Angie, you have always highlighted that this capri length is not flattering on all but the tall and slender. IMO, dressing up very distressed jeans with nice heels is a “why bother”. So it works for Hollywood and the few tall and slim women, but for the regular Joes like me, I will stick to jeans that take less effort to look good.

February 9, 2009 at 9:16 am

Dee

It’s a fun look for teens, but I will definitely pass. There’s something about ripped jeans that’s just so sloppy, and the fit is terrible for most women.

February 9, 2009 at 9:35 am

Joelle

I’m passing on this look too. I never liked beat-up looking jeans, even when I was a teenager. Plus, the capri length and cuffs is definitely leg-shortening and the overly casual look is not something I have much occasion for in my lifestyle anyway.

February 9, 2009 at 9:54 am

Nafisa

hey, I’ve always worn this look (minus the heels) to clean my house and weed the garden
I am with you Angie, I love well fitting dark, long jeans. Going to give this a pass!

February 9, 2009 at 9:56 am

Christie

Not for me. It does look too sloppy. I have a pair of button-fly, boyfriend jeans (Jcrew) from about 5 years ago that I only wear to garden. I think that’s where they belong.

February 9, 2009 at 9:59 am

Nicole

I don’t mind the fit so much as the rips and rolled up hems. Very sloppy looking to me. Maybe it’s ok to look like a slob when your 12. But when you’re 40, walking around looking like a slob–well people just assume you ARE a slob.

February 9, 2009 at 10:21 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I’m relieved to hear this ladies.

So what’s going on with the celebrities? Why are they lowering their style standards? And what’s gotten into the fashion buyers? They are responsible for making this style go mainstream at places like JCrew. A good pair of jeans is hard enough to find. Adding complications like saggy crotches, capri lengths and fabric tears on top of the challenge is a BAD idea. No thank you.

February 9, 2009 at 10:28 am

Aurora

the Degaine Rigid Boyfriend Jeans look the best, I may try for a weekend look that is about it.

February 9, 2009 at 10:37 am

Nichelle

(website)

Maybe cute for a beach trip with some sandals, but I’m not big on ripped jeans anymore. Definitely a very cute look for the younger ladies, tween, teens and millenials – I’m gonna have to take a pass on this one as well…it would just make me look bottom heavy…

February 9, 2009 at 10:38 am

Brianna

Cute for teens and Rachel Bilson types. Otherwise, not so much. I’ll pass. That being said, the first example you posted looks stylishly insouciant and I could actually see that on a tall and slim woman; it doesn’t seem as “boyfriend-y” to me because the jeans are more fitted. The other examples, I hate.

February 9, 2009 at 11:08 am

Renee

No, not wearing it. I like polish, I like the reaction I get because I dress nicely and don’t have rips in my clothing. I like the respect I get for dressing fun and appropriately.

Besides, I rip my own jeans via regular wear-and-tear, why would I want to buy jeans already ripped.

February 9, 2009 at 11:46 am

Danja

(website)

I vote against the look too. I really dislike when jeans look unkept, not to mention ripped. I didn’t even like it in the 80s when so many people walked around with ripped jeans. (Shudder)

February 9, 2009 at 11:57 am

Martha

(website)

That’s such a cute idea. I might try that if i can find some cheapie boyfriend jeans. I’m totally seeing the arty vibe now too. with some silk scarf hair bows and and arty print tee and large large earrings. OOO i will be trying that one out =]
x
Also i LOVE your blog.

February 9, 2009 at 12:05 pm

Chris

Every trend seems to make a comeback – lately it is the 80’s! This seems like a version of late 80’s grunge wear (and yes, I wore it then which means I can’t deal with it now).
I think a faded, soft denim can still look good (and I like the rolled up look on the right body shape) if done right , but the pre-made rips look silly.
Who rips a jean on the side of the thigh? It was always the knees and maybe the tush that ripped out first if memory serves me.

February 9, 2009 at 12:06 pm

Sarah

I agree with Nadia and others. The cuffs visually shorten the legs (not to mention the saggy crotches). They look ridiculous on everyone, celebs included, IMHO. That said, since I’m young (23), I may do this look sometimes, because I have a few pairs of baggy worn out jeans that would work perfectly for this look. I would use this look for very casual events where I’m planning to get dirty and wouldn’t want to wear my nice jeans. Even then I’d probably add a big colorful scarf to draw eyes away from my legs. Wow, I can be sloppy and “in style” on the same day.

February 9, 2009 at 12:07 pm

Sarah

Oh, and I wouldn’t really call this look “new.” I remember seeing boyfriend jeans advertised quite some time ago. I can’t remember when. Perhaps in the nineties.

February 9, 2009 at 12:09 pm

Patience

This is not a look I plan on trying but this look on Katie Holmes is growing on me. I think that the only way to make this look work is *perfect* polish everywhere else (which celebrities can easily accomplish).
As to why the celebrities are into this, their lifestyle requires them to do something different and stand out. If you knew you were going to be photographed on a regular basis for millions of people to see, how would you approach your wardrobe?
I agree that marketing styles that are so tough to do correctly is doing a disservice to the consumer. Unfortunately, it has been done before.

February 9, 2009 at 12:21 pm

carissa

(website)

FIT, FIT, FIT. The worst part is the baggy crotch. A sagging crotch is both uncomfortable, think friction, and soooo unbecoming.

The picture on the left is OK, they are more fitted and darker. I prefer the look with an equally casual footwear choice.

February 9, 2009 at 12:23 pm

Nicole

I think it’s a reaction to the economic times. It’s become garish to flaunt wealth (whether the wealth is real or presumed). So, I think this is just Hollywoods wealthy trying to look less wealthy–since it’s now unfashionable to do so.

February 9, 2009 at 12:28 pm

Sal

(website)

Sigh. I never thought I’d go anywhere near this look, but it’s growing on me. Clearly not immune to trend-pressure. But I agree: Artfully torn jeans drive me batso. I’d wear mine clean.

February 9, 2009 at 12:49 pm

lori

i loved my 80’s pegged version of this – in fact i saved a piece of denim from my fav pair in high school! Rips and all! But now, i am going to just say no. Baggy in the crotch and thigh? Why add pounds?!

February 9, 2009 at 1:08 pm

San

I agree with you 100%. It could be a cute expression for a teen, but after that maybe best to find another way to express yourself.

February 9, 2009 at 1:20 pm

Antje

I for one am not joining the chorus, but will say that while I think the ripped and torn jeans are silly (though the silliest thing about them is the price – why would anyone pay premium denim prices for jeans that look old and worn??), I think the slightly baggy rolled-up bf style can be cute. Not a look for every day, not for work or smart casual, but I think it’s a fun alternative for a more casual look, e.g. on the weekend or for going out to casual dinners, movies, gatherings etc. in the evening. Dark and smart jeans rule in my book, too, but I enjoy a little bit of variety and trendy alternatives -even short lived ones- once in a while. I plan to experiment with the look (and have already, but so far not with great results), though I won’t spend money on the look, at least not more than the price of a pair of big ole jeans from Goodwill.

February 9, 2009 at 1:32 pm

Elizabeth

This one gets a nope from me. Too sloppy for anything but housework or painting.

I didn’t do all that running and pilates so I could wear baggy, ripped up jeans.

February 9, 2009 at 1:49 pm

Val

For the record, I’m 19 (only for the next week, but still in the “teen” range) and I definitely would not wear them. There is an oversized trend amongst some people my age, but for the most part, jeans should definitely fit the backside.

February 9, 2009 at 2:05 pm

emily

i do fit into the teen age group, and used to think these were really silly. i never really got into the whole “pre-distressed” trend. now, though, i’m starting to think they look really cute, esp. for a super-casual summertime outfit.

February 9, 2009 at 2:27 pm

Gillian

Admittedly, I own a pair of ‘boyfriend’ jeans – I bought them on sale last year. They fit nicely around the tush and are baggy through the leg. Coupled with a pair of flats, a fitted t-shirt and accessories, they are great for BBQs.

There is no way on this green earth I would roll them up and wear them with heels. Sheesh, whichever Hollywood stylist (or celebrity) came up with that one should be cast back to the 80’s from whence they came!

Most 80’s fashions were bad the first time around. I really don’t want to visit them again…

February 9, 2009 at 3:16 pm

StyleConsciousGuy

(website)

I didn’t care for this style the last time it was trendy. I’ll take my Paige Hidden Hills any day or evening of the week.

February 9, 2009 at 5:05 pm

Kyle

I like the look on the right person in the right setting. Also, don’t forget — the boyfriend watch!

February 9, 2009 at 5:07 pm

Maya

Psst, I seem to recall this post: http://youlookfab.com/2006/12/15/boyfriend-jeans/

I like the ones in the 2006 post–maybe not the wash, but the idea and the fit. The J Crew Boy jeans are adorable. I’d wear them in a second if I had a more boyish figure (and if they had a higher rise).

I don’t care much for the distressing on this batch, but I think a tall, slim person could pull the rolled-up type off with pumps. What I don’t like is the oversized crotch, especially in the last picture. Why is there such a trend of making clothes that draw so much attention to the crotch area (harem pants, now boyfriend jeans)? Is this really a part of the body that women want to experiment with? (I know that sounds filthy but I am not quite sure how else to phrase it :p)

February 9, 2009 at 5:48 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Ah, ha. We have a few takers for the look. Thanks for the teenage perspective too.

Antje, Sal and Kyle, you are full of surprises.

Brianna, the less baggy styles do look a little better, and I mean a TINY bit better.

Spot on, Sarah. This look is absolutely not “new”. It was around for a while in the early 90’s too, virtually as is. As for 2006’s post Maya, the name for the product is not new either. I absolutely remember the “boyfriend jeans” that you’ve linked to and that I’ve written about before. I really like the “original” style of boyfriend jeans on the right gal. Those are what I would call “cute” in the true sense of the word. As for the styles posted in today’s post with the same name but are a different animal all together, I don’t even prefer them on the models. They look a little silly.

Rightly, or wrongly, I think in most instances, celebrities are really trusting of their stylists.

February 9, 2009 at 6:40 pm

Lory

I’m on the fence here. I like some elements of the boyfriend jean. Except for the tears and stuff, I didn’t like it back in the day, and I don’t like them today.

The rolled hem is my thing. I’ve already been sporting rolled hems on my jeans for a long time (before these jeans came to be “it” for this season. I do it more out of practicality, than a fashion statement. I don’t want to have a pair of jeans for flats and another for heels. So when I’m wearing flats I roll the hem, and when I have heels on, I leave the jean at its full length.

It’s kinda funny to me that the rolled hem is “in” now, and I’ve had it this way for a while, I guess I was ahead of the curve without realizing it. lol :):):)

Hugs,
Lory

February 10, 2009 at 12:14 am

Sara

(website)

Nope, can’t do this one — my figure is decidedly NON-boyfriend, so I’ll pass. I do have a pair of beat-up jeans though…not boyfriend style, but they are so comfy. Yes, they are reserved for indoors and camping.

February 10, 2009 at 4:45 pm

Karin

I hate to say this, but being in my mid-forties, I really think this very young looking style would look quite silly on me indeed.

February 10, 2009 at 6:14 pm

Maria

Hmmm, I remember when I was in my early twenties, I used to buy my jeans in larger sizes to achieve that look. Never ripped though. I would probably wear it again at the park or sth, but definitely not at work (I am 30) xm

February 12, 2009 at 2:57 am

Mai

Well, that’s certainly one way to handle dropping a size and having jeans that no longer fit you, right?

February 12, 2009 at 3:46 pm

katie p

Looks too contrived for me, I’ll pass. Nothing clever, attractive, nor complementary about the look for me.

February 14, 2009 at 4:09 pm

Cathy

I would not be caught dead wearing them.

February 14, 2009 at 6:30 pm

The worst of Autumn and Winter 2008 | youlookfab

(website)

[…] jeans: Don’t like the trend on […]

February 18, 2009 at 8:31 am

Mya

Well, apparently I’m in the minority, but with the right jean, I love this look!! I prefer comfort. I found a pair of “Rich and Skinny” boyfriend style jeans — and went a size up from my usual size. You do roll these a little, they are not overly masculine or ripped up, and I’ve received lots of compliments on them!! I just wear them with ballet flats. Sorry for being the dissenter on this one, I was reluctant at first until I found the right pair!

February 22, 2009 at 6:39 pm

Rae

Actually I am starting to really dislike and hate retro fashion as we are close to 2010.
However, it may be nice if history did not repeat itself especially with abominations such as those jeans with those heels up there.
Sometimes fashion nostalgia for time periods may be best considered a novelty thought only.
Some older celebs can be guilty of rehashing clothing etc from when they are young to seem young, while some younger ones just want to stand out really badly.

April 15, 2009 at 5:31 pm

Gloria

I’m tall, slim and over forty and I also love the Rich and Skinny version…there is only one little hole, they don’t look too distressed. Practically all jeans are made to fit a certain body type. I’m not interested in showing my rear end or having my belly hanging out with those low riders. I personally feel jeans that are ‘made’ to look distressed, are just trying too hard. It’s like those jeans that have way too much ‘whiskering’ going on.

July 2, 2009 at 1:16 pm

mac

I personally like the look. I love to wear them with some nice heels and a fitted t-shirt. then i throw on some ultra feminine earrings to add a touch of sparkle. I love the jeans because they are uber comfortable and i can wear them to do just about anything– minus the gym.
I don’t think this trend will last long, and I usually don’t follow the trends too closely, but I’m glad fashion is finally leaning towards more comfortable clothes.

February 5, 2010 at 12:01 pm

Who’s wearing boyfriend jeans?

(website)

[…] seeing several styles of boyfriend jeans this season. The item started out looking baggy and distressed, which has its appeal on preteens and teenyboppers. But as the season unfolded, sleeker, more […]

February 10, 2010 at 1:23 pm

Kristen

(website)

I am a huge fan of the boyfriend fit. I’ve also found that if you go down a couple of sizes and wear them a bit more fitted it’s super cute. We’ve been getting them in in every wash and style. still.

June 3, 2010 at 2:01 pm

jess

(website)

I love boyfriend jeans! I am 45 but incorporate trend with classic looks. The look doesn’t have to look sloppy! Most of the time, boyriend jean’s sillouette look great with a more fitted top, jacket etc.
I have a chronic pain disease and sensitivity in my legs, so I have a bit of a goal of wearing jeans, these being the first kind I wear.

March 1, 2014 at 9:07 am

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