Q&A about individual items, ensembles, and wardrobe

White Jeans & Plaid Skirt

Hi everyone!

I received my white Elie Tahari jeans from Smart Bargains--they are probably going to go back. The jeans are definitely skinny jeans--not just straight leg jeans. The rear pockets are very low--they actually are not even on my butt--but on the backs of my thighs--very strange. I had jason take photos anyway, just so I could show you guys the outcome.
http://s289.photobucket.com/al.....e%20Jeans/

I also received a wool plaid skirt from Esprit. I ordered up a size, because their tops tend to run small--but apparently, their bottoms do not. But I kind of like that it's loose. I didn't bother putting on tights, but I would wear the skirt with opaque tights--either grey or olive green or maybe even black. I also just took the photo with a layering shirt I had on already. I would wear it something less plain. That is, if it gets YLF approval and I keep it.
http://s289.photobucket.com/al.....s%20Skirt/

The latest reply was from Nicole . You can follow further contributions to the conversation through the RSS 2.0 feed.


22 Replies

Posted 1 year ago

I can't quite articulate the issue with the jeans fit, but I see what you mean about the back pockets, and they do look a little weird around the crotch in front. Do you think you can size down? BTW, I think they are straight legs, but regardless, the leg width looks great on you.
I really like the skirt, but to me it looks a little bit short. Can it be let out? I'd be curious to hear what others say.

Posted 1 year ago

Yes, I can see what you mean about the white jeans and the back pockets. I think they are straight legs as well, and the fit of the legs looks good to me, not too tight. It's the backside that isn't so great. Are you specifically looking for straight leg white jeans, or would bootcut be okay? Maybe we can find some different ones for you, because I definitely think white jeans look great on you!

Cute boots! I love the little ties in the back. I kind of agree with Marianne that the skirt is a bit short. Not that I don't think you can pull off a short skirt, but it's the style of this skirt that is throwing me off. I'd love to see it with tights and a different top before I make a final judgment.

What about this, could you try it with tights (I think black would be lovely), a turtle neck/layering top and maybe a matching jacket over that? I think that would look really nice on you, and would be work appropriate. For more casual occasions, just switch out the blazer for a denim jacket.

Posted 1 year ago

I have that exact same problem with jeans all the time, because I'm in between sizes, and often the legs fit me fine but the thighs/butt are too large. I would try going down a size.

I agree with the others that something's not right about the skirt in this outfit, but can't suggest what to fix - I don't think you need to write it off just yet, though.

Posted 1 year ago

I don't think I could go down a size on the jeans--I feel poured into them as it is. Looking at the photo, I realize you are all right--they are straight legs, not skinnies. But they felt like skinnies--very tight in the calf. I was also slightly disappointed in the color of these jeans--they are not true white--they have a bit of creaminess to them. I own a pair of white Levis that I lived in last summer, but they are too big. I know I want pure white jeans. I recently bought a pair of Lucky Brand jeans with a button fly at a consignment shop. They fit really well in the butt--maybe I can find an affordable pair in white??

I think the skirt looks short because of my bare legs. I think dark tights will fill the gap and make the skirt look better. I'll do that tomorrow and post.

Posted 1 year ago

I hate when they do that with the pockets going down so low. It is funny looking. That said, though, I really like the fit on the legs. Are you looking for a pair of jeans to wear with long tunic tops/dresses by any chance? If so, these would be great. But otherwise I'd pass.
I like the skirt and think that the length is probably fine once you wear tights. I generally don't mind skirts running a little shorter than Angie and some other YLF ladies; I think it's a matter of taste. You have nice legs and can definitely pull it off.

Posted 1 year ago

Thanks Antje. I don't do the tunic/dress withe jeans look very well. And in the summer, I especially want to keep cool. I think a dress over jeans looks warm, too warm for the hot months.

I am thinking a pair of slight boot cuts, or loose straight legs. I def. do not want skinnies, or wide leg or trouser style. Traditional jeans, in white--with a medium rise. Where's Tanya and Inge when I need them?? ;) They'd have 20 different pairs of white jeans linked in 2 minutes flat.

Posted 1 year ago

Hee hee. What's your price range, Nicole? I can maybe see if I can find some for you.

Posted 1 year ago

Well you know how cheap I am.... I don't think I could live with myself if I paid more than $100 for a pair of jeans...and they would have to be really incredible jeans to pay that much. I mean REALLY incredible--you know, make me look like I have a nice butt, hips, and long skinny legs, oh and no baby belly....

Posted 1 year ago

Nicole, my Matchstick jeans fit the same way those white jeans fit you (hence putting them in the toss pile). I also think they're straight legs. Skinnies would be hugging your calf and ankle more. But I think you're right to send them back.

I actually quite like the skirt. If it's really coming a bit too short, I think some hose should do the trick.

Posted 1 year ago

Nicole, I think the shape of the jeans looks good on you (the calves don't look tight for example). But the butt issue is a no-no. I have the same problem all the time and I've seen others wearing jeans like this and I think it is very unflattering.

I'd have to see the skirt with tights before deciding - it looks a tad short but a monochromatic tights+boots ensemble could totally change that.

Posted 1 year ago

LOL Nicole, I'll try to post my finds tonight (I'd actually had a look around when you first asked about white jeans, so I've got them stashed away somewhere;-).

I agree about the back pockets being too low, I've seen that happen a lot lately (a few weeks ago Esprit had nothing but jeans with this kind of pockets, and they do not look good on me either).

I like the skirt (love plaid), and would also like to see it with tights and another top.

Posted 1 year ago

Nicole, I agree with the consensus on the white jeans. I'll also be on the lookout for reasonably-priced white Luckys for spring/summer, as I've had good luck with that brand. I was able to score a pair on ebay for $22.50, including shipping. If you know the size/style name, you can do a search and then save the search. You'll then get automatic e-mails when new items matching those criteria are listed.

I like the plaid skirt, though I would like to see it with tights and a top you'd wear with it.

Posted 1 year ago

It seems that the jean question has already been answered. Before I comment on the skirt, I would love to see it in an outfit as you envision wearing it. The fit of the top with the skirt (which I don't think is the most flattering on you) is making it hard for me to really assess how I feel about the skirt.

Posted 1 year ago
Posted 1 year ago

I think that the skirt has potential. I’ll wait till you post the look with tights/hose for a final comment.

Those are definitely straight legs Nicole, not skinnies. And you DO do the tunic over jeans look well. Fabulous job Inge! I hope there is a better pair of white jeans for Nicole in the stash you posted.

Posted 1 year ago

Thanks Inge you are good. A few of the ones you linked have piqued my interest.

I also saw these in the Boden catalog last night:

http://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/.....Jeans.html

Does anyone know anything about Boden jeans? I think I remember someone saying Boden runs small and of course they have European sizing.

I'll try to do skirt photos today....

Posted 1 year ago

OK, here are a few outfit options with the plaid skirt. Please be honest. I want to like the skirt, but I don't want to force something that isn't working for me.

http://s289.photobucket.com/al.....%20Tights/

(please ignore the hair--I just woke up when I took the photos)

Posted 1 year ago

Nicole-I think the skirt looks nice with all your top options. Well done!

Posted 1 year ago

I like the skirt now with tights/boots and tops, I think it is a keeper.

On the white jeans, I can recommend Joe's Muse and COH Amber ( both higher-rise bootcuts), but I haven't seen them anywhere on sale yet. I'll let you know if/when I do. Inge found some great choices though.

Posted 1 year ago

I'm sorry the white jeans didn't work out for you, Nicole. It's so annoying about the pockets, it happens to me a lot as well.

I like the skirt with tights and boots, but can't decide if it's indeed a keeper.

Posted 1 year ago

Keep the skirt. It's come to life with a good pair of tights. I like it best with the cream and black zip top. Funky!

Posted 1 year ago

Great! I was hoping the skirt would get keep status. I am also glad you like that sweater--it's actually chocolate brown and soft pink--but I like it too--I just wasn't sure if it was too busy with the plaid.

Posted 1 year ago