Boyfriend jeans were fringe in 2009, but over the last three years have become completely mainstream in a large assortment of fits. There’s a large variety of washes and levels of distressing, although most boyfriend jeans are currently in a shade of blue denim. There’s also the occasional pair in white or grey. 

I believe that boyfriend jeans went mainstream because we desperately needed an alternative to super tight jeans. At their slouchiest, they are the polar opposite to the body con fit of sausage casing skinnies. Roomier boyfriends are also in line with current fluid and oversized fit trends, and appeal to those who enjoy wearing comfortable and forgiving clothes. 

You rarely see jeans on the runway, but the few pairs I did see for Fall 2014 were boyfriends. Let’s take a peek: 

• Ornate Cowgirl. 
• Denim on denim with fur aviator and slouchy boots. 
• Distressed grey with fur vest and studs. 
• Faded blue with short cocoon coat and booties. 
• Faded with a collegiate bomber. 
• Faded with a bomber, scarf and cross-body. 
• Patched with a sweatshirt. 
• Slouchy Patchwork with tweed, fringe and haute hiking boots. 
• Jumpsuit with shearling vest. 

Of course, these boyfriend jeans are heavily distressed and the outfits are maximally styled for a theatrical runway effect. The point is that boyfriend jeans are currently the strongest and most fashionable denim silhouette. And by the looks of it, this is going to continue. 

ALL body types can wear boyfriend jeans, and I am especially talking to pretty pears who might need a little more convincing. It’s a question of choosing the fit that works for you. Opt for a slimmer fit, or size down if you’re not into slouchy looks. Size up if you like them extra baggy and slouchy. If you’re an inverted triangle or apple shaped body type, and therefore relatively narrow on the hip and leg, choose to size up on a pair of straight leg jeans to create the boyfriend jeans look. You might find that strategy less overwhelming on the bottom half. On the other hand, if you’re curvy on the bottom and conscious of looking bigger in relaxed styles like regular boyfriend jeans, size up in relaxed skinny styles like Adriano Goldschmied’s Nikki Relaxed Skinny Jean. 

95% of my clientele, who span a range of sizes, body types and ages, wear boyfriend jeans. For some it’s the only style of denim they are wearing at the moment. And their responses to trying the look have been quite similar. A little dubious at first, but later… my word, why didn’t they try this style sooner? 

Add a boyfriend style to your wardrobe for an updated look and as an alternative to tight jeans. In fact, add several pairs if you love the vibe because they are not a fad. The roomier denim silhouette will instantly refresh your casual style and feel very comfortable. Belt and tuck, or partially tuck the top. 

I love my baggy boyfriend jeans and have three pairs that are in regular rotation. I also love my relaxed skinnies which are in my mind  “Boyfriend-Lite”, because I sized up for a baggier look. Boyfriend jeans provide a roomy change to my straight legs, which I also wear frequently. 

Three years into this mainstream trend and I’m curious to hear how you feel about it. Are you wearing boyfriend jeans, and if so, what do you like about the style? If you’re not wearing boyfriend jeans, tell us why they don’t tickle your fancy. And if you’d like to wear boyfriends, but feel challenged by styling or fit, let’s get you sorted in the comments section. 

Pointy toe footwear, although always in style, is currently extremely fashionable. And there’s no stopping the trend judging by what’s on the catwalks right now. So I’m redoing this poll to check whether you’ve swapped teams. 

You’re on Team Pointy Toes if you prefer them to round toes and vice versa. Note that almond toes count as pointy toes. 

I love the look of a non-chunky round toe, and wear them myself. In fact, I’m about to invest in an expensive pair of classic round toe loafers, so there you go. But the ‘80s gal in me loves a pointy toe. Pointy toe shoes look extra ladylike and refined, which appeals to my style persona. The style is also a better visual match for my low volume feet and small framed ankle. My feet tend to drown in chunky shoes. I’ve managed to build up a large collection of pointy toed footwear since we last took this poll, and as a result I wear pointy toes more frequently than round toes. I’ve swapped sides and now bat for Team Pointy Toe. 

Over to you. Do you bat for Team Pointy Toe or Team Round Toe? Tell us why and no batting for both sides. But feel free to sit this one out on the bench with mac ’n cheese, and pear crumble.

I love it when the classics make a fashionable statement, like the good old Gucci-esque loafer is doing at the moment. My hunch is that it will continue to do so because updated classics can be successfully incorporated into any modern style. Remixing updated classics with trendy pieces is in itself a trend that defines our fashion era. So allow me to shout this from the rooftops once again: Classic wardrobe items are powerful because they can be transformed into YOUR look when mixed and matched YOUR way. 

Loafers are slip-on flat shoes with high vamps that come in a variety of styles, some of which are more casual than others. Driving mocs have sporty rubber soles. The oh-so-trendy slipper flat lacks typical moccasin detailing, yet it’s described as a loafer. Penny loafers have a distinctive cut-out band across the top of the vamp. Some loafers have tassels or fringe, and some are heeled. And the Gucci-esque loafer has the trademark horse bit hardware across its vamp. 

High-vamped footwear has been all the rage for many seasons, so loafer popularity is gaining momentum. The outfits below showcase dressy classic Gucci loafers and penny mocs remixed into modern outfits. They work really well with tapered cropped pants, rolled straight leg jeans, boyfriend jeans, skinnies, and shorts. Keep the colour of the loafers low contrast to create a longer leg line when wearing loafers with bare legs. Or wear self-colour loafers with ankle pants. 

The best parts about the loafer are its practical slip-on integrity and high comfort factor. It tends to stay securely on the foot, unlike the ballet flat, which tends to fall off. It’s easy to insert an orthotic into the style. It’s a great shape for wide feet. And the style also comes with a one inch heel, which is often more comfortable than a half inch heel.  

I bat for Team Pointy Toe, but I also love dressy and classic round toe loafers. I particularly love the way they have been remixed sans socks into simple and crisp outfits in the pictures below. To my eye it’s a chic and no-fuss look that goes the distance. Pretty ageless and with a high longevity factor. 

Few of my clientele are into loafers though. Many think of them as frumpy, stumpy, and overly classic or preppy, despite their excellent comfort. I’m hoping to change their minds by suggesting they try the right loafer style and colour in combination with trendier wardrobe pieces. 

Over to you. Do you like loafers? If so, which styles tickle your fancy?

I was shopping with a client last week who favours extreme waist-defining silhouettes because she has a very small waist relative to her curvy hips and thighs. She’s also shorter in the waist, but long in the leg. In the spirit of trying something new, I suggested that she try these fluid styles. She was pleasantly surprised with the flattering fit of the items, and came home with two pieces. 

• Classiques Entier Flawless Jersey V-Neck Top: The V-neck elongates a short neck, while the top knot gathers under the bust add structure. Waist surrendering but fitted at the top of the hip. Gorgeous under a jacket or as a standalone piece. My client looks so much better in the top than the model in the photo. 
• Elie Tahari Brenna Pull on Pants: My client usually needs major waist alteration on trousers, but these fit perfectly. The weighty drape of the crêpe is sublime. As I mentioned in the guide for dressing pear shape body types, silky upscale track pants fit a small waist while giving the thigh and hip area plenty of room. No cling or whiskering. Won’t work for petites because the length cannot be altered. 
• Michael Kors Ruched Sleeve Boyfriend Jacket: The length of this jacket is key. It covers the widest part of an extra curvy thigh, thereby creating a visually slimming effect despite its boxy fit. The built-in scrunched sleeves add structure. 

These trendier fits have opened up a world of opportunities for my client. She doesn’t have to stick to wearing tailored pieces, nor does she have to have everything altered at the waist. Fluid and oversized fits are your friend with a little attention to fit and proportion.