https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 15 May 2026 15:51:54 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable/page/2#post-742583 Mon, 08 Oct 2012 14:20:04 +0000 Janet 742583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, lots of great discussion here. A lot of what I would have contributed has already been said. </p> <p>I have not been a regular churchgoer since, oh, childhood, but I've gone enough (to a variety of types of worship) to actually be a little disappointed at how casual many of those environmenst have become. Ad I don't just mean jeans, I mean sloppy jeans, shorts, etc. It just seems a little at odds for the respect it seems a place of worship would require, if one is so compelled to attend. </p> <p>I would never wear jeans to a wedding, funeral, etc., unless there were some really unusual circumstance (under request by the couple, etc). I wear jeans almost every day, so I welcome the chance to dress us a bit when the occasion warrants. </p> <p>That said, few things make me feel as fab and empowered as jeans and a great pair of boots. There *is* something about a good pair of jeans that I find more flattering on my body than trousers or skirts (to Joy's point above), and even though I wear jeans a lot, I style them in ways that mean I'm often one of the most dressed-up people at any given event. </p> <p>So that writer will pry my jeans off my cold dead body, and in the meantime, if she doesn't like my look, she can feel free to look away. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable/page/2#post-742572 Mon, 08 Oct 2012 14:07:24 +0000 celia 742572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a fascinating conversation.I loved to read all the answers.<br /> I am in the crowd that works from home and takes kids to school and probably a repeated offender when it comes to wearing jeans 7 days a week even if in different colors and fits. It seems like there are weeks when everyday I wear some denim item and it is frustrating.<br /> But still I am more , like many of you, in the dressier end of the scale compared to the people who move around me in every day life.</p> <p>Jeans get a bad reputation(maybe because of their humble beginnings) but what you wear with them also has a great influence in perceiving outfits as too casual or not. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable/page/2#post-742561 Mon, 08 Oct 2012 13:52:06 +0000 Anonymous 742561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I could possibly help it, I would never wear jeans to a wedding, funeral or symphony. That said, I do appreciate the fact that people show up, and do not have a problem with what others do or do not wear. When my father died, I had to wear pants to his funeral when I would much rather have worn a dress. This is because when I flew in from another state to visit him, he died the night before I planned to visit him. Since I had not packed with the idea that he was going to die, I did not have a dress to wear. Fortunately, I had a pair of black dress pants and a black pullover sweater. At least I didn't have to wear jeans. As awkward as I felt wearing pants to a funeral when most of the other women were wearing dresses, it was good to know that others at the church were not judging me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable/page/2#post-742536 Mon, 08 Oct 2012 13:15:24 +0000 Laurinda 742536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been to a wedding, a funeral, AND the symphony within the past 12 months and saw bluejeans at all three. Doesn't bother me, I'm happy the people came out for each event. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable/page/2#post-742511 Mon, 08 Oct 2012 12:19:48 +0000 Anonymous 742511@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I finally broke down and started wearing nice jeans (some are dark blue, but I also have other colors such as dark brown and medium gray) with boots to work. BUT I work in a casual ag. office that is not on campus. If I were on campus, I would not feel at ease wearing jeans to the office--not even dressy ones--because no one else does. I do make sure to upgrade my outfit by making sure to wear 3 layers--pants, top, and jacket or vest--with quality shoes and jewelry. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable/page/2#post-742508 Mon, 08 Oct 2012 12:10:13 +0000 Mander 742508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The "no jeans" policy reminds me of one of my old jobs. I've forgotten the specifics of the rules now, but I know they banned jeans, bare legs, and open-toed shoes of any kind. And this was just an office where we were on the phone all day and never spoke to a customer in person, so it's not like there were safety reasons for these choices. The upshot was that I could not wear a nice lightweight sheath with appropriate cardigan and sandals in hot weather, but my rather slovenly colleague could wear a badly outdated and too-small chambray prarie skirt, a threadbare sweatshirt with teddy bears printed on it, ankle socks, and athletic shoes. I could never really understand that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable/page/2#post-742469 Mon, 08 Oct 2012 10:16:35 +0000 Deborah 742469@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Never too late Lyn:). Good point and you are right you can often tell a good pair of jeans. I don't know why but I can always pick a quality pair of jeans on a guy but not always on a woman... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable/page/2#post-742466 Mon, 08 Oct 2012 09:49:30 +0000 lyn67 742466@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am late here, just wanted to point out that a premium jeans are sometimes more expensive than a cheapo formal dress...and this will show and make all the difference! So better not generalising! I have seen plenty of elite crowd so so welldressed in their premium jeans, for all kind of events, including weddings and funerals. It all depends on the person's general style and their's look achieved after styling their outfit alltogether. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable/page/2#post-741568 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 03:37:48 +0000 RunningSue 741568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great conversation! Until I moved to Seattle in 1997, I think I owned one pair of jeans. The dress code in DC was always nice, whether at work or around town. In Seattle, the dress code is extremely laid back and the norm is jeans, shorts and even (horrors) sandals with socks! And don't forget the fleece.</p> <p>After 11 years at home with my kids, I am hoping to get myself out of jeans and into dresses, skirts, nice pants but I am not really sure what is driving this desire. I wonder if I want to go back to my working days when I was dressed nicely all the time and how I felt about myself or I am just looking for a change from jeans every day.</p> <p>I agree with everyone that jeans are inappropriate in certain situations, such as weddings, funerals, opera, symphony, plays but someone will always show up at these occasions in jeans. I feel that I am a role model for my kids and how I dress shows how I feel about myself. Dressing well, which includes jeans, is an element of self respect and what image you want to present of yourself to the world.</p> <p>Jeans have become ubiquitous with their many incarnations, skinny, trouser, bootcut, colored, patterned and are a staple in most women's wardrobe. Jeans are a component of a stylish outfit along with blazers, scarves, tops, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable/page/2#post-741500 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 02:16:11 +0000 Jaime 741500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The one context where people do not wear jeans here is to synagogue. Most of the time, most women will wear skirts or dresses, but even during the high holiday season (which is a long marathon of important holidays that only ends Tuesday), when some people go to synagogue who normally don't, you won't see many jeans. Flowy pants, harem pants, yes, lots, but not jeans. These holidays involve a lot of hosting and guesting, and this is when I wear my dresses and skirts, but that is also for fun since I like showing our close friends and family my kooky outfits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable/page/2#post-741497 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 02:12:14 +0000 Anonymous 741497@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such an interesting thread. I wanted to respond to Gaylene's comment about older women and jeans. I think she probably means baggy jeans and a knit tee or sweat shirt and that is a very common sight. Older women like me may prefer jeans over other trousers because they are actually more flattering on flat bottoms and the right pair can shape and smooth the jiggly midriff bits. I also feel at my most creative with jeans. It's too easy to pair ...say a pair of grey trousers with a floral top with grey and get the matchy Garanimal look. I'd also rather see an older woman in jeans than in sweat pants. I saw a lady may age in a sweat suit today at an annual educators' meeting where most were in skirts or trousers with some jeans and dressy tops.<br /> We do have to be careful picking jeans and what to wear with them. Older women need to adopt a version of the MOTG formulas. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable/page/2#post-741486 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 01:58:25 +0000 Suz 741486@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Deborah, you are such a lady and so gracious I am sure you could wear anything from a paper bag to a ball gown and you would still be able to put the people around you at ease! </p> <p>And I agree, dressing well can also be a sign of respect even if the people you're with can't afford the same luxury. It just depends on the context. </p> <p>I do think it may be true that in some communities jeans have become so ubiquitous that they have crowded out all other ways of dressing -- and that is an awful shame, and one it may be up to the ladies of the YLF guard to challenge! </p> <p>I also think it's ridiculous when a "no-jeans" policy results in people wearing much less appropriate and flattering attire. </p> <p>And I also think that once I get back from my trip in China (where I don't plan to wear jeans very often!) I will institute a "no jeans" day or two a week at my little home office. Just to ensure that my lovely skirts get enough wear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable/page/2#post-741478 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 01:43:45 +0000 Deborah 741478@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I didn't think that's what you were saying:)</p> <p>I think you make a really good point in terms of considering others and showing respect. If I were speaking to a group of seniors, I would NEVER wear jeans, no matter how smart I might dress them up. But I would happily wear jeans and a jacket to work on an office day. For me, I see how I dress as not only a reflection of who I am but also a reflection of what I think of the people I am with. Does that make sense?</p> <p>In Melbourne I ran a community meals program for the disadvantaged. I was on site most days interacting with our diners and I never dressed "down". I certainly didn't dress OTT either but I figured if I dress nicely to meet friends for a meal why wouldn't I do the same when sharing a meal with members of my community (my neighbors). Our diners responded very positively to me and I like to think that this was one of many things that contributed to making our guests feel valued, cared for and appreciated, and yes sometimes I wore jeans:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable/page/2#post-741476 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 01:33:46 +0000 Echo 741476@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>cciele: I imagine this is partially locational. I live in WI, and there is almost nowhere in this state that doesn't allow jeans. There may be one or two places in Milwaukee (or there may not - I am not that familiar with the city), but I can think of nowhere else in the state. There used to be, but they have since changed policies. But I am glad to hear that the policy remains in some other places! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable/page/2#post-741466 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 01:15:21 +0000 Suz 741466@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great discussion, and I just wanted to correct an impression I may have unintentionally left...I don't actually feel out of place when I don't wear jeans. I DO sometimes get comments from people ("You're dressed up!" or "Going somewhere?" or sometimes "You look nice!") but quite honestly, they make those comments when I AM wearing jeans, too....because I'm also usually wearing a jacket, a scarf, or some other accessory. </p> <p>And I don't at all mind people's comments; I have a very thick skin for that kind of thing and have no problem challenging the environmental norm. The only time I worry about challenging the norm is if I think it might wound someone or offend them. If someone would be horribly intimidated by my dressing formally, then I will try to soften the formality; contrariwise, if someone would be offended by my appearing too casual, then I will pull out all the stops! </p> <p>My default is probably smart casual which sometimes involves jeans and sometimes does not, but jeans are simply the most practical work-at-home wear I have thus far found. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable/page/2#post-741412 Sat, 06 Oct 2012 23:28:19 +0000 cciele 741412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Echo, there are still many a bar or nightclub that have dress codes </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable/page/2#post-741393 Sat, 06 Oct 2012 23:05:44 +0000 Caro in Oz 741393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great discussion here, I've really enjoyed reading all the comments. I loved shiny's story about her jeans. Some people will always look more stylish &amp; appropriate in jeans than others will in so called appropriate clothing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable/page/2#post-741334 Sat, 06 Oct 2012 21:55:08 +0000 Deborah 741334@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ladies it seems that we all feel similar. Context is important and we agree in general that weddings and funerals are usually not jeans appropriate occasions. </p> <p>Texstyle reminded me that my husband wore jeans at our wedding (the horror lol) but he also wore a button down shirt and jacket and nice lace up shoes. He wears jeans every day and is not comfortable in anything else. He looked really smart.</p> <p>I like to think that we are all intelligent enough to be able to assess what's appropriate for any given situation. </p> <p>And like Suz, as much as I love dressing up, how appropriate is it for me when working from home to wear say a suit as I move between sitting at my desk, loading the dishwasher, emailing, putting on the washing, making phone calls etc?!</p> <p>Gaylene, I appreciate your point, and given my normal default is dressy and jeans are new to me, I find that I am actually more creative and thoughtful when styling my jeans but I don't disagree with you.</p> <p>And as many have commented, many jeans outfits are so much smarter than other choices of pants! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable#post-741223 Sat, 06 Oct 2012 19:04:04 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 741223@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This ties into the thread I started yesterday about what is casual, as well. As far as dress codes/standards go, it does get tricky because plenty of non-jean pants or skirts can be far less formal/dressy/work-appropriate than some jeans. But how do you codify that into a document or a rule? </p> <p>Like Suz I feel out of place when I get dressed up, and people do make comments. If I wear anything other than jeans, a jeans-equivalent like cords or twill pants, or a casual knit dress I get weird looks and feel awkward. That's just the way of things where I live and the fact that I don't work in an office. </p> <p>My personal 'line' is no denim at the symphony, nice dinners out, weddings, or funerals - those are the examples I can think of off the top of my head. </p> <p>I do think there's an aspect of elitism/classism in all this, let's be honest. Nice clothing has always been 'proof' that you were wealthy enough to be impractical in what you're wearing. And I think some of the backlash against fast fashion is the fact that when most everyone can afford a trend, it loses its exclusivity. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable#post-741205 Sat, 06 Oct 2012 18:41:50 +0000 Echo 741205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny made the point I want to expand on. Jeans have become so ubiquitous that people now question why someone is NOT wearing jeans. If the tolerance about a person wearing "nice" jeans to nicer restaurants and other places is to be extended, then it is ridiculous for the people who do NOT constantly wear jeans to be questioned about their lack of casual clothing. Since when did it become unusual to wear a dress out to dinner, for example? </p> <p>While what other people wear doesn't typically trouble me (hey, if you want to wear jeans to all sorts of places, that's fine), it DOES bother me that ultra-casual is now becoming the norm. It is difficult to find a restaurant that won't admit people wearing jeans, which is a shame, IMO. If almost everyplace allows jeans, what's the matter with one or two places that don't? Why should the person who is not wearing jeans be singled out anymore than the one who is wearing them?</p> <p>I personally feel that the pendulum has swung too far in the casual direction. In my yeyes, it is not acceptable to wear pajamas in public, jeans to the opera, or sneakers... well, anywhere but the gym. That's not to say I would openly criticize someone who does, but I would like there to be a few hold-outs - places where they will NOT admit people wearing jeans and sneakers. It is pretty sad when you have to question where you can go for a "nice" dinner and not be stared at because you are wearing a dress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable#post-741178 Sat, 06 Oct 2012 17:45:37 +0000 Makrame 741178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting. I find dark-wash, trouser-cut or bootcut jeans to be one of the most flattering and "universally appropriate" items of clothing for me personally. Most days at work, New Years eve parties, social occasions etc. As, others have said, not for a wedding or a funeral, perhaps not to wear to an opera etc. Although if I am unsure of the dress code (such as a very fancy restaurant) I try to refrain from wearing jeans.</p> <p>On the other hand, I have a personal rule of not wearing denim on teaching days (when teaching medical students; fine for graduate student teaching) so when I am teaching 3 days a week, I find myself longing for a pair of jeans. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable#post-741173 Sat, 06 Oct 2012 17:35:59 +0000 Ariadne 741173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My situation is the same as Suz's. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable#post-741157 Sat, 06 Oct 2012 17:14:58 +0000 Preppy Pear 741157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon said so well what I wanted to say about society becoming more casual in social situations, and I agree that a blanket statement about jeans doesn't really help. </p> <p>When I was a clerical worker at my university, jeans were against the dress code in my department. So, some of the ladies showed up in really bad stretch pants instead - we're talking pants that were clearly loungewear, and often loungewear that had seen better days - jeans would have been a big improvement. But it fit the letter of the dress code, if not the spirit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable#post-741153 Sat, 06 Oct 2012 17:11:32 +0000 Gaylene 741153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK, I'll admit that I love wearing jeans-- always have and always will! BUT, I was nodding in agreement with the writer's point that, despite the various incarnations that are available, there is a case to be made for NOT wearing jeans constantly, especially as one grows older. Putting figure flattery issues aside, it seems rather unimaginative and unsophisticated to always grab a pair of jeans instead of investing some creativity and imagination into one's outfit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable#post-741143 Sat, 06 Oct 2012 16:59:32 +0000 Transcona Shannon 741143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Today's denim offerings are varied - there's everything from the baggy BF right through to the dressier, dark wash trouser jean. Wear a trouser jean with heels and a sequinned blazer and it's dressy enough for many occasions. </p> <p>I agree that there are occasions to not wear jeans but if a person has a more casual lifestyle, why not wear jeans almost every day? Not the SAME pair of jeans, 'cause that's just gross! As Suz has asked, what is she suggesting?</p> <p>I think overall society is becoming a bit more casual in many social occasions and sometimes pushes the boundaries of good taste but it's judgemental in my opinion to give a blanket statement as the author has done. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable#post-741114 Sat, 06 Oct 2012 16:23:09 +0000 shiny 741114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>JAileen wrote: " In fact, if I were to wear nice slacks, people ask me why I'm so dressed up! "</p> <p>See, I find that very sad! If it's okay to wear jeans to nearly any occasion, why question anyone who wants to wear a dress or nice slacks?? </p> <p>I'm fortunate in that I have found a group of local women friends who encourage the wearing of skirts and dresses. We have No Pants Wednesdays. I do like dressing up, I just long have felt like I stood out too much when I do. Because of people asking "why are you so dressed up?" I hate that.</p> <p>However it sounds like the article writer went too far in the other direction. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable#post-741095 Sat, 06 Oct 2012 15:55:55 +0000 christy 741095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As so many have astutely pointed out here, it all depends on the environment. I'm in an office where denim is not permitted, so it would be unacceptable to wear jeans to the office unless it's one of our rare "jeans days". On the other hand, for people who work from home or in a more casual office, I see no reason why jeans wouldn't be acceptable every day. I do agree that there are occasions where jeans aren't the most appropriate choice - the theatre, weddings, funerals come to mind - but again, context is important. The choice of denim and fit and styling is also critical to the conversation of whether or not someone is dressed appropriately (shiny's example of the sloppy co worker versus her well styled denim outfit is a perfect one).</p> <p>I'm hoping she means poorly styled, sloppy jeans are tiresome and inappropriate - not denim as an entire category! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable#post-741089 Sat, 06 Oct 2012 15:48:57 +0000 krishnidoux 741089@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so with you Suz! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable#post-741086 Sat, 06 Oct 2012 15:46:11 +0000 Suz 741086@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As someone who wears jeans almost every day, I am perhaps not the best person to opine on how often it is "okay" to wear them! </p> <p>But I work from home, am a mom, and live in a small, very casual city full of university students. The environmental norm is jeans. I am seen as "dressed up" at most occasions if I add a jacket! </p> <p>My natural bent is actually towards slightly dressier looks so I take every opportunity to get dressed up, including but not limited to weddings, funerals, dinners out, lunches out, public readings, (my own and others'), musical and theatre performances, and sometimes, just going to the grocery store!! </p> <p>Typically, I will be one of the dressiest people there in these situations. </p> <p>But I still mostly wear jeans when I am at home. Jeans are in a sense my workwear. If I put on my jeans and a nice woven shirt or sweater and a scarf, I can simply add a jacket and booties to go out. Meanwhile, I am comfortable for the day's activities. </p> <p>I'd like to know what this journalist might suggest as a suitable substitute for a woman in my position for everyday wear. Would she prefer yoga pants? </p> <p>I can and DO wear skirts and dresses -- jersey works particularly well. But quite honestly, pants work better for when I am curled up on my couch writing or when I'm mixing household chores with my work during the day...and so jeans are my best friend. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-whats-acceptable#post-741078 Sat, 06 Oct 2012 15:35:43 +0000 JAileen 741078@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I live in the intermountain western US. Here, I think nice jeans are considered acceptable on all occasions. Once I went to a wedding at a church where the bride wore white western boots under her gown. I wore a dress to that wedding, but some people wore jeans.</p> <p>A popular look for men which I like, is jeans, sport coat, button down shirt, boots. The key to this look is that everything is clean, pressed and tailored.</p> <p>I have trouser cut jeans which with a cute jacket and boots is perfect for lunch with friends. In fact, if I were to wear nice slacks, people ask me why I'm so dressed up! </p>