YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Stressed out about jeans

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Stressed out about jeans - help! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 20:01:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php rute on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help/page/2#post-1058351 Mon, 21 Oct 2013 11:41:16 +0000 rute 1058351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ take a deep breath! Everything goes with dark denin jeans. I attach some inspirations!  Love black jeans!!  Lyrebirdgully on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help/page/2#post-1058314 Mon, 21 Oct 2013 10:49:19 +0000 Lyrebirdgully 1058314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gee whiz Fruitful, it's very sweet of you to say my comment deserves a thread; and now that Suz has seconded the suggestion, I guess I'll go along with that suggestion, as you are both contributors whose opinions I respect.  BTW, Fruitful, I smiled when I read your term "kidlets"- it's a word my long-gone uncle used to use, which I haven't heard in years, and had forgotten. It's a fun word I really like; I must start using it again!  Loz on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help/page/2#post-1058270 Mon, 21 Oct 2013 09:02:29 +0000 Loz 1058270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ili opened this year. What lovelies did you get from Lupa? I haven't been in there for ages. I haven't even made it into that new shop on Station St, the steps are just not pram friendly! Greyscale on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help/page/2#post-1056992 Sat, 19 Oct 2013 23:22:23 +0000 Greyscale 1056992@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A few thoughts to add to such an informative thread: I think I know what you mean about cheap color/black combos. The example you gave (shiny pink shirt and cheap black skirt) was what came to mind for me too. But, I'm definitely seeing lots of good colorblocked brights with black bottoms, these days, and like any clothing, good materials make a huge difference. And, if you're still interested in black jeans, denim-ish black jeans can be more versatile than solid black. What I mean is, traditional denim fabric is thin white threads in one direction and heavier indigo in the other. So, as it fades, the white is slightly visible. Black jeans can be just like that but with black and white, or they can be solid black, either because they're made from all black threads or overdyed black after weaving. Does that make sense? Is there a better name for what I'm calling denim black? Anyway, some years you'll see more of the solid black, and some years more denim black. But the denim black is (in my mind) totally interchangeable with any outfits that work with dark wash blue jeans. It's more casual, for better or for worse. Fruitful on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help/page/2#post-1056967 Sat, 19 Oct 2013 22:58:56 +0000 Fruitful 1056967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, please do start a thread if Lyrebird doesn't! You have some great insights on this too. Suz on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help/page/2#post-1056514 Sat, 19 Oct 2013 14:28:18 +0000 Suz 1056514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ooh! This is so fun! I love when we discover YLF neighbours! And Fruitful, it sounds like you got some great items!<div> Lyrebirdgully, I'm in full agreement with Fruitful -- your comment deserves its own thread and I hope you will begin one -- call it The Jeans Dude.  Because this is a common issue, I believe. We (in our insecurity and fear) judge the sales staff before they've even had a chance. Sometimes they are worse than we fear just from looking at them, but sometimes they really do know their stuff. And in the case of newer fabrics and styles that we may have steered clear of for years (out of bad past experience, perhaps) this is especially true. I had a similar experience to yours with the Jeans Dude when I bought my first jeans in about 8 years following weight loss. And others should know this can happen!  So...start a thread. Please? If you don't, I might....:-)</div> Fruitful on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help/page/2#post-1056460 Sat, 19 Oct 2013 12:52:12 +0000 Fruitful 1056460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Goodness me Loz, how funny! (anyone reading this, we are possibly a 10 minute walk apart). If you read my whole post, you'll know the shops I went to. First the new one in Station St that stocks Mavi and Metalicus, then Lupa in Westgarth shops where I had more success (admittedly expensive, but I have not bought basics in a looong while!) Is Ili a new place? I may have driven past but I've never been in. Loz on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help/page/2#post-1056443 Sat, 19 Oct 2013 12:13:18 +0000 Loz 1056443@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fruitful, I'm in Fairfield!! When you've got a moment check out Ili on Wingrove St, just opposite Fairfield Station. The owner and operator Jackie is lovely and very helpful. She's a stylist and stocks a great mix of Australian and other labels (Nobody jeans included). I understand feeling obliged to buy when an SA goes to a lot of effort, it almost feels like bad manners not to.... Be strong and don't settle Fruitful on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help/page/2#post-1056226 Sat, 19 Oct 2013 02:24:21 +0000 Fruitful 1056226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lyrebird, that is such a well written, thoughtful and inspiring post it deserves reposting for everyone to see (I mean, you should give it its own separate conversation0. I love it. What an amazing experience and how great that you were inspired to trust TheJeansDude! Admittedly, the only jeans I've ever truly loved were from a JeansMistress, a couple of years before I had children, when I could flit in and out of shops. She told me to size down too Thankyou for the sound advice as well, I need it! Loz, welcome to the forum, I'm in Northcote. I did not know about the personal shopper! I'm a little scared because I tend to feel inwardly obliged to buy something if an SA goes out of their way for me but I am going to try to work up the courage to try this! Also, I saw Nobody in Google and wondered if they were good or not. So glad to hear your experience! And I love that you take your hair colour into account with your outfit. Blues, white, blush and stripes sound like delectable complements to black jeans; great inspiration for me. Lyrebirdgully on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help/page/2#post-1055421 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 13:39:31 +0000 Lyrebirdgully 1055421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Fruitful! just chiming in to congratulate you on your new purchases - they sound fab - and to second all those who say go to the shops. 2 months I bought my first pair of jeans in over 12 years! I had practically stopped wearing jeans, and been putting off buying new ones on account of the depressing feelings that come with unsuccessful jeans shopping. I have a long list of special fit requirements that sometimes seem nearly impossible to fill - and like you, I thought that for me only a bootcut style would look any good. What I really longed for was a pair of skinnies. But any skinnies I had tried on from time to time looked awful. However, from YLF I had gleaned that straightleg jeans might be a good skinny substitute, so in August I marched into my local JeansWest in Sydney, ready to try on straightlegs. Enter The Jeans Dude. You know the type, every specialty jeans shop seems to have one. He introduced himself as the manager, though he couldn't have been a day over 22, i.e. young enough to be my grandson. He was slim, taut and confident, very tanned with a bleached faux hawk, wearing an overly tight check shirt, and skinnies so tight they looked glued on. He cast a practised glance at the jeans I had on (my best and only pair, bootcuts of course) and guided me as requested towards the straightleg section. And then he suggested I try skinnies. I told him my skinnies woes, how I couldn't even get my feet into them in "my size", how I couldn't bend my knees, how my calves felt like they were in a tourniquet, how I couldn't find any long enough, etc.        And off I went to the changeroom with the straightlegs. But the fit looked wrong, whatever the size and style. He suggested skinnies again.       What the heck, I thought, I suppose I should. I did insist on a relaxed fit (I was thinking slouchy/boyfriend skinny) but when I looked in the mirror, my heart sank. The fabric was wrinkling in a way that I had seen often enough when my knock knees meet skinnies (any knock-kneed gals out there? you know the double diagonal knee wrinkle thing?) I felt suddenly at a dead end. It seemed to me that trying different sizes would just bring a host of other, even worse fit problems. I realised that I did not have the slightest idea what my next step should be. So I did something out of character, that I cannot remember ever doing in a clothing shop.  I asked The jeans Dude for his opinion.  Now I'm normally very clear in my own mind about why something does or doesn't work on me, so I never feel the need to seek a fit critique from shop assistants . But this time, I walked out of the changeroom wearing the "bad" jeans, found The Dude  and said the words I had only ever uttered to members of my family: "What do you think?"  I swear he straightened up. He took one look at the jeans and said emphatically," You need to size down", and then vanished to get the smaller sizes.  I could not bring myself to reply that, with the jeans I had on, I had just spent 2  minutes struggling to get the sides of the zipper to meet. How could i possibly get into a smaller size? Never mind, what did I know about jeans...I was now in the hands of the expert. I meekly wrangled my flesh into every pair he brought me without a word of dissent; and walked out of the fitting room every time to show him and ask him what he thought. I even submitted to a jeans jegging which look surprisingly good, if a little nightclubby for my taste... anyway, he found me a pair of darkwash skinnies so nice that I bought them in the black as well. (Bonus - they are a standard Jeanswest  line, so only $75 a pair :).To most skinny wearers out there they would not look like anything special - just 2 standard pair of skinnies -- but for me they are a complete marvel.  I have worn each pair many times since.  Fruitful, I've mentioned my experience not because I think you should forget bootcuts and go for skinnies, but just to suggest that input from someone who knows their merchandise CAN reduce jean shopping stress. Hope you will find your very own Jeans Dude (or Jeans Mistress)! NB: go when the shop will be fairly empty and the staff have time on their hands - just after opening is a really good time, as is after 4pm on a weekend. And ask if the shop has 2 angled mirrors in the changeroom, for a proper rear view. Good luck! Loz on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help/page/2#post-1055258 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 09:53:05 +0000 Loz 1055258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fruitful, I'm new to ylf so not sure exactly where in Australia you are based. If you're in Melbourne I know that David Jones offers a free consult with a personal shopper. You can email your specific requests ahead of time and they will have a selection of items ready for you to try when you arrive. Saves time and you can always order off Shopbop later....cheeky but the mark up over here is ridiculous! Jean shopping is daunting but definitely worth it once you find a brand that works. I have had luck with Nobody jeans (designed and made in Melb) and currently live in a black pair. I have dark hair and mainly team them with blues, white, blush and stripes. Goodluck with your search! krishnidoux on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help/page/2#post-1055253 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 09:13:28 +0000 krishnidoux 1055253@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think you will like them. Them don't get the black jeans as they have sequin on the back pocket; however I have to say the placement is wise and flattering (on me). That's why I got them myself despite this detail. I don't like sequins on back pockets usually. The aubergine ones have no details but the hanging silver belt loop shown.   Aziraphale's comment is hilarious. Fruitful on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help/page/2#post-1055252 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 09:06:28 +0000 Fruitful 1055252@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love the idea of aubergine, Krishnidoux! And I am obsessed with detail-free pockets, so that is a winner! Fruitful on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help#post-1055250 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 09:04:32 +0000 Fruitful 1055250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LoveSarahDub and Ramya, I missed your posts while I was writing mine! I don't know if we have Buckle but will def look them up, and also see what equivalent we might have. Glad to hear CurveID works! krishnidoux on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help#post-1055249 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 09:02:01 +0000 krishnidoux 1055249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ May I recommend Simon Chang micro twill jeans? His cuts are wonderfully flattering. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.tweedandhickory.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/tummy-control-ultra-stretch-micro-twill-jeans-by-simon-chang-aubergine.html">http://www.tweedandhickory.com.....rgine.html</a> I have the aubergine ones, it's a dark aubergine, with blue in it, almost black looking. Good if you want to avoid black. I loved them so much I got the jeans too, they are wide leg, but with that hint of a flare on the bottom that makes them current. I would recommend it to anyone who's rear end conscious. I wear my aubergine ones with dark blues, ink blues, royal blues and mauves that are in style now. I also pair it with cream and grey tops.  For the black, I pair it with black, white, cream, grey, chocolate, midnight blue (similar to ink blue). Fruitful on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help#post-1055248 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 09:00:34 +0000 Fruitful 1055248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am honestly speechless. You wonderful ladies have given me such detailed, rich, valuable advice that I don't know where to begin in expressing how I have taken in each word! Laura, Alasse (sorry for lack of accent over e!), Gracie, K, Aziraphale, Claire and Goldenpig - every specific example of what colours you prefer to what denim was extremely useful, I can picture the various mentioned combos in my mind's eye. For example I had not thought of mint with black, it sounds lovely. I also liked knowing which you don't prefer. Azipharale, it's a revelation that black jeans were made for blue tops - makes so much sense and I don't know why I was missing this. Claire, Amy, Peri and K thanks for pointing out that this may a be personal/regional prejudice. I'm not sure who I'm trying to impress as I'm sure it wouldn't be a problem here - Australia is a pretty casual society in general, and most things seem accepted where I am; I guess it's an inner need for harmony and beauty and the satisfaction of getting it right that influences me. Gaylene and Laura, such common sense you have in pointing out that it is how the individual wears it that matters. That is what separates it from the vibe of ordinariness that can happen, as you say, when black bottoms are worn because it's all a person has. Aziraphale,  you are not in a hole at all - I had to choose between awarding you Wisdom or Comedy, you gave me both! The reason I took the comment to heart (and I know it was from something you've read) was I have followed similar rules in the past and only recently loosened them up a bit. I gave up black altogether in my late teens/early twenties. Mostly because of colour associations and finding it overly safe. But when I heard that Trinny and Susannah said brown leather looked more expensive than black, I felt a revelation. Black could be impersonal and unimaginative and seemed to show it in my wardrobe; my black things *had* often looked cheap; ironing made them shiny; blacks clashed; they showed lint, hair and (ugh) dandruff; they looked like part of a work uniform. I think I read something there about not pairing blacks with brights - at the time they wrote, that was a dated look (now it's 80s/90s chic!). I became even more anti-black than before. Reading YLF and other style blogs, I had a poison eye for black-as-neutral, especially in contrasty outfits. But my eye has adjusted and I now see absolutely beautiful outfits using black. (Intentionally, of course. I still think unintentional black looks like an upmarket fast food chain uniform, especially with a plain bright t-shirt). Thanks to YLF I undertook experiments like wearing a persimmon-and-white striped tee tucked into a thrifted flirty black skirt, with silver shoes, and was surprised by the freshness of the look - much fresher than if I'd avoided black.  Aziraphale, your associations are so true! I love your sensitivity to these things. I too have a tarot reader association about purple (I am wearing a purple cardi today but it is in a decidedly non-herbal fabrication, cut, and arguably, shade!). I also don't want to portray Goth, especially half-arsed Goth that I would come across as! But I'm with natalie, I don't at all mind looking like a bumblebee or a jack-o-lantern! :)  Suz, Goldenpig, Lyn D, Gaylene, Claire, thankyou so much for the prod to get out there and try, try on. Today I did pop into a couple of shops and had a look around. They were just local boutiques so not denim specialists, although they each had some denim. The first lady showed me some "bootlegs" that looked like skinny straights, and said it would be impossible to get non-skinnies in a dark wash as the designers are purposely going for detailing (i.e. whiskering). She claimed that was more flattering, also claimed embellished, small pockets would make my bum look good. Thankfully I wasn't swayed. The second shop was a fantastic, no pressure mixed brand indie boutique. I didn't find any jeans I'd like but did grab a bunch of pants/trousers (this is also a big deal for me as I haven't worn those for years either), plus a few other things. I kind of failed and won I did not make any headway with jeans, but I DID come away with an incredible black-denim DRESS, and a pair of black, overlapped/slanted-hemmed, ankle cropped PANTS! I just broke a bunch of figure flattery/style rules in one go! And you know what? I am wearing them now. Even though they will need a waistband alteration, even though they do not elongate my legline, even though I will have to figure out what tops to wear with them, and even though they aren't quite casual enough to fill the "jeans" wardrobe hole, I feel fantastic in them and I can't stop smiling! I look fab! :) ramya on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help#post-1055245 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 08:45:44 +0000 ramya 1055245@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ heck!!! I am almost a rainbow when you look at the colours I wear. And I love my dark jeans:) Well I guess I am tarot card reader, Halloween, bumble bee all of it rolled into 1. Wait I may have split personality. Jokes apart. Jeans is all about try and try till you succeed. I am a levis lover and the curve ID changed my life. LoveSarahDub on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help#post-1055241 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 08:16:18 +0000 LoveSarahDub 1055241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have noo idea if they are in AUS, but the store the Buckle (or bke) has a RiDiCULOUS amount of options when it comes to denim, and lots of choices in style, cut, fit, color, etc. I actually used to work there, and if you are able to visit a store the employees are taught to be VERY (if not sometimes a little too) helpful. They are very knowledgeable when it comes to what works on what body type, and aren't afraid to REALLY help you. Their website is also a great option. That being said, I believe a mid-blue would definitely work for you. Its my go-to color beyond dark wash because I just don't always like pairing dark jeans with a dark top. Happy hunting! goldenpig on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help#post-1055228 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 06:44:20 +0000 goldenpig 1055228@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Fruitful! Yes x1000 on the trying jeans on in B&M stores. I tried on literally 50 pairs of jeans at Gap to find one style that fit me right (Long & Leans). At the same time I ordered at least 10 pairs of jeans online and none of them were right. Jeans are so tricky to fit, you really need to try them on. I think black pants/jeans are just fine--I wear them with colors all the time! I love yellow with black, red with black, plum with black, and even orange and black! I don't mind being a bumblebee vampire pumpkin tarot card reader! Lyn D. on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help#post-1055169 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 04:31:38 +0000 Lyn D. 1055169@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I would also suggest trying B & M Fruitful. In recent years Target of all places has had some not too bad jeans. JeansWest are quite good too for lots of choice re. rise, wash and shape. Be prepared to try on lots and keep an open mind! Anonymous on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help#post-1055161 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 04:18:59 +0000 Anonymous 1055161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great stuff and thanks for the clarification Az! I actually agree with a lot of your preferences. I do think a medium blue wash looks casual, and great with black or white on top! I tried black or white tops with my new dark wash jeans and they just didn't sing as well.  Fruitful, here is a link from a link from a link that Una sent me this evening. Very interesting stuff about jeans fit.  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/jeans_fit_lousy_these_days/">http://www.fashion-incubator.c.....hese_days/</a> Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help#post-1055097 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 03:07:10 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1055097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The What Not to Wear ladies (UK version) did say in their show and in one of their books that they thought black trousers and bright tops could look cheap, maybe that's what people are referencing? I think they meant trousers specifically as they were the default office look, especially a few years ago when their books came out. Black jeans have a different texture than synthetic trousers, and thus a different feel even though the color may be the same. I think the thing, whether you're talking about jeans or trousers, is to make the black look intentional, and not just like you banged a top with black bottoms because that's the only thing it occurred to you to wear it with. Whether that's colors, styling, accessories, what have you. Suz on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help#post-1055063 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 02:39:17 +0000 Suz 1055063@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great to see you again, Fruitful! And I think Claire, K, and Gaylene have given great advice, and Aziriphale has clarified her meaning so well that she had me spitting out my tea in laughter. So you're set for a marathon shop!  Truly, jeans shopping is such a pain, but I do think going into actual stores is the best thing for your first round given shipping costs and the frustration of returns. In the end you may get your perfect jean online, but at least you'll have ruled out some options.  And I say, get them in any colour you like!  Gaylene on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help#post-1055026 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 02:00:04 +0000 Gaylene 1055026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ *sitting here in my black jeans with my purple sweater wondering where I put my tarot cards*. @aziraphale I adore wearing my jeans and, at 64, refuse to even consider eliminating them from my closet. My advice is to head to a series of B&M stores and try on as many sizes, styles, and washes as you can find, all the while saying "it's the dumb jeans; my body is perfect!"-- more or less the same tactics that I use when buying a bathing suit. And don't dismiss lighter washes, or even, surprise!!, white jeans for summer! Once you find a contender, or two, try on a bunch of tops to figure out which tops look best--you might be a T-shirt girl, or a shirt person, or a sweater maven, or a tunic-lover--and then play around with color, contrast, and layering. One person might look great in a high contrast orange top and black jeans while another person could look chic in all black. Personally, I dislike white tops with black or dark-wash jeans while I'm happy wearing deep burgundy and purples with those washes--horses for courses. Aziraphale on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help#post-1055013 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 01:30:04 +0000 Aziraphale 1055013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh dear.  I think I've been referenced, and for making a negative comment!  Let me qualify. It WAS me who said that a bright top and black bottoms can look cheap, but I didn't make it up.  I read it somewhere and it rang true.  The quote actually was, "it makes the bottoms look boring and the top look cheap".  The image that popped into my head was a shiny faux-satin hot pink top, or royal purple top, with a black pencil skirt, which -- and this is certainly a matter of opinion -- would look kind of cheap.  But I don't think it necessarily HAS to look cheap.  Execution is everything.  And fabrics/shapes matter.   ANYWAY, back to black jeans.  I own a pair, and I find that they are the only thing that really looks good with a blue top.  Black bottoms are made for blue tops, from ink blue to pale pastel blue.  Black jeans also look good with tops that are black, white/ivory/cream, grey, olive, shades of brown that are not chocolate, pale pink, burgundy, and possibly red (although you'll run the risk of looking like a vampire).  Black jeans do not, in my opinion, look fabulous with super-bright colours.  Emphasis on "my opinion" (in case that wasn't already clear).  ;-)  To my eye, dark wash blue jeans seem to work better with bright colours.  Not sure why. Also to keep in mind: Black + yellow = bumblebee Black + orange = Halloween Black + red = vampire Black + purple = tarot card reader/new age witch ...which is all fine, if any of these turn your crank.  Who am I to argue if a gal likes to dress up like a bee or a tarot card reader?  Heck, maybe you are a tarot card reader.  You're certainly not a bee, but bees are cute and fuzzy, so again, why not?  I just thought I'd point out these are common associations.   Dark wash jeans will look even better with most of the colours listed above.  I feel they are slightly more versatile than black, but I'm not sure why.  I'll have to think about it.  I know I don't have a problem with wearing super dark-wash blue jeans with a black top, but I think twice before putting black with black, as it seems a little too...mod? goth? spy? Voldemort? for my personality.  But all black certainly looks aesthetically pleasing to me.   Mid-wash jeans look absolutely fabulous with a black or white top, but not quite as good with coloured tops.  It is also not as easy to dress up a pair of medium blue jeans as a nice crisp pair of dark wash jeans.  I don't know if you care about this or not.  I don't, but then, I have both dark and mid-wash jeans for different occasions.   I'm not sure if I've dug myself out or dug myself deeper here, but there you have it.  My opinions on jeans and colour selection.  :-) K. Period. on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help#post-1054999 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 01:12:30 +0000 K. Period. 1054999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fruitful, I think the dislike of bright colors with dark or black jeans is a personal poison eye. There isn't anything wrong with not liking that pairing personally, but there also isn't anything wrong with pairing the two and liking it. It IS a high contrast pairing, which makes it very strong. Some people don't like the look of that, but that's a personal thing, not a fashion rules thing or a classy or not-classy thing. After all, pink and black are classic Chanel.  ;)  Claire (love Claire!) is dead on right that it can be a regional thing. A New York or DC no-no, from what I've heard. In Chicago, no one would think for a second before pairing black and brights.  In the Pacific Northwest, it is a little less common, but Angie does it brilliantly all the time!  And you're far from the US after all! My impression is that places that get more sun tolerate more color. Strange, but I think it generally holds true. So maybe more color tolerance in Australia?   So what color to wear jeans with?  I think of jeans as a neutral, even black jeans. I wear them with almost anything. I wear them with bright white. I wear them with black.   wear them with muted neutrals. I wear them with bright colors.  For me, because I have nothing dark for them to relate to (my hair is light, my eyes are light, etc.), I sometimes need to bring something else in to break up the contrast between the black and the bright, like a patterned belt. My best accessories are animal print belts for that reason.   Don't worry too much about what you'll wear the jeans with for right now.  For right now, the big battle is to find a pair that you love in a wash that you love. Don't rule out all mid-blue pairs. I've found that the placement of the fading can do wonders to highlight the best parts of my shape and let the darker areas minimize what isn't so great.  Unfortunately, you've got to try them to find out whether they will do that for you.  Gracie on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help#post-1054985 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 00:54:38 +0000 Gracie 1054985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Fruitful - I like the look of my black jeans with a soft mint blouse and black pointy booties, and I often pair them with a light wash denim button down. I avoid wearing white tops with them though... unless there's a third layer involved. Good luck finding the perfect pair. Anonymous on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help#post-1054880 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 23:10:52 +0000 Anonymous 1054880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Maybe the B&M stores are showing more faded washes because of the season. I know I can't wear dark wash jeans in the summer here because they absorb the heat from the sun and fry my legs, even with window tint in my car. Trying on will at least show you what you don't want. And you never know, you might get lucky!  I just want to encourage you because I have finally, finally found a few brands that work for me. they are expensive jeans, but just like everyone always told me, there are ways to find them much cheaper once you know what you want. You just have to do the work to find them.  I'm not sure about the black jeans with bright tops looking cheap comment. If you wear black and brights together, it's going to be a natural pairing for you. Keep in mind this might be a regional thing, influenced by the "local color" or something the commenter sees a lot of done in an unstylish manner. Alassë on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help#post-1054878 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 23:08:50 +0000 Alassë 1054878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hello Fruitful, it's great to see you again! Now on to your question.... I read this advice recently: "The type of tops you like to wear with jeans should all be in the colors you like to wear with blue." Does this make any sense to you? For example, I like pairing dark denim/navy/teal with light-bright green, mustard green, mustard, chestnut, pumpkin, & rust. I like high contrast pairings, obviously. What color combos look good to you next to denim? Amy on "Stressed out about jeans - help!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stressed-out-about-jeans---help#post-1054874 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 22:58:46 +0000 Amy 1054874@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I never heard of dark bottoms and bright tops looking cheap either. If so, I look cheap a lot , lol. I find that people have almost visceral reactions to colors and it's a very personal thing--not a collective perpsective. Yes, someone trying to minimize their rear can wear mid blues. Longer tops should help with that...I use them to hide my hips