https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-wear-if-dressy-jeans-were-not-an-option Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 09 Jun 2026 04:07:19 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-wear-if-dressy-jeans-were-not-an-option#post-112142 Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:37:39 +0000 yublocka 112142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't know if its any help, but I found some skinny stretch pants in H+M. I bought 2 pairs - navy and red - in San Francisco earlier this year. They have been my go-to pants at work all year. In November I saw the same pants at H+M in Hong Kong and snapped up a black pair quick smart. I looooove them! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-wear-if-dressy-jeans-were-not-an-option#post-111558 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:49:22 +0000 April 111558@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, I think the problem is that I have trouble choosing flat or low-heeled shoes that look good with my dress pants, skirts, or dresses, especially when it's cold enough that some sort of hosiery is needed.</p> <p>I have been thrilled with the go-to shoes I have found through your recommendations (my Brulees, my Swanns) but left to my own devices, I tend to select shoes that I then find not-so-fab. </p> <p>I blame it on the fact that I can't wear chic, skyscraper heels, but I'm sure I'm just choosing the wrong shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-wear-if-dressy-jeans-were-not-an-option#post-111545 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 21:34:36 +0000 Angie 111545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>April, 1.5 or 2 inch heels is all I wear. It's so workable for biz casual. I'm trying to understand the challenge? </p> <p>Also, dressy ballet flats will work too :0) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-wear-if-dressy-jeans-were-not-an-option#post-111417 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 03:42:39 +0000 JewelryGirl 111417@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My non-denim go to pants are my BR tweed or light-weight wool pants. I just buy what they have &amp; have my tailor adjust flare &amp; length accordingly. </p> <p>For more casual, my black ponte knit pants or denim leggings are becoming a casual staple as well. Although I do need a longer top with those as I like something that just covers the hips (not too long). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-wear-if-dressy-jeans-were-not-an-option#post-111413 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 03:37:06 +0000 julijuli 111413@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lately my go to outfit has been a sweater tunic dress (it's pretty short) with leggings and boots. It's just as comfortable as jeans and you don't have to wear heels. I was always a pants gal, but I'm starting to get into the dress look. So, if I couldn't wear jeans, I would most likely stick wtih skirts/dresses. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-wear-if-dressy-jeans-were-not-an-option#post-111412 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 03:34:24 +0000 Maya 111412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I also wanted to add: I was looking at the same J Crew skirt (I think) and I noticed the regular length was only 20", which is just barely long enough for me. I actually prefer 21". I have no idea how it hits the model at the knee. She must have really short legs. The petite must be like a mini skirt! I'm glad I went with the ON one at 1/3 the price. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-wear-if-dressy-jeans-were-not-an-option#post-111390 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 02:47:08 +0000 Maya 111390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wish I knew the answer April! I can wear heels MUCH more easily in winter and fall. For some reason they just work better in a boot format, probably because they have no edges to bite into my foot and I can wear cozy socks. You know how fussy my feet are so if I can find heels that work, I think you can too!</p> <p>My pinstripe pants were never cut so I'm going to let out the hem completely and hem them for 2" heels. My MC pants have a little bit of length left, just enough to cover a small heel. I don't have too many heels in my closet but I'm thinking of sucking it up and getting more (obviously short) options. </p> <p>The other option I found that works is a slightly pointy or almond shaped toe. I don't prefer a severe pointed toe personally but I'm sure it works. I have just one pair in cherry patent and they look great with my MC pants.</p> <p>In the summer, I guess I can just forgo pants completely. I hate wearing anything lined in summer though. As a commuter, I start to sweat and the lining sticks to me skin and leaves it unable to breathe. Both disgusting and uncomfortable. My new LBD is lined so unfortunately I don't think I'll be able to tolerate it once it heats up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-wear-if-dressy-jeans-were-not-an-option#post-111361 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 01:00:11 +0000 shana 111361@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Back when I was working, I wore only pants (no skirts or dresses allowed in the lab) and had a variety of slacks, mostly from AT since their petite pants used to fit me so well. In the summer, I wore lined linen pants and other lightweight pants with some stretch (oh and the dreaded khakis!). In the winter it was corduroy, tweed and lined wool slacks (textured, houndstooth etc). </p> <p>I totally agree with on on the heels - can you try some ankle boots with a lower heel or a wedged heel? I personally find ankle boots much more stable &amp; comfy for all day wear than pumps. Last winter I was having so many problems with my feet that I traded in my 3" heeled ankle boots for a 1 1/2 or two inch wedged ankle boot (Nine West) and they worked well.</p> <p>I hope that when I return to work that it will be in a workplace where I can wear skirts &amp; dresses because it does get boring just wearing pants all the time! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-wear-if-dressy-jeans-were-not-an-option#post-111345 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 23:05:12 +0000 Anonymous 111345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Danja has shown us some beautiful outfits with pants that are not jeans and my mind is starting to go in that direction.<br /> Danja, I hope you don't mind that I got this picture of you out of the archives from last July. (Thankyou Angie and Greg for making the website so workable) This picture has stayed with me and I love it. Who needs jeans when you can look like this?<br /> <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3442/3741013519_d2ddc1f8d9_o.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://farm4.static.flickr.com.....f8d9_o.jpg</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-wear-if-dressy-jeans-were-not-an-option#post-111336 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:51:18 +0000 April 111336@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hee hee -- shiny, you must be wondering if perhaps I work on an Amish farm. No, there is no rule against heels (though, somewhat bizarrely, there is a longstanding rule against open-toed shoes). </p> <p>I just personally can't function in most heels. A tiny, stable heel is fine -- I'm good around 1.5 inches. After two inches, unless the shoe is simply amazing, I am unhappy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-wear-if-dressy-jeans-were-not-an-option#post-111301 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:32:55 +0000 shiny 111301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Why can't you wear heels? I think I'd have more trouble with that rule, than the no-jeans rule. Agree dress slacks seem to need a bit of a heel for balance. Can you wear a small wedge? Is this a comfort issue or an actual rule? </p> <p>Since I'm not really a dress or skirt person in the winter, I'd go with:</p> <p>- gray flannel slacks - in both light gray, and charcoal gray<br /> - ponte knit skinnies in gray (for Fridays - these are more casual to me than dress slacks)<br /> - tweed - brown and black<br /> - winter white wool slacks - I think they are just so elegant!<br /> - navy pinstripe in a 3-season wool<br /> - camel in a 3-season wool</p> <p>If I was going to add black dress slacks, I would make sure I purchased a matching suit jacket, so I had the option of wearing the suit to work, interviews, and funerals. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-wear-if-dressy-jeans-were-not-an-option#post-111297 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:07:45 +0000 Sarah 111297@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love jeans. I have no dress code at work since I'm the only female here, but I do try to save jeans for Fridays, with the exception of super dark wash trouser jeans.<br /> I wear a lot of skirts and dresses, but some days are just "pants" days, so I'll wear textured or patterned trousers for some interest.<br /> I have the YLF-famous Club Monaco check trousers (I'm wearing them today!) and I just got these from Piperlime:<br /> <a href="http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=7094530020008&#038;cid=&#038;locale=en_US" rel="nofollow">http://piperlime.gap.com/brows.....cale=en_US</a><br /> and I'm in loooove. They are denim, I think, but you wouldn't be able to tell because of the colour/texture.<br /> I like these with black button down and black leather jacket, but the color seems fairly versatile to me, and best of all, they're super flattering. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-wear-if-dressy-jeans-were-not-an-option#post-111294 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:54:48 +0000 cciele 111294@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have you tried ponte pants? Shiny has some awesome combos with hers. Skinny or bootcut plaid/check pants would work too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-wear-if-dressy-jeans-were-not-an-option#post-111262 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:23:02 +0000 Anonymous 111262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd wear microcheck pants. You can pair them with a blazer or cardi or just about anything. Skirts, especially denim or cord if you are allowed to wear them. Sweater dresses. Leggings or black skinny pants and tunics. Footwear...have you tried the flat slouchy boot? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-wear-if-dressy-jeans-were-not-an-option#post-111219 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:20:30 +0000 garmenta 111219@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've given up jeans for the season--can't fit into the old ones and can't fit into any new ones--and I alternate between skirts (knit and lined wool); gray flannel trousers; and jersey dresses. I'm more comfortable in a sweater in the winter than a jacket, but I do occasionally wear jackets. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-wear-if-dressy-jeans-were-not-an-option#post-111214 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:07:04 +0000 April 111214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>P.S. Maya, I think a denim skirt would be okay as long as it's not too casual. I hit upon this one from J. Crew: <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/skirts/pencil/PRDOVR~19326/19326.jsp" rel="nofollow">http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Brows...../19326.jsp</a></p> <p>When it arrived, the petite version's proportions were nothing like the photo. It was about 4 inches above the knee (much too short for me), and almost as wide as it is long. Ugh. I am planning to return it for the non-petite version and have it altered. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-wear-if-dressy-jeans-were-not-an-option#post-111213 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:02:48 +0000 April 111213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya -- you have expressed one of my major problems: no heels. I find that it's hard for dress pants not to look frumpy with flats, especially during weather when some sort of sock is needed. Dresses and skirts too. They can easily look little-girl-ish or dowdy when paired with winter hose and flats.</p> <p>This is making me realize that what I absolutely need is a fabulous pair of flat, black riding boots that fit correctly. </p> <p>Any other winter footwear suggestions for the non-jeans wardrobe? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-wear-if-dressy-jeans-were-not-an-option#post-111208 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:51:48 +0000 Louise 111208@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dresses and skirts x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-wear-if-dressy-jeans-were-not-an-option#post-111206 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:03:11 +0000 rute 111206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There are lots of options, dresses, skirts (I wear skirts at my work all the time, with opaque tights) and black classic pants. I always have pencil skirts in black, brown, beije, black classic pants and a LBD, these are my basics, they go with everything, silk blouses, cardigans.. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-wear-if-dressy-jeans-were-not-an-option#post-111205 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 08:59:52 +0000 Ele 111205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Commiserations, April. I love my jeans and hate being separated from them When I absolutely must be, I like dresses or my microcheck pants. I used to be very much a skirt girl, but I don't have many right now that I'm crazy about, and I find dresses more comfortable/easier to wear anyway. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-wear-if-dressy-jeans-were-not-an-option#post-111190 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:33:27 +0000 Angie 111190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dresses most of the time. </p> <p>Skirts with shirts some of the time. </p> <p>Pinstripe or checked pants with blouses the other times. </p> <p>A few suits too.</p> <p>(I wear a lot of business casual attire!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-wear-if-dressy-jeans-were-not-an-option#post-111176 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:46:26 +0000 marianna 111176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear jeans pretty much every single day. If I couldn't wear them, I'd probably stock up on fun trousers -- microcheck, tweed, houndstooth, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-wear-if-dressy-jeans-were-not-an-option#post-111142 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:29:15 +0000 Maya 111142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was thinking about this too today April. I'm allowed to wear jeans since I'm an intern (actually a volunteer...long story...). But I want to make a better impression so I'm trying to dress more like the staff, who only wears jeans on Fridays (and I don't work on Fridays). </p> <p>The part that perplexes me is the fact that even though jeans are not allowed (presumably due to the outdated idea that they are casual), everyone still dresses REALLY casually anyway. Polo shirts and corduroys don't cut it for me, personally. I think jeans and a sweet blazer looks MUCH sharper. But it's not up to me, I suppose.</p> <p>Like Ana, I'm mostly gravitating towards skirts and dresses. Not even "fancy" or professional dresses since, as I said, the rest of the staff isn't exactly dressy...but nicer and dressier than a lot of the other gals in the office. Today I wore my purple geo print mod dress with black cascarding cardi, black sheer hose, black boots, white watch, and citron necklace (bless Angie for donating the last two items).</p> <p>If I were working 5 days a week, I would need to do some serious shopping as I don't have enough biz casual stuff. I wonder if dressed up leggings are okay? I feel like they are on YLF but probably not "the real world" (stupid real world). </p> <p>I'll also wear my MC pants, but somehow I just don't feel as fab in pants. I just feel frumpy and old. I think a lot of that is because I don't usually wear heels. I'm going to take my MC's to the tailor to let out the hems for the few heels I do have and I think I'll feel better in them.</p> <p>Also, I know this isn't totally relevant since we were talking about bottoms, but I love waistcoats! </p> <p>Can you wear a dark denim skirt? I think I could get away with it where I am. Not sure if it's the same with you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-wear-if-dressy-jeans-were-not-an-option#post-111141 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:24:02 +0000 Kristen 111141@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to leave my jeans in my closet every day. I go with dresses and skirts instead, but lately I have been hankering for some pants again. I have a couple of pairs of black but they're boring me. So I may look for a few tweeds, greys or browns this weekend. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-wear-if-dressy-jeans-were-not-an-option#post-111139 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:08:29 +0000 Christie 111139@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I watched a rerun of What Not To Wear today, and Stacy and Clinton recommended tweed pants to their makeover subject. She looked great! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-wear-if-dressy-jeans-were-not-an-option#post-111138 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:06:16 +0000 Ana 111138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would probably stick with dresses and skirts if I couldn't wear jeans. For days when I felt like being more casual, I would probably go with microcheck or some other subtly printed or brightly colored pants. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-wear-if-dressy-jeans-were-not-an-option#post-111137 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:03:38 +0000 AJ 111137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dressy corduroy pants or skirts, tights, boots, feminine blouse and blazer. I'd add fun accessories: colorful or feminine or quirky. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-wear-if-dressy-jeans-were-not-an-option#post-111127 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:15:59 +0000 April 111127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like many of us around here, I am in love with the jacket-with-nicer-jeans look. I find it very easy to feel pulled-together in this sort of combination. </p> <p>But, my workplace is strictly no denim. No matter how premium, dark, dressy, or fab it may be -- no denim.</p> <p>So I'm turning to the most stylish women I know to ask this question: if you absolutely had to leave any sort of jeans in your closet, what would be your go-to work outfit? </p>