@Angie - I always liked how boyfriend jeans look on other ladies and got the Lucky Brand boyfriend canvas pants in 2019. Unfortunately it didn't work at all on me - gotta have more "tush"/butt to fit it the right way .
I did do my own distressing on the straight cropped jeans and they became my sorta "boyfriend jeans" -lol.
I just need to go to the stores again this spring and do more thorough hunt for the jeans and pants ( hope for better luck! ).

Sal I like your em-dashes in lieu of periods -- you are posting Emily Dickinson-style! (I never met an em-dash I didn't like, anyhow.) Aha, that makes sense about men's jeans, they do seem to have less up and down with rise trends, don't they? Agree that it might be an easier strategy for someone taller, but for me, maybe the boys' department?

Runcarla that sounds like such a great jeans shopping strategy! I think something similar would work well for me too -- both in terms of my fit challenges and my general wardrobe/shopping approach. I am taking notes!

Angie, thanks for passing along all these possibilities you are noticing! For me what counts as "low rise" depends on the cut of the pant -- basically the tighter/skinnier the pant, the lower the rise must be. For those fluid, straight-leg jeans like the Everlane model, my sweet spot is about 8". 9 1/4" would be high rise on me, alas. I suppose I will have better luck once low rises are firmly established and "ultra low rise" becomes a fringe trend, haha!

Slim cat I suspect I also need to do a more thorough hunt in-store. Do keep me updated on what you find out!

Slim Cat, have you tried wearing relaxed straights as BF jeans? I have a client with a similar body type to you, who is doing that

SarahD8, YES - it depends on the silhouette. I am relatively short in the rise for my height at 5ft 6. An 11 inch rise that is fitted and not slouchy is HIGH on me, and I do like it. I like 9 and 10 inches too. I used to like 8.5, but haven't worn it in YEARS! I guess I like it all

@Angie - I kinda gave up on boyfriend style jeans since it's often cropped in length and most of the time runs big. Just to give the idea of my challenge :
I did fit into Pilcro cropped jeans size 24 petit and still have a bit too much fabric on my straight hips ( it was too short on my legs though );
I did fit into Ann Taylor 00 petit stretchy pants that were way too short on me ( I'm 5'4" with slightly long-ish legs ) ;
I did try size 0 in Urban Outfitters wide leg pants - it was overwhelming and almost clownish ( a bit long too - but that's fixable );
The Express pants in low rise size 0 ( used to be my size there ) had folds of fabric on my hips - one side more than other ( there used to be a fit "Columnist" with straight hips that worked for me ).
I know we all have our challenges in shopping but sometimes I just feel defeated. Sorry for the venting .
My hip's size haven't change much and that's why I can wear my older pants and jeans ( it's just the soft stomach that could fit or not into some things depending on season and my own wellbeing - lol ).
@SarahD8 - I will keep the hunt going and will update the results of my efforts. If your shape is more curvy and slightly less boyish than mine - you could be more successful in the same places I tried before - wish you good luck and success in shopping in 2023!

slim cat sounds like you have your forum name for a good reason!

@slimcat I share your fondness for the Express Columnist pants. I have two pairs from over 6 years ago that I am babying.

I think you'll find some at Anthropologie, too. I got these cords last fall, and they are lower rise. Maybe a low mid-rise.

H and M has low rise skinny jeans in store atm…. And possibly low rise boot-cuts too, I can’t quite 100% remember. I’m not sure of the inches.
It’s funny, I used to love bootcuts, but when I tried some again the other day, after a hiatus of about 10 years…. I didn’t like them. My eyes have definitely adjusted to favor other cuts now.
Here’s hoping that all the cuts and rises are available soon in good supply