Ask Angie: NAS Premium Colored Denim K/R

Angie and others, I really need some expert eyes. Please save a clueless person who still hasn't figured out how the variables of rise, pocket placement, bagging out and waist alterations intersect to provide the perfect jean fit.

I'm trying to branch past my staple dark blue wash jeans and want to add up to two pairs of colored jeans. I've roughly ordered these jeans by preference. Do any of them work for my curvaceous figure?

1) Paige Skyline Skinnies in Size 29.
These have the thickest material. There is extra space at the back so I would need to belt or have the waist tailored. Mid rise. I think the color could be very versatile for me.

2&3) COH Straight Ava in Black in Size 29 and 30, respectively
Next thickest material, but still not that thick. I think the 30 fits better. Lower rise than Paiges.

RETURNING: 4) Rag & Bone Skinny Zip in Size 29.
Very stretchy so they could bag out. Higher rise, which I like. Could I conceivably wear these to work with an untucked (not tunic) top?

5) Jag Jeans Malia in Black Rinse in Size 4
These fit really well - the high waist acts like a girdle. I can't help feeling that the lack of a zipper makes these leggings instead of jeans, and therefore not appropriate to wear with a regular length top. Also, I wish the rinse was a solid black like the COH jeans.

RETURNING: 6)&7) COH Thomson Skinnies in Black in Size 29 and 30, respectively.
These feel almost as thin as leggings. Ruled these out unless you say otherwise.

RETURNING: 8) R&S Houndstooth Skinnies in Size 30
I love the print but the rise is too low for me. Ruled out unless you say otherwise.

RETURNING: 9) W&W Plaid Skinnies in Size 6
I think these fit well although they are basically pants instead of jeans. The husband thinks they look too much like pajamas.

10) Reference Jeans: Gap Skinnies in Size 6. I already own these. I consider the fit pretty good on me (for skinnies) and they are made of thick fabric. They do bag out after a few wearings but shrink after washing. I need the premium jeans to fit at least as well as these.

Thank you so much for your help. Feel free to be brutally honest.

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13 years ago

cjh

(website)

Veteran

I really like #10 best. And 5 with the higher rise is a good choice. Not loving the red or plaid ones... they both look too tight and thin fabric to me. Of course, photos are not the best way to judge jeans!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I agree that #5 and #10 are GREAT.

I also like #2.

May I suggest sizing up in the checks #9 if you really like them.

Try the W&W burgundy polka dot

Janet

I really like 2/3 on you. It's tough to see detail on 8, but I like them if you wear long tops to cover the rise.

I tried those grey Paige's but they're going back -- they seem to be cut tighter than my other Paige's or the fabric doesn't have enough give, somehow they're not as comfortable. Plus I realized I have my grey JBrand zip skinnies, which serve nearly the same purpose and are more comfortable.

I have the houndstooth R&S and they do stretch out over the course of a day's wear, but not badly -- I just need to have the waist taken in. I love them and think i'll get a lot of wear out of them. But I have a shorter rise than you. Lucky you to have lots of scrunch at the hem of these jeans! Mine just barely skim my ankle.

Sylvie

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

CJH: I'm glad that #10 (the pair I already own) passes the filter and I don't have to purge it. It's Gap (technically not premium denim) but it still fits better than all the rest.

Angie: I would never have considered #5 without your list, so thank you for finding them. Since you like #2 as well, I'll have to decide between #2 and #5. I don't really love #9 because I can't get the pajama comment out of my head, but I will definitely try the polka dot.

Janet: It's interesting that one of the reasons I like the Paiges is because they are stiffer and have less give. The R&S houndstooth jeans were really fantastic on you. Lucky you to have a short rise since so many of the jeans today are low rise!

I would love input on why the Paiges don't work for me since they're my favorite pair. I like the color and thickness of the fabric. I can see wearing them with my bright colored tops, as an inverse of the Bright Jeans on the Go formula. Is it the rise? The pocket placement? Not accomodating my belly? I never wear my shirts tucked in, fyi.

Homework for me:

Try #2/3 and #5 with different outfits to figure out which one works best.
Order W&W burgundy skinnies to try.

Sounds like a great plan, Ms. Sylvie

Glad you approve of ze plan Angie! If you see this, could I please get your expert critique of the Paiges?

I'd try a size up in the Paiges

JulieJohn

Thanks for sharing. I am considering skinnies and as a fellow curvaceous creature it is good to get feedback about styles and brands. Have fun!

ironkurtin

I think the #5s are very flattering.

Anonymous

Have you worn the Paiges for a while? Do they stretch? I think they would look much better in a size up. I am not sure what's with colored denim but it does look better if the fit is not as tight as in regular denim. Same thing with the patterned jeans, a size up would do the trick, that is so the squares do not distort with the pulling of the fabric.

cciele

Yeah, I agree with Zap. The Paiges are skintight on you -- like jeggings. If they loosen up 1/2size-1size, that might work. But try a size up, for sure -- the cut does seem flattering to you.

I actually like the plaid a lot but can see where your husband is coming from For sure try the other pattern!

Angie, Zapotee and Cciele, thanks for the suggestion to size up in the Paiges.

When I tried them a size up, I get unflattering bulges around the crotch because they are too loose at the waist/hips. This might be solvable with a belt or by taking the waist in. The husband thought that the smaller size made me look narrower, but then, I didn't know that one needs to size up with colored denim.

My experience with jeans is that they *always* bag out. I buy them skin tight and after half a day, they loosen up to the correct fit. But maybe if I wore a size larger, they would stay the same size because they don't need to stretch out.

I will try wearing both sizes around the house for a few hours today/tomorrow and see how that goes.

Ironkurtin: Thanks - I have almost decided to keep #5, pending some styling.

JulieJohn: Skinnies + curves = extra work. Actually I should say clothes shopping + curves = extra work. It's so challenging to find the fit that is compatible with one's exact body shape. Good luck in your search!

Jenava

My experience wth Paige jeans is tht they don't bag out, really, esp. if you have a "rigid" pair without stretch.

I like them on you as long as they are comfy on you. I have tried paiges before and always has to size up and then take the waist in (often several inches, so it's even more expensive).

I really like the COH in #3 and also the Jag jeans. I think as long as the *pockets* are real I'm OK with wearing them as pants! (-:

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