Battle of the jeans. (They both lost.) 4.6.21 - YouLookFab Forum

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Battle of the jeans. (They both lost.) 4.6.21

Anonymous

First up, the wide leg Jag jeans from a couple of summers ago. I probably have worn them 3 times. I do not understand wide leg jeans on my body type - I feel dumpy and short. I also don't understand why wide leg jeans all seem to have such a bulky fly area - see photo - they seem to fit everywhere else, but this adds 10 lbs , I swear. I think a wide leg on 5'5" me needs a bit of a heel/platform to offset the chunk factor, and I don't have that type of shoe in this colour family. Not going to invest in more shoes at this point anyways. Am I missing something about wide leg jeans that others find flattering? However, because they are a "thing", I figured I'd try again today . Couldn't do it, and changed into the second pair and headed out the door.

My last remaining pair of skinnies, and I tell you, I couldn't get them off fast enough after I got back home. All of a sudden, I'm an out of date mom-of-a- millennial. These jeans are only a year old, but they are just wrong now. Funny how long it now takes me to decide these things, whereas even 5 years ago I was an early adopter and the first one to ditch a look that was no longer working for me. All of this editing out and donating is starting to get depressing, but I don't want to wear jeans that don't make me feel "wow", and neither of these do that.

I also have to admit that maybe Jag jeans aren't my friend. Stretch in jeans is false comfort, and I'm not convinced they are as comfortable and flattering to wear as I imagine.

field jacket - new/end of season Nord sale last year - Madewell
both jeans - Jag
floral silk top - Soya Concept
earrings - N&S

sandals - Zara

Now - off to physiotherapy in clothes that at least I understand Full on Lululemon ftw.

Thoughts on jeans ? Help with wide legs?

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40 replies

Latest reply was from

unfrumped

Veteran

Just sympathizing- empathizing here.
Cropped wide legs do not get me at all. Even cropped not - wide but wider than most styles called straight, nowadays.
I have absolutely decided I need some taper and a slimmer leg in jeans.
Unless I were to find the perfect trouser jeans.
But I’m thinking, it’s a denim thing. If thick- ish denim fits in the waist and rear, it look funny on me if it widens out in leg, except for boot cut.

I am trying some OG Straight from Old Navy- I like the mocha color even if won’t be for summer. I also , so help me, am trying a JJill “ boyfriend jean” that is not boyfriend, and has too low a rise for my best rise, but is soft and has slim legs I like how they look cuffed. I just do!
And some from Loft that have not arrived yet.
I think wider pants on me will be limited to other fabrics.
Even the high waist trend in denim which I should love , does not translate on me as well in denim. It’s not the Kate Hepburn vibe. Whereas- a lovely woven menswear fabric, or some blends, with flat waistband and tailoring, works.
Plus, a lot changes when you go to flat shoes. I’ve always worn a lot of flat shoes, but had 1-1/2 -2” low heeled boots for the wider long pants ( and bootcuts). With loafers, Oxfords and low- profile sneakers, a trimmer pant leg looks better on me.
I’m not sure I’m making any sense, but I have also been trying on a bunch of my pants recently and putting several aside as, these are just not right. How do I want to look?
Plus, I’m going to focus on a S/S capsule of sorts. Not limited per se, but just moving to spare closet the ones that are confusing me, that I have any reservations about, and colors that are harder to work with.

kellygirl

Veteran

I'm no help because i like both of these but I'm not a trendy jean person. I'd wear both of these--maybe or maybe not to work but definitely on the weekend. Wide leg crops can be tough to style though--I definitely only wear them with sandals or neutral booties. I'm also so wide on top that I feel like they give me some balance. I think you look fab but I get what you mean about wanting jeans that make you feel fab--I think for me, those are straights, bootcuts or boyfriends.

Synne

Veteran

I read your text before seeing the photos, and OMG that was not was I was expecting at all. Your description of the wide legs made me think of dumpy clownish unflattering pants, NOT this. I see stylish cropped jeans, and you look darned good if I may say so. Same with the slim jeans. Edit: removed some of my comment. I am trying to avoid "toxic positivity". Learned this term recently!

Irina

Veteran

I’m not an expert on jeans but I won’t let it stop me
First of all, jeans that this big in the hip area is not your size or too stretched. But you know that already. When I started wearing wide cropped pants, I hated the look at first but felt more balanced in 1’5-2” heels. Maybe it’s your case. Another point, I avoid wide hemming on this style of jeans, somehow the edge looks too stiff to my eye.
wide cropped jeans is not the only trendy style, right? You don’t have to love it. Good fitting jeans is hard to find, I’m on my 7th pair of white jeans

cat2

Veteran

Oh, gorgeous top. I like the wide leg jeans, but think that pair was just too big in the waist. What about having the waist taken in at the back? I also think that to balance them you need a shorter jacket. Do you have a short leather or chore jacket?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I love the wide leg cropped jeans! They look elegant

They are though, too big on the waist and midsection - stretchy Jag denim can add that type of bulk. So I’m nodding along with Irina and cat2’s reasoning and potential solutions.

Cute haircut and LOVE this earthy palette on you!

Anonymous

Synne - what on earth is toxic positivity ? Lol!

Irina -I agree , the size is off on the wide legs I guess , and good point about the wide hem . It’s a little too heavy for that weight of denim . I’ve got my white jeans out and ready to try on again for this season - I’ll be thinking of you

Cat2- very good point about a shorter jacket . The answer is no, I don’t own anything that’s not denim in this length and doubt I’d go looking . I feel even shorter and dumpier in cropped jackets .

Anonymous

This whole thread is making me laugh today - thank you all ! This is second day hair- I try to give it a break from heat styling on non work days . Lol.
And Angie , I agree with this stretchy denim issue . Lesson learned . I might take a look at some other brands for a non stretchy white wider leg pair .

Irina

Veteran

Trying to illustrate my point

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Anonymous

Those are SO much cuter . She is also SO much thinner . Wonder what brand this is .

Murph11

Veteran

I think you look amazing in the photo #4 outfit, from head to toe. I have a love/hate relationship with wide crops, and they puzzle me too, so...

notsaf

Veteran

I agree with Murph11: I'm a millennial (admittedly just about the oldest possible one), and I think the skinnies look cute! But to each her own. I've been gravitating toward wider cuts as I do every year when the warm weather hits. Keep trying with wide legs but don't toss those skinnies just yet!

Aquamarine

Veteran

I like both looks on you and think the wide leg crops look especially nice. If these particular ones don’t feel right, maybe another brand would. I think the style, however, works just fine on you.

slim cat

Veteran

I couldn’t make the wide led jeans work for me either- switched to cropped bootcut/flare ( may post later - still work in progress). I do similar color on top - dark cropped denim plus navy top ) with contrasting jacket - feel a bit better that way.
Wide leg jeans could be taken in - if you are willing to give them another try.

Otherwise- boyfriend style jean is still my friend ( they aren’t boyfriend strictly speaking- cropped straight legged jeans with my own destructions /YouTube lessons).
I love your jacket and blouse- fab on you.

Sloper

Veteran

Haven't read all the comments so am probably repeating...

I think what's not working with the wide leg jeans is that they are too cropped (oops, typed "crapped" first - a Freudian slip?). While the crop length shows off your trim calves and ankles, it's too much contrast of wide pant vs slim you - and you (Lisa) are seeing that effect as "dumpy and short." Which you are NOT.

Maybe try a small size/different brand (to help with the extra fly fabric) and full length.

I've personally found wide legs to work best if they fit impeccably at the waist and hips, and the wideness starts gently at the hips. Also, if you wear a longer length with some shoes with height, you can get that optical illusion of longer leg. Of course depends on lifestyle and your comfort.

Only you can say what's best for you regarding the skinnies. Have never been fan myself as I find them to be to revealing of my own bulges. They look good on you, but a silhouette refresh is always spirit-lifting!!!

Anonymous

Sloper- thank you for the great analysis . I appreciate it ! I know see , between your description and Irina’s pic , that a longer length with better fit through the hips makes a world of difference . I can fit almost anything else on myself properly except for jeans .

I’m set for bf , gf, cropped flares and straights for the rest of the year - my only other denim purchase will be a pair of white jeans of some sort . Not skinnies .

Echo

Veteran

I am no help because I think you look great in both. I realize that pictures don't tell the whole story, and your comfort level matters more than what others see, but I think both are flattering. Then again, this is the reason I almost never wear jeans - I can never find a pair that I think looks AND feels good!

Anonymous

I think you look great in both, but a picture only shows how good the pants look posing and not how aggravating they are to wear or the frumpy feeling it can give. I think with jeans especially it is hard to tolerate discomfort and lack of flattery. Since jeans are so universally popular it feels like they should just be comfortable and look good. But I think they’re one of the hardest things to buy and enjoy. I’m a very recent convert to wide legs, and on me I only like high waisted cropped pairs. If I don’t show my waistline and my ankles I feel like I’m drowning in pants.

Unrelated to my jeans ranting, love the rest of your look here!

Roxanna

Veteran

Wide jeans are not my friend. Wide pants that drape and collapse along the body are my favourites, but have stick out stiffly and make me look wide and dumpy.

That being said - I actually think you look spectacular in both pairs of jeans here. Trendy and proportionate in the wide legs and sleek and Svelte in the skinnies. Are you sure it's not just a case of poison eye after being in a finding Frame of mind? Because I think these look great on you!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Toxic positivity. Well, I will be spending some time thinking about that later.
I have jeans thoughts too. Wide legs are also very difficult for me - I am shorter and applier (more apple). A good fit in the waist means the rest is too wide and baggy - proper fit elsewhere means I am strangled. Boyfriend fits have always been my friend and I sort of reverse engineer other fits from there.
Save the skinnies. They look objectively great and skinnies will be back. Probably sooner rather than later.

Anonymous

Shevia - you just reminded me to google toxic positivity . Very interesting - and it’s something that is hard to avoid here on the forum . I don’t believe my personality “allows” me to throw out toxic positivity. As to saving skinnies - I thought of that too - but I think I’ll take my chances and let them go now .

Brooklyn

Veteran

I think they both look great but the wide legs look fresher/more trendy. And a little more warm weather friendly. They do look too big around the waist. They shouldn’t be that stretchy. But I think it’s a style that can work for you.

I can’t really help much with jeans because I like full length jeans, with a relaxed fit or flared on my calves. In a darkish but variegated wash. All of these elements are virtually impossible to find. No wonder I resist jeans shopping!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Well, I think you look good in both, but I see the issue with the waist on the wide legs.

I have always felt that for my shape at least, a wide leg works better when it is on the long side of cropped. I don't know what. It doesn't really make complete sense. But there it is.

I think skinnies or slim straights will always have a place. I don't have any stretchy calf-sucking skinnies any more but I do have several pairs of slim straights that look kind of like skinnies on me (because of my thicker legs) and I am never giving them up. So there.

You look sensational in the style of jean I cannot for the life of me make work -- the cropped bootcut. I admire that style every time I see it on you. It looks dead awful on me. You have slender gorgeous relatively long legs. I have shorter, ahem, thicker legs. I think there is a lesson there. It's kind of what Shevia says -- find the style that works the best for you, and then reverse engineer to figure out what other styles could work, or won't work.

In my case -- BF jeans tend to work well, tapered trousers or cigarette pants tend to work well -- so I tried balloon jeans because they also have nipped in ankles.

I like wide legs but admit they need careful styling for me.

Ledonna N.

Veteran

I cannot see it you look fab

Off to read up on toxic positivity. Maybe this is me

Synne

Veteran

Went to sleep after dropping the toxic positivity bomb here! Lol. I like that term. I first wrote to you that "you're being way to critical on yourself, and that I don't see what you see", basically belittling and invalidating your feelings, when maybe what you wanted was sympathy. In retrospect, classic "toxic positivity". How I understand this, it's about how you meet other people's emotions. NOT how you choose to view life. We all need positivity in our life and optimism for the future!!

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I just Googled toxic positivity. Yes, have been on the receiving end of it in decades past. I try not to do it.
I really like the colour scheme here, and how you look in both pairs of jeans ( but disclaimer, I don’t like any ripped jeans, it’s in my profile!)
I am down to one pair of jeans only since I edited out the NYDJ pair that dug into my midsection. Mine are cropped straights from 2017. Much prefer more legging-like or ponte pants!

rachylou

Veteran

Hmm. The first pair do seem a little big - they’re making you look very square. The skinnies were flattering IMO, but maybe the thing is I’m not getting a sense of a waist. I feel like the best jeans look right now gives a sense of the waist.

bella

(website)

Veteran

Both outfits look good to my eye, but I know that it is always about how we feel than how we objectively look.

I want to make two concrete suggestions, but please take them with a grain of salt.

The first is, the wide-leg jeans might simply be too big, try sizing down, and maybe even try a different brand with less elasticity content in the fabric. That said, the high waist trend is throwing me off. I have a really short waist, and I am missing low-waisted pants which almost looked normal on me. Perhaps the same applies to you as well, in which case this is not the best season to find jeans that fit.

Secondly, and I am basing this on a recent post of yours, before trying a completely new haircut, maybe try styling your hair with a little less volume. I think with the effect of covid, we are seeing more of a return to natural-looking, effortless hairstyles. So maybe just trying to let your hair do its own thing without much interference might just give you the more trendy, updated effect you are after. I might be completely off the mark here, and I am saying this with the best of intentions, so please feel free to disregard if you feel so inclined.

kkards

Veteran

Re wide crops....i love them, but i personally find them, oddly, a better winter pant than spring. For some reason, i find they work really well with slim high shaft boots, but also seem a little off with sneakers, flats or sneakers. That doesn’t always stop me from wearing them with sneakers etc, LOL

I’ve reached, and it seems so have you, that point were if I’m not feeling something its time let it go and move on. Life’s to short to try to force something

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