Bootcut boredom? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Bootcut boredom?

Janet

(website)

Veteran

After Angie's gentle advice that I stop buying skinnies and wear my bootcuts more, I've given it some thought today. I know bootcuts are generally the most flattering style, especially on a body type like mine. I feel fine in them, but I'm not excited by them. Why am I not wearing my bootcuts very much? Well, I came up with the following:

- All of the fun colors, patterns, etc., that have come out in denim in the last couple of years have been available only in skinny styles. The bootcuts are all just various washes of blue denim, with an occasional white available. Yawn.

- PPL is a major issue with bootcuts. With shoes of varying heel heights, a pair of bootcuts may only work with a small fraction of my shoe wardrobe. Plus many jeans are not cut long enough for me to wear with much of a heel.

- Bootcuts hide all my fab boots.

- Bootcuts were my uniform several years back, in my least fashionable years, when I defaulted to bootcuts and tees or buttondowns all the time. I feel a little like I have to work extra hard to edge up or make my bootcut outfits current.

Does anyone else feel this way? Does anyone have ideas for making bootcuts feel more rock'n'roll, more current? It took me so long to even think of trying skinny jeans, but now I'm pretty heavily invested in the style. I'd hate to think I'm barking up the wrong tree all this time. But I feel fab in a lot of my skinnies too.

I dunno, I'm in a rotten mood today, so maybe I'm thinking about this way too much, but I wanted to get some thoughts out there and see if anyone had any similar feelings about bootcuts since skinnies are sort of the fashionable denim default these days.

Dressing

26 replies

Latest reply was from crazyone

Mochi

Veteran

Why does it need to be either/or? Skinnies and straight legs are your staple. I agree that bootcuts are more limiting (if you have a nice footwear collection). Maybe that's one of their advantages: hiding a bad pair of shoes. Nonetheless, there's nothing wrong with how they look, per se. And I'd rather see them with a pair of high heels (even if obscured). I can't stand the skinnies/ spike or stiletto heels look--it's just me, but it looks irrationally trashy to my eye (ETA: whoops, sorry! I'm also curious as to what style advantages bootcuts would have, so will wait for other comments.

ETA: if skinnies are ever on their way out, I will stockpile them.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I don't wear my bootcuts anymore. I agree with you all the cool colors and patterns come in skinnies.

K. Period.

Veteran

I'm a committed lover of skinnies too, but I usually have a range in my closet. Some just go better with certain shoes and certain shapes. So here are my thoughts on this, take or leave as you wish!:

I have skinnies on today (a new, replacement pair) and I consider them indispensable with rounder toed shoes and with boots, both tall and short. Plus pointy toe flats, of course. I wear skinnies most often with fuller, looser shirts, long tunics, and bulky tops. I know I don't need to convince you that skinnies are fab! However, even as a skinny lover, they are never the only shape in my closet and I'd argue that they shouldn't be the only one in yours either.

I keep straight legs for when I want a slim silhouette, maybe something more appropriate for the office or classic. I wear them with fuller shirts, with blazers and with things that are tucked. Almost any boot or flat looks great with straight legs.

I keep trouser jeans for an even less fitted look. I wear them with tighter tops and things that are tucked. When I wear stacked heels or platforms, I most often wear them with trouser jeans.

I rarely wear boot cuts. I will wear them with pointy toe flats, but I find boot cuts a little too casual for most of my outfits. Straight legs or trousers have taken their place.

Maybe...you don't need boot cuts, but really need to start dating around (with your jeans shapes that is!), taking other jean shapes for a whirl. What about trying out trouser jeans and straight legs? That would get you away from just skinnies, but might feel more dressy and sharper, more in keeping with you style. What do you think?

Diana

Veteran

I have just 2 pairs of bootcuts (one of which still needs to be hemmed, eek) and while I do wear them, I don't really want to buy any more. It's exactly like you say - all the fun things are being done with skinnies so one pair of blue bootcuts is plenty. When they wear out, I'll probably replace them but I don't feel the need to have a big variety of bootcuts. I do like them with booties or oxfords underneath (try as I might, I still don't really love the skinnies + booties look on me.) And leg lengthening is not really a priority for me as I have pretty long legs already, but a good pair of bootcuts can make my legs look MILES long, even with flat shoes.

ETA: I have lots of skinnies, and straight legs, my BFs, and the aforementioned 2 pairs of bootcuts so obviously I like the variety but I don't believe you need to have every type of jeans if they don't make you feel fab. I got rid of all my trouser jeans because they always made me feel wide and dumpy, especially since I don't wear high heels. I don't miss them at all.

Kristin SF

Veteran

Love all the replies. I am going to bookmark this thread for all the styling ideas with various jean shapes.

Just wanted to add that I recently bought a few pairs of the skinny bootcuts from the GAP, and they make my legs look long, they provide a very nice silhouette, and they still feel quite stylish. Have you tried those? The skinny bootcut cords come in some pretty cool colors, as well.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I 100% understand your feelings, Janet. I have one pair of bootcut jeans - the rest are straight, skinny, BF, slouchy or jodhpur.

(BTW, I just gave away all my jeggings. I am over body con skinnies. I will wear tailored skinnies and slouchy skinnies - and that's it. But then I wear trousers much more than jeans these days, which also makes a difference).

I think you look PLENTY rock'n roll in your last bootcut outfit. *Really*. And by all means keep on wearing your skinnies!! You love to wear body con skinnies and I Iove you in them. But you look *so extremely good* in your bootcuts. It has to be said!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Janet, I have one pair of bootcuts. I wear them rarely. I like to have them as an alternative when I get sick of my skinnies.

The rest of my jeans are mostly skinnies, either slouchy, regular, or jeggings. I also have one pair of really loose BFs, but I really only seemed to want to wear those in the summer.

You look fantastic in skinnies. Seriously. No worries there!

But you ALSO look fantastic in bootcuts.

I know they are supposed to be universally flattering. But...um...honestly...you look better in them than most of us do. Maybe you just look better in jeans, period, than most of us do! The point is....keep both styles. Wear them both.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Ah the old figure flattery against what feels good/like you debate. I got rid of all my boot cuts so I probably shouldn't be here commenting. I do sympathise though.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Hmmmm....looks like I'm in the minority here by my love of boot cuts. It's probably a personal thing because I feel so incredibly self conscious in skinnies. I find boot cuts or straight legs much more flattering on me.

That having been said, you are correct that alot of great footwear gets hidden by those hems. In order to bring up the "edge" factor, you could look for really interesting and funky belts.

Wear all styles though - no need to limit yourself!

rae

(website)

Veteran

I felt like you do, but I felt it last year. Then I got bored of skinnies, lol.

I've been wearing my bootcuts a lot this year, despite the fact that they hide my boots - because they are really great for showcasing fun *jackets*! Especially the Zella and other sportier cuts, like cafe racer neclklines.

Come to think of it, though, many of my bootcuts have fun design details. Double waistband, heavy ripping, pinstripes, engineer stripes...

AJ

Veteran

I hear ya about the limited shoe stylings and washes with bootcuts.

However with skinnies, I feel limited in the tops I can wear. I don't like the bunching at the crotch nor the tighter camel toe problem, so I'm always scrounging for a long enough blouse/sweater that doesn't swallow me up.

I own 4 skinnies and 3 bootcuts but I probably wear both styles in equal amounts.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Mochi, I got rid of all my "bad" shoes! No more to hide!

K, great points, and I agree wholeheartedly that I would not want only one silhouette. I do wear my straights a lot too. And quite a few of my skinnies are not tight, calf-hugging skinnies. I used to have trouser jeans but after I shrunk out of the last pair, I've never bothered to buy more. I have tried some on here and there, but I don't feel fab in them -- they seem to emphasize the width of my lower half.

Kristin, I haven't tried the Gap ones, but I do have a pair of Hudson "baby boot" cut that I wore yesterday, in fact. I like that they don't have a big flare but still have just a bit of that shape. They work really well with my Matisse animal print booties.

Angie, thanks! I know you weren't issuing an ultimatum. It did get me thinking though about why I've made such a 180 in the jean styles I wear. And it is making me think more consciously about how I wear bootcut styles, rather than just as a lazy default, which is what they were for so long.

Rae, how have I missed your pinstripe bootcuts? I'm intrigued! I had pinstripe jeans way back in college in the 80s. What brand are they? Although I have to be really careful of stripes lest they angle down and create helpful leading lines down my butt to my saddlebags.

I do like my bootcuts and have no plans to let them go! There are days I love them, in fact. Maybe I'll do a bootcut challenge week.

Mander

(website)

Veteran

I never really got into skinnies. The snug calf just seems to emphasize the size of my thighs and makes me look bigger than my already ample size. I'm getting a bit tired of the flared look but so far I haven't found the right straight leg jeans. Perhaps I will try to alter one of my existing pairs to tone down the flare a bit.

kkards

Veteran

actually i'm starting to get skinny fatigue. i love them, but lately i've been thinking that i would like to wear something more "relaxed". with my skinnies, only certain shoes will work, and i find that i'm more critical of the shirt/sweater that i wear with them. i'm currently shopping for something else, although i haven't quite decided what the else is.

Claudia

Veteran

I have also had skinny/jegging fatigue for quite some time now. I am still a fan of straight legs that are a bit body con, but skim the leg a little bit and are looser from the knee down.

I never liked the colored skinnies trend so I don't own any. I do like the subtle brocade and patterns that look like a solid if you squint, but prefer the fit to be somewhat loose and not stretched to the point of skin tight everywhere.

I agree with AJ about having more flexibility with the top half of an outfit with other style bottoms.

Janet, you do look really great in bootcuts. I'll always remember how incredible you looked in a new striped blazer, some high heeled boots (Joan & David lace ups? and I think it was Paige HH bootcut jeans?) that you posted as a WIW a few years back. So flattering on you.

RunnerChick

Like Shannon, I might be in the minority here, but I, too, like my bootcuts quite a bit. I think it's because the bootcuts work well with my apple-ish tendencies and balance out the bottom. It also definitely help that I bought myself a pair of bootcuts that fit really, really well.

I jumped on the skinny jean bandwagon late (this past summer), and I do own a couple of pairs, and I agree with all that's been said about their versatility. I'll still wear them 'cuz they're convenient, but I'm not crazy about the fit or the figure flattery of skinny jeans on myself. I am also fairly conservative about my jeans, and tend to buy blue and other solids (I don't even have a white pair) so the fact that the trends are more available in skinnies does not bother me or decrease my love for bootcuts.

Ultimately, like Mochi, I feel like it does not have to be either/or ...

ETA: without a doubt, you look good in both cuts of jeans!

Anonymous

Like Suz said, you look great in jeans, period!

Like Claudia said, I like the idea of slim straights. Have you tried any? I have a pair and I'm loving them.

Kristin L

Veteran

I *love* bootcut. But, most of that is because I feel more self-conscious in my skinnies than other cuts. If bootcut doesn't make you feel as awesome as you are, then I'd wear them less and stick with the straight leg and skinnies.

Ginkgo

Veteran

You look like a goddess in boot cuts and jackets!

Vix

Veteran

Hi Janet --

Agree with the consensus that you look great in many, many cuts of jeans.

Unlike many members, I do a terrible job of keeping up with and remembering "WIW" posts -- am I wrong in thinking you tend to skew more classic with the shapes and accessories you pair with bootcuts, while expressing your rock chick side with skinny jeans?

If so, maybe you can force yourself into new pairings. [If not: sorry! Black hole memory....]

I'm with the minority group who admires skinny jeans on others but prefers to wear bootcuts. For Rectangle me, the slight flare at the bottom adds some curves and helps offset my tendency to look top-heavy.

My bootcuts are very fitted through the thigh so I don't sacrifice any sleekness there.

One thing I like to do is to pair my bootcuts with items that echo the flare (see periwinkle silk blouse and scarf below).

It's obviously a small thing but it makes me smile. You certainly have the height and presence to pull off drama, so maybe you could try to adapt that sort of thing to *your* style -- you never know, it could help cure Bootcut Boredom!*

* again, apologies if you're doing that and I can't remember the fact

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Janet, mine are by Hudson. I am conscious of my saddlebags, too, and they are Rae and Hubby approved. My engineer striped jeans are Hudson, too. There is a picture of them in this post, although now that I look at this particular outfit, I know I never want to wear it again, lol.
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....a-uwpreppy

catgirl

Veteran

Janet, I totally get where you are coming from and you've stated all the reasons for me. I've never felt like bootcuts were flattering on me - they always make me feel wider and shorter somehow, even though they are supposed to be so wonderful on everyone. Plus I also like to show off my boots.

That said, I think you are one of those remarkable people who looks good in many styles of jeans. I have a friend who looks so awkward in ANY jeans - it's just not her style. You must be her jeans foil!

Diana

Veteran

Janet, I am wearing my bootcuts right now! In fact, I'm wearing something that is very much like what I used to wear a few years ago ... bootcuts, black boots, black on top. (Plus a jacket, which was not part of my old uniform.) But I haven't worn this type of minimalist, lots-of-black outfit in a long time so it actually feels fresh and new! So you might find yourself pleasantly surprised...

cciele

Veteran

I hear you Janet! I think we all go through phases where we lose interest in a previous staple.

I used to wear primarily bootcuts then skinnies. Now I'm only wearing slouchy and boyfriend style jeans and pants. But I think all silhouettes can be made fresh and current.

Try wearing your bootcuts with the Ash wedge sneakers and a cropped moto jacket. Try volume over volume. Or a simple well cut slouchy partially tucked tee and stomp platforms.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

I could have written most of this thread myself, I can identify with so many aspects! I've been thinking about this lately

Yes, we pears apparently can count on bootcuts as 'our' style, but I am skinnies girl 100%. I personally could not participate in many colorful/patterned skinny trends because I have troubles finding ordinary skinnies in my size and length (minimum 36" inseam!), but the basic denim are just fine for me. They form a good outfit base and then I can work on the rest.

I also totally get the PPL issue with bootcuts 1) because of the length issue again, but also 2) PPL with denim is tricky because you loose some length after the creases for at the back of the knees, thus pulling the fabric up and shortening what seemed like the right length to start with. I've written about it once.

Plus, last winter was a major lesson in practicality - bootcuts' hems get soaked in rainy/snowy weather. No such issues with skinnies, they are tucked in.

Yes to 'bootcust hide boots'. True to their name

In addition to these I would say that, as a pear who dresses with figure flattery in mind i.e. I try to balance the hips, I find that apart from boots themselves too much action in the lower part of my outfit feels too fussy for me. All that extra fabric is a bit ALGO.

And, I also find bootcuts impractical for cycling, but that is more of a practical than aesthetic/style issue.

crazyone

Veteran

I have two pairs of bootcut jeans that I wear frequently, but it's true, I don't feel as fashion forward in them. But I don't feel like wearing skinnies all the time, either.

BTW, does anyone feel a little bored of *dark wash* bootcuts in particular? While I don't think it's dated, I feel like a lighter (not necessarily *light*, but medium) wash seems more modern somehow.