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Fueling the flames - a great bf jeans look

Antje

Veteran

I know I'm just fueling the flames here (already ducking) but I love this look from the Sartorialist blog: http://www.thesartorialist.com.....VivWeb.jpg

Everything is picture perfect to me, from the blazer/vest/shirt combo to the jeans to the shoes and oh, that bag! I admit that the look might be even better without the rips in the jeans (I think I just have some moral issue with clothing that you pay for to look old and worn), but the rolled up cuffs are totally a "do" in my opinion, especially with those heels. L-O-V-E-L-Y.

I wanna be her right there in Paris, RIGHT NOW

General

34 replies

Latest reply was from Laura

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

I love that look, and think it looks great on her. But I can't pull it off, so I won't try. Have you tried this, Antje?

danielleCT

I really like it too - I have a soft spot for street fashion. Unfortunately (for me), I think this is a look that can only be pulled off with the taller ladies. What do you guys think?

Antje

Veteran

I'm totally interested in trying it, Sarah (though not with such high heels), but I don't have the right jeans. I refuse to buy expensive jeans that look old, so I had planned to check at Goodwill but haven't gotten around to it. I'm newly inspired after seeing the picture so I might make it a priority

Maya

Veteran

I really like it too, but as I have said about Sart before: Almost all the women he photographs look like models, so there isn't a whole lot that won't look great on them. I don't think I have ever seen even one larger woman on his blog before since I started reading, and I rarely ever even see "average" size women. I don't think he has an obligation to post women from across the size spectrum, but I do find it very strange and hard to believe that he has never seen anyone over a size 6 who is wearing something visually appealing or inspiring.

Also, this look would crash and burn without those painful looking shoes. I still think Angie is right that they won't look so fab on the rest of us. She gets away with it because she is thin and pretty and at least average height, and wearing those crazy shoes.

Patience

Veteran

I like it, but I have two questions. Don't you think it would look just as a good with cropped skinny jeans? And my biggest question which is much more general-- isn't this a no no pant length (no matter what style you're wearing)? I mean who can get away with this length? She mostly gets away with it, but I think it is in large part thanks to the heels. The reason I ask is actually because I am often tempted myself to get jeans/skinny pants this length or a little longer but I think of Angie and ylf and tell myself-- NO NO NO, there are better options; it's not as flattering as I think it is.

Antje, I'm right with you on the jacket, vest and blouse.

Maya

Veteran

hm, I think regular cropped jeans or clams would not have the same edge that these do. I am a firm believer that if you can pull off a look that most other women can't, you should embrace it.

I think the length of these is what makes them so hard to wear and so unflattering on most people to begin with. Even Angie has said that ankle length pants and longer cropped pants can work if you have the height, a very slim frame, and a heel (although I'm sure she prefers other options). This look satisfies all those requirements. I suppose there are more flattering looks available, but this one has a very distinctive personality that I don't think can be captured with a 'safer" option.

marianne

I also like the vest/blazer/shirt look - I think I'll try this combo next time I have a chance to dress up

I agree with Maya about the edginess, but I am also not sure how fab it would look in real life (as opposed to a staged photo).

Maya

Veteran

Good point Marianne. Sometimes I wonder how many of these looks would really turn my head if I were just walking down the street.

As a side note, I thought if anyone on YLF could replicate this look in a flattering way, it would be you (but I know you don't wear such ridiculous shoes and this is not your style at all).

Patience

Veteran

So, I guess I'm just too short to pull off this pant length. Even with heels. (I knew that, but don't you just hate telling yourself you can't wear a particular style because of XYZ. Better to focus on what you can wear well I suppose. Sigh.) I agree with Maya that Marianne would be the one to pull it off.

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

I would love to try this look but do you think it would work with less of a heel? That I could not do. I am going to look at thrift stores, why not try it?

marianne

Thanks Maya, unfortunately, I am not "edgy" at all, but I still like to see and appreciate it on others. I'll be looking forward to your version, GG!

Hmm I am also thinking it might be the contrast of ripped jeans with very tailored menswear that makes it work. I actually don't think it's the height as much as right proportions + heels, and I know you can wear crazy heels, Patience.

Maya

Veteran

GG, you are tall and thin so I definitely think it could work with a less extreme heel for you. Give it a try. You certainly have the personal style for it.

I feel that way about almost everything Patience (that someone can pull it off, but it's never me). It's very frustrating. I sometimes feel like I'm stuck in a rut because I do have an edgy style but for some reason most edgy things only look good on tall and thin people.

Antje

Veteran

Oh you gals, you are all just so sadly realistic... I totally hear you, and it probably IS impossible to pull off in real life, but a girl can dream, no?

(I still hope to experiment, though don't be surprised if you never see a photo of me in that look - I won't post if it's a total failure, which it might well be on me.)

I do agree with Maya that the rolled up cuffs provide an important piece of edge and trendiness that cropped pants wouldn't achieve. Everything in her outfit is just right. Including those shoes - which I can't/won't do. Sigh.

Maya

Veteran

Oh Antje, I am certainly not going to discourage you from trying. I look forward to the pictures and I know you have the personality, style, and confidence for it. That's 3 out of 4 requirements. I'm sure we'll all be happy to chime in and advise you on how to get it to work for your body type as well. That's what YLF is for!

Antje

Veteran

I love YLF.

marianne

Yup, I think personality is key. And Maya, I know you struggle to find certain things (and you're also quite a perfectionist) but your personal style does come through in all the pictures I've seen so far, and I am sure even more so face to face.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I don’t think that this is fair reflection of the look that I was challenging. The lass looks likes she’s wearing clams. These jeans aren’t really baggy boyfriend jeans al la Katie Holmes. She’s also tall, stick, STICK skinny on the thighs and wearing 5 inch heels which gives you the same visual effect as a normal person wearing clams with flats. I hope that makes sense!

That being said, you know I'll look forward to your version oh so funky Antje :0)

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I also meant to add that the lass looks fab. There is no question!

marianne

Inspired by yesterday's discussion, I wanted to try the menswear look. I like it but I feel like something is missing. Perhaps I need more prominent shoes? Or other accessories? I think I need an equivalent of Antje's red flower pin to tie it together.
http://i293.photobucket.com/al.....G_6408.jpg

I feel a bit silly, but I had some time this morning and while I was at it, I tried the sartorialist look with my old jeans. Yes, the jeans are not really bf, but since Angie pointed out that the ones on the original picture were pretty slim, I thought this might be a fair approximation. I haven't worn these shoes in years and they are dated but they are the highest heels I could find. Sorry, no funky bag!

http://i293.photobucket.com/al.....G_6411.jpg

Patience

Veteran

Marianne, you totally pull it off! Both ways! I think you do need a belt in the 2nd picture and more contemporary shoes would be better, but you might as well start wearing those jeans NOW! In the first outfit I think just a bright red bag would do the trick. And I think you've proved by example that the rolled up jeans do take the outfit up that extra notch. KILLER!

tarzy

Veteran

Marianne - you look killer in both outfits. I don't have enough of an eye to know why something works, but you look great. I especially love the first outfit. The jacket & vest & white shirt are ab fab!

Maya

Veteran

Marianne I know you don't feel quite right in either look but I think you look fantastic in both. Seriously, this look is absolutely killer on you. I think the first one is fine the way it is. Maybe a girly bag would add some nice contrast, but I really love everything just the way it is.

bella

(website)

Veteran

Wow Marianne, first outfit is definitely killer. I think the second outfit would look better with different shoes, but you definitely have the height and figure to pull it off.

shiny

Veteran

Marianne - so cute!!! I think you could even roll the jeans down lower, like in the sartoriliast pic. I think the effect is to have them hit around your ankle, just a bit high on the ankle, showing off the whole ankle, if that makes sense?

Pre YLF, I've actually experimented with this look with plain black cropped slacks. They were regulars and not petite, so the length hit me at the ankle - i.e., pretty long for cropped pants. The pants were slim through the hips, like a straight leg cut. I always felt short and dumpy in them when wearing flats, so one day I tried them on with my highest pointy toed pumps and I thought it somehow worked - even though I'm only 5' tall.

I have since culled those slacks from my closet so I can't recreate it for critique.

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

Wow what a great look for you!! I love both oufits on you. I think that the jeans might work a bit better a little bit bigger with a straighter leg. Were they originally flared?
You do have the body for menswear.
How fun to see !!!

marianne

Thank you guys, you truly made my day! I doubt the second outfit will get outside the house, unless I take on a whole different persona but it is fun. I am much more comfortable with the first outfit, and I am glad you think it works as is. One question - what kind of pants would I need to make it work where jeans are not appropriate? I guess then I would be going for a suit look... hmm... I am not really in a position to buy a new pair of dress pants, but I am just wondering.

Patience, I did forget the belt, but I was too lazy to run upstairs and look for it. I agree, a belt would make it more boyfriend-y.

GG, yes, the jeans are flared. I realized it was an issue as I tried to get the right rolled look. I should try my husband's jeans, they are pretty small

Laura

(website)

Veteran

You completely rock this look - even the second one, which is sooooo hard to pull off. Wow!

In the second photo, in order for the jeans not to flare out and sit close to your calf, you need to fold the jeans inward lengthwise before rolling them, so they taper, then roll them up.

Antje

Veteran

Ooooh, Marianne, you look AMAZING! Both looks are GREAT. I know you're unlikely to sport the second one, but you really should! And the first one should be sported immediately I agree with you that a little pop of color would be great, e.g. a flower pin (Target has some in various colors), or maybe a long necklace.
Thanks for humoring us and giving this a try. BIG thumbs up. And maybe you'll even get the nerve up to wear the second look. Maybe we need to have a YLF event just so you have an opportunity to wear something that feels more edgy to you

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Marianne, the first look is KILLER. Must wear tomorrow. That’s a YLF order!

The second look absolutely works too. You are built like a super model, your pants look like clams AND you’re wearing heels. That’s the formula. Well done! You are SO SO cute. Glad you had a bit of fun today :0)

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