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Help needed

kkards

Veteran

So, over the summer I bought these really cool, super comfy paper bag waist jeans. And honestly I was out of town and was so taken with the look, I failed to work thru the how would they work IRL. So, flash forward to actual jeans weather & I’m struggling.
So fabbers help me out…how would you wear these jeans???

Belt? No belt? Wearing a blazer seemed to lose the waist detail, does it matter?
All comments, suggestions and thoughts are welcome and appreciated

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Dressing

25 replies

Latest reply was from Bijou

kellygirl

Veteran

I think these look great! No belt required--I think it would add bulk and distract from the cool waist detailing. I've only been able to wear paper bag waists with slim tops tucked like you did or with cropped. Interested to see what others suggest but I think this looks great!

Synne

Veteran

How fun! I love how adventurous you are in style. These jeans are THE BOMB. I like your styling very much, but would prefer to 'close the gap' at the ankles (like in the stock photo), with either taller sneakers or.. dare I say it... white tennis socks! That would actually be amazing with this. Tucked top is a must, like you already are doing. How about a cropped jacket? Agree with KG: no belt!

Runcarla

Veteran

I wore my paper bag jeans like you show - with a close fitting top tucked in most of the time. I also wore them with a tailored button down (tucked in) and with a slightly looser fit sweater (still tucked in). I don’t think I ever wore a belt, but rather let the (fun) waist detail speak for itself.

SarahD8

Veteran

Haha, yes the styling in the product photo is no help at all, is it?

I agree with others -- no belt, and tucked in top.

Maybe a semi-tuck would be interesting?

If you need a topper, maybe something less structured like a button up shirt worn open, or a shacket?

Maybe wearing a patterned top would help add outfit interest that you might normally get from a belt/topper.

I like the sneakers but think they might also work with those very plain 90s style loafers that are back now.

In general these jeans seem quite retro to me (remind me of Girbaud jeans) so I think playing up the 90s reference is the way to go.

Ooh- with doc martens maybe??

Katerina

Veteran

Oh, these jeans are great! I wish I were better at styling jeans to be able to help you, but unfortunately it is not my forte… I like both the ways you styled them here. Agree on no belt. Maybe a classic white button down shirt tucked in?

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Cool jeans. Synne’s suggestions for a tucked-in slim top and a cropped jacket sound on the money to me. I’d say go for bulk with the topper, maybe something like my trucker jacket here or a cardi with serious sleeves. If you want to go longer, an ethereal topper could work too. For footwear, I’m thinking something kinda stompy. (These are not your colors, I know—they’re from my finds, just to give general ideas).

by Stagiaire Fash

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Anonymous

Wonderful jeans! You could try a very thin belt. Rope or ribbon might work as a belt as well. I really like this styling with a tucked in sweater

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kkards

Veteran

I knew that you all would have some great ideas, and help me think this thru.

No belt, i was 90% on this, but thanks for confirming

higher shaft footwear and stompy boots….yes, if/when we ever get temps below 60F/16C, I’ll pull out these boots. I like the idea of high top sneakers, which I don’t own, but are on my radar…the socks with sneakers idea sound great, but not me.

I don’t think i own any non denim jackets, but i like that idea…and i need to experiment with tucking in a sweater…
And i love the shacket idea!

Lots of ideas percolating…

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Anonymous

They're pretty trim for a paper bag waist so balancing with a snug top doesn't seem necessary to me. I don't tuck in t shirts or sweaters so I would go with a soft, draping top, probably a blouse rather than a shirt.

I don't think you have to reveal everything all the time so the jacket covering the waist does not bother me

The Cat

Veteran

These fun pants and your slim waist look like they are begging for a belt. Try an elastic or braided belt that isn't too narrow. Topper is optional.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

A denim jacket could be great, as long as it’s not a slim little one like this.

3301 Slim Jacket

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3

Tanya

Veteran

You already got some great suggestions, but I found two more:
1) with a very cropped jacket over tucked in knit top
2) with tucked in striped shirt and moto.

Love the jeans on you and the both ways you styled them.

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Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Since it’s too warm out for stompy boots, how about your clogs? They won’t fill the ankle space like boots would, but I don’t think you need that when it’s warm. I do think you want weight on your feet with these

unfrumped

Veteran

I also like thin belts with paper bag waists. You don’t have to always— can go by whether you have a belt that complements your top or stands out against the denim color. Just options for different looks. With waist gathers, you can wear a belt just snug enough to not be too droopy, but not so binding that you lose the comfort.

kkards

Veteran

I would never have thought of a woven blouse/shirts, but as a number of you have mentioned it, I’m going to have to give it a try…and go thru my closet and see if i have jackets that are cropped enough

lozz_oz

Veteran

Don’t think you need any help.....in all honesty you have styled them so well. The paper bag waist is the detail you want to highlight, so it’s tucked in tops all the way!
Looking forward to see the styling with shorter jackets and boots photos too...

Sloper

Veteran

I'm agreeing with Phoebe - these are rather trim for a paper bag waist style. Maybe try them with a bulkier top - a cropped sweatshirt or sweater, or cropped jacket, with a skinny tucked top. And stompy boots as suggested above.

Sal

Veteran

I like them as you have styled them - whilst the jacket means you can't see the waist I still think they look good....

I also think simple tops - woven or knit or cropped sweatshirts will all work well.

I agree - clogs might be worth a go too.

Or do as the model with a bikini top and shirt and jacket half way down your arms....

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I will enjoy these vicariously through you, since they would be deadly on me . They look great without a belt but why not try it all and see what sticks?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

These are great! And you are the perfect person to wear them. I see you've got a ton of great ideas already, but I have to say I liked what you tried in the first place. kkards is the queen of trendy jeans!!!

Aquamarine

Veteran

You’ve already received so many suggestions so I’ll just say they look GREAT on you!

Star

Veteran

Such fun jeans. I would try them with a thick belt with a statement-y buckle, and let the frilly top of the jeans peak out above. You have a small waist and I think it should look amazing.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

LOVE THESE on you! KILLER cute. No belt needed. It came together superbly in #4. Well done

cat2

Veteran

What about going intentionally 80s with a black turtleneck tucked in? I recall the combination of light denim and black with fondness.

Bijou

Veteran

LOVE #4! I really like the fitted navy top with the jeans but think you could also wear a voluminous blouse (similar to photo) that tucks into the jeans because your jeans give great waist definition.

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