If I can buy only one pair of jeans.. - YouLookFab Forum

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If I can buy only one pair of jeans..

Anonymous

what should they be?

Irina's comment on her Shopping Hits post earlier today about how keeping her denim collection current was important to her really hit me today as I was trying to get dressed for a lunch date with a girlfriend. My jeans suck.

My denim collection, while large-ish, is NOT current nor particularly satisfying from a style standpoint. There is nothing representing new looks like cropped wide legs, barrel legs, longer wide legs, mom jeans, relaxed straights, "wedgie" cuts etc. Nada. I'm not stuck on skinnies or anything, but everything is very basic - Gap GF jeans (which are really just basic straight legs on me) , some cropped kick flares, and a few BF styles. I have one pair of flared long black jeans in quite a dark wash, but I have yet to wear them as long flared jeans in my winter environment are silly . Plus I have no sweaters or tops that seem to work with them.

Anyways.........I took some quick peeks in some mall stores today but only had my usual limited time, and found NOTHING of interest. Even the Gap here doesn't have their more fashion forward styles. Plus I know I can't buy on the run like I usually do - because it's NEVER successful.

I would love to have a newer , current looking pair of jeans, have little time to spend shopping and trying on, (also little inclination ,as trying on jeans is right up there with a trip to the dentist as fun things to do ) and get frustrated browsing websites.

So if you were able to buy just ONE new pair of jeans , what would you buy? I'm seriously lost. I saw the Levi's Wedgie at the Bay , and nearly burst out laughing. I picked up my size - a 28 - and the waist looked TINY.

Help ?

Shopping

41 replies

Latest reply was from Firecracker (Sharan)

Irina

Veteran

I takes me forever to find new jeans.
Multiple pairs of jeans from Ganni, Everlane, Massimo Dutti, Zara, Club Monaco, Madewell came and went.

First time I went to Levi’s store with Wedgies in mind - tried, they didn’t fit and I left the store empty handed. The second time I grabbed any more or less suitable jeans and bought Ribcage. For now, I just want to have them in a few different washers.
My advice is either go to a store like Levi’s or Aritzia and try as many jeans as you can. Or order up a storm online.

Anonymous

Yeah , I was afraid of that answer . What I really want to know is what silhouette will be the best for updating my wardrobe . I feel sorely out of touch right now but also can’t buy more than one pair .

judy

Veteran

Well, I suppose it depends on what you are looking for...? What cut of jeans inspire you? What silhouette are you attracted to?

I went to denimology. If you want to go classic, they have an article on a new 501 90 jean. https://denimology.com/2021/12.....-90s-jeans

I love a classic jean and then more current shape tops and shoes with them.

Sal

Veteran

I love my Levis ribcage straight. Mine are 100 percent cotton - different from Irina.

I strongly prefer jeans shopping in person….

Anonymous

That’s the problem Judy . I don’t know what I want . I no longer trust my ability to judge what’s good in jeans and what’s flattering . After reading the article ( which gives me all sorts of hope even though I’m no Hailey Bieber ) I’d like to try these . The word “ attitude” grabbed me - and it’s exactly what’s been missing from my collection .

Runcarla

Veteran

What’s trending is what works for you. Period. Celebs, models, influencers, etc. are wearing all kinds of different widths, colours, and lengths. Street style ‘kids’ are wearing oversized baggy, wide legs that drag on the ground - but their whole styling shtick is oversized everything. I don’t think that’s what you want. In fact, didn’t you try them, and rule out wide legs, and claim that barrel leg styles weren’t for you?

The stylish 50+ set seem to be embracing classics - which I think you already own. I don’t think that there is one magic pair of ‘jeans to rule them all.’

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Yes to Carla above. Goodness knows I have tried lots of styles but in the end, some trendy styles just do not work on me. Yes, based on my street research I would say baggy, flare and wider legs are trendier but within that there is a lot of room (haha?). Anyway, do they distribute GStar in Canada? They have a lot of interesting cuts and I have found forgiving fits.

rachylou

Veteran

I’ll have to post a pic at some point… but I do favour skinnies, but finally gave in and got a pair of ‘girlfriend jeans’ this weekend. Lol, they’re basically skinnies with a slightly wider cuff. They garnered a couple of compliments today sooo… but yeah. Had to give over: a roomier cut is where it’s at now.

slim cat

Veteran

I like the idea of classic jean style but with some fun details - stitching in different colors, new shape of pockets, maybe even a bit of embroidery ( that's just what popped in my mind after long day at work ). No barrel legs or full length flares for now - classic bootcut would be sweet.

Bijou

Veteran

Lisa, buying jeans is almost as bad as buying bathers for most of us, an awful experience. I just go into the change room with the attitude that it is likely to be a laugh and then if they look good - what a pleasant surprise!

I like one pair of trendy jeans each year to wear instead of my usual skinny or straight jeans. There is something about flares that just doesn't work for me. The 1970's vibe does not feel authentic to my style, so I am happy to give them a pass.

My trendy denim purchase for 2022 is in Finds below (the cream straight legs were my 2021 trendy denim purchase). I LOVE the new jeans for their military feel. They are a cargo pant in a denim fabric with the pockets and elastic hems, and sit perfectly with my ankle boots, by Mother denim. Alas, they were expensive as they are from the US, but I know they are going to be worn often and are so different from my skinny and straight leg jeans in style and colour. They have become an instant workhorse.

I have enough jeans so was determined to stay on course being very practical, patient and picky until the right jeans found me.

I know Christmas catch ups can be hard, but you always look sensational and people notice the whole package, not one element. You have a fabulous new long shacket which I am sure if you were wearing, I would not even notice what kind of jeans you had on under that!

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Runcarla

Veteran

Here’s an article from end of November 2021, which seems pretty much in keeping with what I’m seeing in terms of ‘fashion’ sites. https://www.elle.com/uk/fashio.....le-trends/

In the real world, I’m seeing skinnies, looser fit straights, and really baggy/oversized on really young (like 20 and under) folks - mostly boys.

lozz_oz

Veteran

I’ve added a couple of pairs of Levi’s wedgie 100% cotton jeans. I cut the hems and left them to fray. It surprised me greatly that they fit well as the straight cut hasn’t always suited my pear tendencies. The gaping waist issue has apparently lessened as I guess I have thickened slightly through the waist
Also added one pair of Levi’s rib cage straight in white 100% cotton.
I’m pretty pleased that at least these 3 additions fit, suit my casual lifestyle and look reasonably ‘trendy’.

BlueJay

Veteran

I was pleasantly surprised to find lots of jeans at...Mark's Work Warehouse!! They have Levi's and you can order online. I was surprised as they're not the first store to come to mind when I think "current" or "trendy", but they LOTS!! I bought three pairs! The girl at the cash, who was in her early 20s, liked the lighter wash and I notice the street style of the "kids" also like the lighter wash regardless of the style.

She complimented me on choosing these (validation ha!), although if I were to wear them in winter, I would wear tights or a base layer underneath and then wear my mid-calf boots to close the gap for winter:
https://www.marks.com/en/levis.....tindi-3470

Anonymous

I'd personally go with bootcuts, but we don't get much snow, so not super helpful!
It's ok to say "nothing in the shops inspires me rn so I can skip this." Really- no one is judging!

kkards

Veteran

Hmmmm, well You probably will need to kiss a lot of frogs to find the perfect pair, but as to the silhouette….
I’d look for a wider leg, not necessarily a flare, but would not rule out a flare
on my iPad so I can’t add these are a find, but I like these GAP 90s loose, to me they look “modern”, updated, but aren’t so far from a skinny that it’s feels like your/I’m trying to hard
but the flares, see finds for examples, look really fresh after years of skinnies.

If I’m judging from the gen z’s in my office, they seem to be in one of 2 camps, flares or loose BF’s. Flares are darker wash, and loose BFs are light or bleached

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Vildy

Veteran

Not a solution but couple of ideas. From a WhoWhatWear interview of a stylish thrifter:

"A good pair of denim might be the number one wardrobe essential in my opinion. When shopping for denim, I strictly look in the men’s section. I find that the women’s section is always flooded with jeggings and outdated styles, whereas the men’s section is packed with good vintage denim. I do typically have to alter men’s jeans when I thrift them, but they end up fitting perfectly, and the entire process is still cheaper than buying new and better in my opinion. Vintage denim hits different."

Or, perhaps not a jean style at all but a denim trouser?

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh, I’m a bad one to chime in on this, because I am a notoriously late adopter of trendy denim. I am slow to adjust my eye to the effect of a new denim silhouette on my bottom half. Frankly, as long as high rises prevail, I’m a bit of a stick in the mud because I don’t tuck tops. I also don’t care much for styles that make me look even wider than I am, but my build is different from yours in that regard. Stiff denim + wide cuts makes me feel really unfab. I need denim that has some softness and drape to it, if it has any volume.

Case in point: the 7FAM Jo wide leg jeans I got in NY are probably my trendiest jeans at the moment, and they work for me because they don’t feel too stiff or heavy. Nevertheless, they are not mindless for me to style — I have to think about footwear especially. And it took me a bit to screw up the courage to wear them. But they are soft and yet structured through the hip so they don’t seem unflattering. I wore them yesterday with a simple V-neck sweater, a loosely looped scarf, and my silver McCartney sneakers.

But I know you don’t love full length cuts the way I do. I think there is no one magic jean to rule them all, and agree with the others that you’re likely to have to try on a bunch. But also, you may have to find your own favorite version of a trend, adjust your eye to the style on yourself once you buy it, and take a little time to figure out the right styling for you. At least that’s my experience. I’ve also had that with my other new jeans style this year, the Mother crops. They scared me a little at first but then once I figured out footwear, they clicked into place.

I also think there’s a lot to be said for sticking with a favorite silhouette these days. Trends are all over the place. I never gave up bootcuts even when it seemed most of the rest of the world did, and I don’t think I looked particularly dated when I wore them because I kept other elements current. I think there’s a lot to be said for knowing what flatters you, regardless of trend, and making it a signature style. FWIW, I’ve never seen you make a pair of jeans look bad, so I think you look perfectly up to date as you are!

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Indigoprint

Veteran

After all the skinny jeans, I am happy to say a classic "straight" is current looking again to my eye. Their "fullness" as opposed to skinny balance out the lower parts of the body. It is a relief to me as I think you can pair it with a variety of shoe styles that can uplift your look and still be practical. On trend shoe styles I think play well with straights are clogs, loafers (classic and stompy), variety of boots and sneakers. If they are long enough to cuff and be full length it offers more versatility.

RobinF

Veteran

You always look trendy to me but I get the feeling of wanting to up the jeans look. What about some barrel leg jeans? It seems like they might be a little bit easier to work with then the wider legs but still be different from straight legs. I think they are still pretty trendy but I have to add that my own jeans are more basic than trendy.

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Kathie

Veteran

I scanned through some of your older posts, and it seems like wide leg jeans don't make you happy, and stretch can be problematic, because you end up with too much fabric around the fly/waist. (I'm having a similar love/hate relationship with stretch, because on me, the seat/thighs seem to grow a couple sizes with wear.) So, perhaps start with 100% cotton in a relaxed straight leg? I'm nodding along with everyone else, that your general look is so thoughtful, detailed, and polished, that I think you could make any pair of jeans work.

Synne

Veteran

Let me be the wrench thrower here.. Do you like wearing jeans? Do you feel beautiful and your best in them? Maybe this is missing the mark completely from me, but in my eyes, your style is far too pulled together and pretty to even need jeans. (No offence to jeans wearers, I am one myself.) What about classic trousers and letting your footwear be the trendy piece?

Irina

Veteran

I came back to say that like never before, there are so many different trends right now. I saw a slim straight selvage jeans from +J collection and find them trendy, classic Levi’s are trendy and so are the full length flares, crops and wide leg. You should try them all and see which one works for your overall style. There is no easy way to do it.

Helena

Veteran

Lisa, no great advice here but some commiseration - I feel like style has made such a gargantuan shift in the last year or two - like, not just the trends and details, but the entire foundation - which I guess does happen every 10 years or so. Anyways, just to say I am having similar feelings to you - like I just don't quite have it at the moment (and not just with my jeans - the whole blessed lot). Trying to be patient!

In terms of practical suggestions - I know you said Gap isn't doing it for you, but I am really enjoying my Cheeky Straight High Rise jeans - they feel fresh, but basic/classic enough that they are versatile for dressing up or down.

Good luck with the search!

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I wear jeans very often in the cold season, and it's very difficult not to feel "meh" if you just have on jeans and a sweater. You're good at all the accessorizing. I think it's really the shape and length of what goes on top, and the footwear that are the critical elements.

For you, I think the question is not so much, which jeans, but how am I planning to wear them. If you're wanting to amp up your casual home wear, maybe you find some that will look cute and show your ankles when you have on your slippers. If you're going to lunch with a friend, probably something that goes with boots that have a bit of a heel that you would wear for a short stroll to a restaurant? If you're going on a long walk, probably it's the old skinnies that tuck into chunky boots.

If I were going to buy another pair of jeans soon, these would be on my radar: <https://citizensofhumanity.com.....QiAnuGNBhC>
However, I notice that they suggest in the copy to wear them with heels or sneakers, which seems impractical for this time of year.

My current jeans rotation is below; I have many others but am 10 pounds above their good fit at present.

I've been fussing around a lot lately with jeans and footwear. The cropped styles with width at the bottom really need a boot with a fitted ankle. A wide lower leg bunched over a heavier, winter boot just makes an outfit look bottom-heavy. If the boot is substantial and has a bit of a heel, it makes a difference.

There's an outfit lab in there somewhere -- How to match your jeans to your boots in the winter.

(Or maybe it's how to just suck it up and tolerate slush)

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gryffin

Veteran

Sorry to hijack - UmmLila - the COH emerson blue ridge are my very favorite relaxed jeans. I totally disagree with the how to wear, not that that would not be cute, but I wear mine with booties all the time. I prefer a chunky boot but I've worn them with all different booties, clogs etc. They are incredibly versatile. I originally bought them in my usual size, which is a 27 in most jeans, they run big. But they have a swagger, a je ne sais quois cool that other washes do not have. I do have them in a 26 which is a better fit and still looks great (it's the size I think you'd prefer although if you want a more fitted look you might want to try the 25 but that could impact the cool factor imho). I can't recommend this cut in this particular fabrication enough. I have my back up pair in both sizes, because that's how much I love them. I'd be interested on your thoughts if you try them!

Lesley

Veteran

Don't despair, Lisa, I think you are reflecting exactly the denim zeitgeist right now. I think lots of people don't really know where to go with denim at the moment.

Personally, I like a high-water hem, I'm not ready to jump back into boot legs, and my last pair of skinnies has worn out. My current collection has a few wide-legs (though I prefer those for summer) and otherwise straight-leg jeans. I felt like I wanted something new and fun and experimental for fall and I got a pair of pale-wash balloon leg jeans from Madewell, and they were just what I needed. I had to accept that they feel weird and different from what I'm doing with the rest of my closet (and my husband and I refer to them as my "Elaine Benis jeans" because they are just so unapologetically 90s) but once or twice a week it's exactly what I need!

MidwestrnChic

I love my Levi Wedgie jeans. Size up one to two sizes. If I could add just one pair I would go for the Mother Tomcats. Also size up for these.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Here's a visual refresher of denim trends:

https://youlookfab.com/2021/03.....021-jeans/

I would suggest a more '90s look, LisaP:

relaxed straights
relaxed cuffed jeans

Nothing too wide and long - long lengths are bad in the snow/ice, and you don't typically like wide silhouettes on the bottom.

I just got these and love them. Might be an option!

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Anonymous

I’m on my phone today - and also at work with sketchy basement wifi - so can’t reply to all of these great comments . I appreciate all of this wisdom ! Angie - those are indeed interesting and I’ll look for something similar here ( Everlane , with exchange and shipping is a little higher than I want to spend ) . The 90’s look is indeed what I’m after - although I would never have identified it as 90’s unless I was told - haha. Levi’s has a new 501 90’s cut that looks interesting .

Sounds like Levi’s are a good place to start and we actually have a b&m store here .

Synne - YES ! I like wearing jeans and hope to look better doing so . It’s what I wear all winter long .

Back to reply to more comments later !

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