ISO jeans suggestions - YouLookFab Forum

Hi all,
I am relatively new to YLF and appreciate the site and all the contributors so much.

I need some good going-out/date-night jeans and am seeking suggestions. I would be happy to invest in a great pair. I am 5'4; my waist measures 27.5", my hips 38" (give or take a few carbs), and my shoulders are about the same width as my hips. I realize that description may suggest a sort of hourglass, but I'm not actually very curvy-- if you are familiar with Imogen Lamport's Inside Out Style blog, she makes a distinction between people who are round vs. those who are elliptical, and I'm more elliptical. Depending on the brand, I usually wear a 26, 27, or 28 or a 2-6 (does anyone else find vanity sizing insulting...and then kind of miss it when it goes away?). I have a fairly athletic build, with thick/muscular thighs and calves. On a good day, I feel lean and mean; on a bad day, I feel like a brick. I feel like bootcuts tend to make my legs look thicker-- as if my whole leg is the thickness of my thighs-- but skinnies can feel too skinny (dark ones are okay).

I would love to hear any suggestions!
Thanks and have a great weekend all!
Cheers,
Laura

11 years ago

Jeanie

Veteran

I may not be the best adviser on jeans and body types but I have had the most luck just going to the store and trying on as many different pairs as I can. It can take some time and patience but it is worth it. For premium denim you could go to Nordstroms or a higher end department store. Gap, American Eagle and Target are worth checking out for some more budget friendly jeans. Size up on skinnies if they feel too skinny. BF's can take some getting used to but if you find the right pair you will love them. Good luck!

Suz

(website)

Hi, Laura -- we're the same height and it sounds like perhaps a similar build, although I am a bit smaller and my hips a bit narrower due to age-related changes to my body. But Angie pegged me as a slim-hourglass/ rectangle split and that is how I dress myself.

When you are able to upload photos, you might want to do that just for clarification; some of your body doubles might jump in with specific recommendations then.

Here are some denim options that I have found worked for me:

Skinnies from Citizens of Humanity (I really like the Racer style -- the 'ankle length version in Patina is full length on me -- no hemming!) -- size UP in these. Maybe by 2 sizes.

Kut from the Kloth Diana skinnies -- these are not (in the immortal words of our forum sister, Janet) "calf-sucking" skinnies -- there is room at the bottom. I have them in white and love.

I also have one pair of skinnies from Banana Republic that I like (the cream ones that Angie also owns.)

And a very old pair of slouchy skinnies from BR -- but those are no longer available in stores.

Boyfriend jeans: True Religion Cameron (you need to be at peace with the pockets -- take your regular size or size down).

Rag and Bone the "Dre" slim boyfriend.

Hope this helps to get you started -- but mostly, Jeanie is right, the only thing you can do is try a ton of them on! Have fun.

DonnaF

I seem to be the one person in the YLF universe for whom the Kut Catherine does not work due to my big thighs and calves. Jag gives me a decent fit as does NYDJ, but my current love is Big Star's Kate straight leg. Petite sizes (29" inseam) are on sale at Nordstrom now.

LauraP

Active Member

Jeannie, Suz and Donna,
Thanks for these suggestions-- I really appreciate it. I realize uploading a photo is a good idea-- will do.
Take care all,
Laura

Gigi

I'm not a jean aficionado, but I will say that I recently bought a pair of Madewell jeans, and they were VERY stretchy and comfortable. So they might be worth checking out. Their jeans run in the neighborhood of $100, though, so a little pricier than most.

I also have a pair of skinnies from Citizens of Humanity, as Suz noted (I also have the Racer, although in a waxed jean), and I found those to be extremely stretchy and comfy as well, almost as good as leggings!

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