JCrew vs Zara denim smackdown - YouLookFab Forum

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JCrew vs Zara denim smackdown

viva

Veteran

I recently got rid of half of my denim collection, keeping only the pairs that I am wearing or expect to wear when the weather warms up, and only those that fit well -- mostly bootcuts, flares, and BFs. I did keep one pair of skinnies just for fun, even though I am not reaching for them right now.

The denim hole is cropped -- which I expect to wear a lot of in the spring and summer. Also, I don't have any high-waisted denim. (I have one pair of cropped flares but they are too big so will need to be replaced.)

I recently ordered the slim ankle jeans from Uniqlo below.

I have been thinking about the high-waisted straights from JCrew below (pricey!). But then I saw very similar high-waisted jeans from Zara at 1/3 the price, and flared.

I am considering abandoning the JCrews and try the Zaras as a replacement for my current cropped flares. Do you like these? Or are they too stumpifying?

Women Slim Fit Ankle Length Jeans

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Point Sur vintage patch pocket crop jean

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Short Flared Jeans

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Shopping

22 replies

Latest reply was from Sal

Sadie

I got rid of my cropped pants because I could never figure out which shoes to wear with them that did not look "stumpefying". (I'm short at 5'2"). What shoes would you wear with 2 and 3 (I am asking seriously as crops work for the spings-summers-falls where I live). Heels look great but are not practical for any activity but "out-on-the-town".

viva

Veteran

I hear you, Sadie. I think the straight leg crops, like the JCrew, can work with flats or low-heeled sandals, which to me makes them more versatile. (I have ordered both of the Finds below.) I'm 5'5'' so I have a bit more leg than you, but even still, I think straight crops and flats can channel Audrey Hepburn.

But I'm a bit afraid of the Zara flared crops -- I don't know what kind of footwear to do there, and I am not crazy about how they look in the Zara image.

I have flared crops now and they work with booties, both flat and heeled. But when you introduce bare ankles, I think flats with them make the legs go very stumpy.

Guilhermina Amboise Heels

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Factory Perforated slip-on sneakers

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Anonymous

This is tough one indeed. I like the idea of cropped flares on you, and have seen you in a pair from last summer/fall (I think?) and you absolutely suit the look and wear it well. Howwwwwever....the Zara ones look a bit thin and floppy (if that makes any sense) and could look a little baggy or frumpy after one wear. Just has that look. I love the J Crew pair - but they aren't flares. I think cropped flares need to be fairly substantial in weight so they retain their crispness and "perkiness", which is where they look so good. No harm in trying the Zara's, but they aren't jumping off the screen at me. The best ones are the AG whatevertheyare that Alexa Chung wears in the new ads...but of course they are also stupid expensive. I'd hold out for awhile, or wait for the JCrews to go on sale.

Sadie

This is the very very scary look I am trying to avoid. I remember being comfortable (it was hot out) but oh heavens, WWIT? (What Was I Thinking)

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The styles from J.Crew and Zara are not similar. The legs are much more tapered on the J.Crew. I vote those.

Anonymous

Here's an interesting picture - I quite like these Swedish Hasbeen -type clogs with a wider leg jean.

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AM

Veteran

Difficult but I prefer the J Crew jeans but not by much. Both are great.

Marilyn

Veteran

The JC ones look super cute.
I have a pair of red cropped jeans with a flare at the bottom. Slimmer than the Zara ones you posted. I'm 5' and a bit of a heel is a must with them.

viva

Veteran

You are all so wise. Definitely avoiding the Zaras. I can be so lured in by the potential cost savings.

Lisap: You are right on target with the flimsiness of the Zaras. And I adore the look you pinned. I love those jeans (except for the unfortunate stitching in the front which to me mimics a panty-line) and the shoes with them. The firm crispness of the denim with the substantial shoe. FAB.

Angie: I love the decisive tone of your response. Thank you.

AM: Thanks for making me feel better about being attracted to the Zara jeans to begin with.

Sadie: Yes. Let's both avoid that this summer. (Although summer is when I make most of my public mistakes. The heat, you know?)

Diana

Veteran

Ok, I have to admit I have poison eye for high-waisted, cropped flares. (So many things I avoid all in one package) so this may be coloring my judgment a bit. Anyway I prefer the j crews. Admittedly part of it is because they are not flared, but it's also the wash. It looks a lot more chic to me whereas the Zara ones look kinda dull and remind me of farmer or mom jeans. I feel like to pull off this silhouette successfully it has to look super intentional and chic, KWIM?

Gail

Veteran

I feel as though I cannot compare them as they are such different looks. I like them both but am not adventurous enough to try the cropped flare look just yet:)

abc

Veteran

Jcrew ones by a mile. What Diana said. I can easily be lured by lower prices like you, but as someone already mentioned, they are two different beasts (the JCrew and Zara pants). And lisap is so smart mentioning the fabric weight. Just overall I heart the JCrews by a mile. Sorry!

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Just chiming in to say I like the J.Crew's better because the flare is not as big as the Zara's. I definitely prefer them better with heels.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I have the J Crew Point Sur ones pinned and on YLF Collect. I adore them.
What I really, really wanted were these H&M's, but they're long sold out.

http://kingdomofstyle.typepad......troll.html

Variations on these were all over recent street style pics from fashion month.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/371758144216814996/

http://eatsleepdenim.com/blog/.....S15011.jpg

ETA the Alexa Chun for AG Jeans, they look cropped and awesome on her and all the model pics. I tried them on at Anthropologie, they have a 29" inseam, so they just looked like too short boot cuts rather than true crops and I'm over 5'7".

another option

http://www.freepeople.com/summ.....y/CMCATEGO

kkards

Veteran

hmmm, i'm was also looking at the zara pair, and honesty part of the reason why was because of the ligther weight denim, which would make them wearable in the summer months.

approprio

(website)

Veteran

I'm hemming a pair of high waisted wide legged jeans for the summer and I've tried them at a few different lengths. The more I look at them just above the ankle the more I like them. It feels very fresh, like something I haven't tried before, quite cool with flats as well. I don't feel the need for a new pair of shoes. Yet.

If you go for the Zara jeans I'm with you. I think this might catch on.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I hope that those of you that end up with cropped flares post some pictures of you wearing them in outfits - I'm intrigued by this length but am hesitant that I could pull it off (thus my query about current pant lengths this weekend).

unfrumped

Veteran

I understand trendiness, but this cropped flare look is tough to get my head around. I keep wondering what is the point-- other than, of course, fashion doesn't have to have a point !--compared to being able to see benefits of tapered crops (forgiving of footwear, showcasing footwear), or longer flares.
So I'm not very motivated to try it, whereas there are still advantages to perhaps finding the perfect ankle pant or cropped pant.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Viva, I haven't seen the cropped flares you're replacing. Are they more of a tapered leg with a wide flare at the bottom, or more of a relaxed leg with a flare? Do you want to find jeans that are like them, or are you wanting something a little different?
Some thoughts. . .
If you're going for the JCrew straight legs, could you find a pair that are longer (at a lower price) and cut them off?
I'm not crazy about the Zara style, at least not after seeing the link from Lisap! I love those cropped wide-legs, and I also really like the stitching and zipper details. The point formed by the stitching does perhaps look rather suggestive, and it's the kind of thing I usually wouldn't go for, so I don't know why this pair really appeals to me.
Of the ones that Anna linked, I like the wider legs better than the Free People cropped flares. I think the wider legs look a little more like culottes, and they seem more flattering, to my eye.

karymk

Veteran

Hi Viv, not stumpifying! I love the crop flare from JCrew. I love the high waisted ankle crop skinny from them too, the non-expensive one.

And I love my Uniqlos! They are so soft. They run large, order down. Ie in JCrew I am a 26 but in Uniqlo a 24 or 23.

My faves of the above are of course the expensive ones, but trying Zara is sure worth a try.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I actually like the idea of the Zara ones, but am wary of their jeans in general. I also like the wide ones that Lisap and Anna point to. I do feel for Angie, I suspect she is chomping at the bit to comment more on this topic.

Sal

Veteran

I think jeans have to be tried on...so hard to tell otherwise. I know I can go into stores and try on 10 pairs of which 8 are awful, 1 acceptable and 1 is great. So when it comes to online shopping it is a real challenge.

I suspect you are an easier fit than I am Viva, and if you know the brand and how they fit it gives you a head start. Based on the two images above I like the JCrew ones by a long way, I'm inclined to say hold out for the ones that you love.....I think making do leads to regret. If the sale never eventuates maybe they were not meant to be?

I do like the image LisaP pinned - I am very drawn to the Swedish sandals and this type of top. But on me I suspect it would look better with either longer hems or a narrower cuff. But I am quite hourglassy with chunky/muscular legs- and possibly place figure flattery over fashion so take what you want from that.