Reflections on challenge and jeans try-on - please advise

I finished the challenge knowing a few things...that it is possible for me to dress without jeans, but I love the convenience and comfort of jeans. I did end up back in jeans at the end of the challenge. One thing I did discover is that I want to move away from skinnies not because they are jeans but because I want to move into a more elegant style. I also found it harder to wear the higher shoes as I need a lot of comfort for work.
This morning I tried on some levis while waiting for my son. Its hard to tell because the shirt and cardigan are dark. the sales assistant convinced me it was better put on hold the black in 27 and the indigo in 26 as that was the best fit on the waist. I am going back tomorrow if I want to buy them. I also bought a red jacket which was on sale and I"m tempted to go back and get the black one. Ideas ? thoughts? and sorry about the poor picture quality.
pic 1 straight black size 28
pic 2 straight back size 27
pic 3 bootcut black 27
pic 3 bootcut indigo 27
pic 4 bootcut indigo 26
pic 5 black jacket
pic 6 red jacket
pic 7 and 8 wide leg jeans - I think they look awful and the sales assistant said they make me look scruffy. Probably not the style that suits me.

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2 years ago

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Hi Sally. The jeans I like best in these pics are the dark blue ones in pic 5. I suspect though that they may be jeans you already own? They look great with that black jacket which almost looks like it has blue in it with those jeans. Actually I like the black jacket better than the red but these are your choices!
Otherwise I like bootcut indigo 26 best, they look the best fit to me, but it may be because the others seem to pool around your ankles too much which may just mean they need hemming.
So you are trying to look more elegant?
That seems a reasonable goal for a responsible teacher! I can’t wear higher heels to work any more either and nearly all my work shoes are flat or very low heeled. I don’t even need to walk beyond my 90 square metre building and the cafe next door!

Star

The black jacket is fab, definitely has an elegant vibe but still edgy. I won't comment on the jeans as I cannot see the different fits well enough. I agree the last pair does look a bit scruffy.

Irina

It’s hard to assess the fit because these jeans are too long on you, imo.
When they pool at the bottom, they also push fabric up to wrinkle on the legs. Are you planning on hemming them? You might want to fold them at the bottom ans see how they fit. The wide pair is a no from me, both jackets look very good on you.

Runcarla

It is hard to tell due to the low contrast in the photos, but when I look really hard at the silhouette, the smaller sizes look best because there is less slouch on the leg. My jeans are Levi’s for the most part, and I find they relax a little with wear - but not too much. I’m very intolerant of tightness around the waist and abdomen, but I detest pants that slip off the hips. I’m liking Levi’s 724’s, which are a slim straight. I give them a wide cuff roll - but then it’s summer here. I have trouble reconciling jeans with the term ‘elegant’ but the slimmer darker jeans are neater. #7/8 are a pass.

I’d like to see a styling workshop with the red jacket. Can you create 3-5 different outfit combinations that you like and could see yourself wearing? Is it a multi season weight or winter only?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I agree with Irina.

From what I can make out from the pics though Sally, I like the jeans in pic #2 and #5 best.

Jacket in #6 is GREAT! Nice with all your black.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

The straight-cut black and the boot-cut indigo really spoke to me! I think the black boot-legs are pretty good, but at a glance, I liked the straight-cut better.

If your jeans goal is "more elegant", I think 7/8 are definitely out.

cjh

I really like the last pair - might be a style for me, if not for you. What brand and cut are they, please?

On the other ones, I’m sorry but no one’s darker photos of black garments are ever easy for me to evaluate or appreciate. I hope other comments give you some help, because I’m no help here!

Stagiaire Fash

I agree with MB’s assessment on the last two pix, but don’t think they rules out all wide-legged jeans entirely. What do you think of barrel legs?

CarolS

Those definitely are not "your" wide leg jeans, but like Fashintern said, it doesn't mean it rules out all wide legs. I'd keep looking for something that's a bit more fitted through the hips.

slim cat

Like both jackets with slight preference to #4 - easier to style and a bit brighter in color/contrast. Jeans are hard to judge - probably #2 and #4 the better fit/look.

chewyspaghetti

I like both of the black jeans...and the red jacket.
I'd pass on these wide legs.

Jaime

I agree with Irina - it is hard to judge fit with the extra length (I just turn up my jeans when I try and this happens, but it is not perfect.) Overall I like the silhouettes though except for the wide. They are not the wide legs for you.

Sally

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. sorry for the late reply. I was away last night.
@Jenni NZ Those jeans are thrifted ones. I think they are just jeans but the size has been removed. They are very comfortable. I liked the indigo and white jacket too and I am tempted to get a second one.
@star - yes I like both jackets too. In the flesh, the red looks better on my skin.
@Irina Yes I am going to have to hem them even though the sales assistant said it didn't need hemming.
@Runcarla I will try the jacket with different outfits and already have some ideas in mind.
@Angie thanks. I think I'll go back for the straight black as you suggested. The jeans in pic 5 are my own already.
@Mary Beth yes I am intending to get one bootcut and one black so as you suggest, the black in straight and the bootcut in indigo.
@cjh the last pair? The wide leg? I think they are just jeans (which are a brand in NZ and Australia) but I can check next time and message you. They have no stretch in them.
Thank you Fashintern and CarolS - admittedly the wide legs were a size too big as she couldn't find any in my size, but I do think even in my size that would be too big in the hips. They had no stretch in them.
@slim cat - yes I see what you mean about the jacket. I have the red one. I might go back and change it and get the blue one if it is still there in my size.
@chewyspaghetti. Interesting you like the black jeans. I think straight black jeans are the best choice for work.
@shevia - I think I need more time in the shop to try and photograph with hems. the shop assistant was a bit pushy and it felt rushed even though there were only about 3 people in the store.

Update: My holidays start soon and they weren't on sale so I will go back and look at the black straight and indigo bootcut again in that or a different store and try with hems up. I did walk past an op shop (thrift shop today) and found a pair of dark gap bootcuts already hemmed to my size for $5. I think the front on those better as they would look better with tucked tops. The others are darker and probably better for work so I'll go back and try a few stores in the holidays to compare.

rachylou

I rather like 3 the best… black is dressier and those look svelte to me.

Minaminu

I like 2 and 5, you look very smart with them!

Bijou

I am with Jenni - I really like the black and white jacket on you!

You guys are so bad for my budget. I rang up and they still had an indigo in my size so they are holding for me. I guess they will be useful for spring and autumn in NZ, and it’s good to duplicate if the fit is good. Just don’t tell my husband.

Update: I now have two blazers. As people have pointed out you do need to alternate and they are quite different so I will be able to wear with different things. I will work on the black straight leg jeans next.

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