Skinnies vs wide leg jeans - YouLookFab Forum

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Skinnies vs wide leg jeans

marianne

Which one is a better way to go for someone with no curves, like me? I am slightly bigger on top and short-waisted, so I was thinking maybe having more volume on the bottom would balance it out. On the other hand, I like the look of straight leg jeans better, and I think they are more versatile. Would I be better off pairing them off with fitted or voluminous tops to make the top part appear smaller? Or longer tops to elongate the top part? Thanks!

Body Type

19 replies

Latest reply was from Kyle

Tanya

Veteran

Hmm Marianne, this is a tough one to say. I am sure that straight legs would work great paired with the right top, which I'll leave to others who know better to say what it is.

Maybe you can try all these styles in some store and take photos in the dressing room and post them here. I always find it easier with visual input.

Maya

Veteran

I think straight skinnies are a must have. I'm not a huge fan of widelegs. When they look good, they look great, but it's a hard look to pull off and can easily look dumpy.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Do you like the look of wide legs? Remind me of your height Marianne.

marianne

I am 5'7'', and I have a fairly long inseam - 33.5'' for flats. I don't like the *really* wide leg look, but trouser jeans are okay. They seem to be a little dressier and have more footwear restrictions... and I wear flats almost exclusively. I do prefer the straight leg look, I was just wondering if I should pursue it for my "uniform" and what silhouette would work best considering the torso issues.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'd stick to straight legs, Marianne. Easier all round and won’t get wet in the Seattle rain. It’s the most versatile choice.

marianne

Thank you for the input ladies, and thanks for validating, Angie! I've been seeing a lot of trouser jeans and that made me wonder.

Kyle

Veteran

Skinnies look great, but at 47 they make me nervous...I'm a tall rectangle with a slight pear tendency. Any suggestions for skinnies that will be forgiving and not overemphasize my hips?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You are plenty young to wear skinny jeans Kyle (read today’s blog entry). This might not be the case but try on a pair of straighter legs too. Sometimes, straight legs are “our skinnies” if you tend towards a pretty pear . They do the sleek trick just as well (14 to 15 inch hem widths work well).

marianne

One follow-up question - in winter, when it's too cold and wet for ballet flats, what type of shoes would work with straight legs? Is tucking them into boots the best way to go or could I get away with sneaker-like shoes?

Patience

Veteran

Fashion sneakers all the way, especially if you are a mom.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

We live in a cold place. Boots, boots and more boots. Or Converse. They are virtually waterproof. Ankle boots are a must and as for tucking this depends on the boot, jeans and size of your calf. It’s got to fit.

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

I was wondering if I could get some clarification on "straights as skinnies" that Angie posted above. I am a curvy hourglass with slight pear tendencies. I've always assumed that true skinnies were out. What is an example of a straight leg that could be used as my skinny?

marianne

Thanks! I have ankle boots on my shopping list and I hope to find the right pair. The tucked in look is too dramatic for me, even though I have small calves and it would be easier to find boots for that purpose than for wearing with skirts.

That's funny, Angie, I never think of Seattle as a cold place. I grew up in a much cooler climate and wore boots 2/3 of a year. After that I was so sick of them and I tried to avoid them and even now only own 2 pairs

Doesn't the top canvas part of Converse get soaked in the rain?

Anonymous

Funny what a difference a childhood makes. I grew up in San Diego County and I've only had one pair of fashion boots in my life, in my 20's. (Too many work boots) I have a craving for stylish boots now. Yum.
For those looking for skinnies or straight leg jeans I like to remind that Judy had posted that she looks at the Revolve website for jeans because the descriptions are very good, with lot's of measurements, then she purchases at her place of choice.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

That is interesting San and Marianne! We live in a Western European climate (which I LOVE) and I think it’s cold 75% of the time, just Like I would in Western Europe.

Boots tucked into jeans keep your feet and jeans dry – it’s SO practical for cold wet weather. My Converse NEVER get wet. I don’t walk I puddles though, and use an umbrella if I need to.

Nice tip from San, Sara. Read the denim and skinny jeans posts on my site too.

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Thanks so much! I just read all of the skinny entries and learned a lot. Previously I looked over thoses posts because I thought there was no way I could wear a skinnier pant. So this is my next shopping challenge! I'll be sure to post photos.

Kyle

Veteran

Can anyone with a slight pear tendency suggest a good straight leg jean that they love?

Tanya

Veteran

Hi Kyle, I'm hourglass with a bit of pearness, and I love J Brands 14" cigarette!
I have them in white ( photos below) and plan on getting them in dark denim as well. But be warned, the sizing is all over the place depending on the wash!

http://s300.photobucket.com/al.....0skinnies/

Kyle

Veteran

What do you ladies think of these? Has anyone tried them?
http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....pid=488580