I am continuously spending money on clothes yet, I always wear the same thing. When taking a hard look into my wardrobe, I am repeatedly buying skinny jeans because the silhouette is what I feel most put-together in. Particularly when I go out on a fun date with my husband or out for dinner with friends, I tend to reach for my go-to favorite pairs (including both light and dark washes, no side and bold side seams, floral, ikat, and polka dot prints, colored, waxed, and both lightly and heavily distressed…there is not a deficit!)
I am absolutely confident that I know how to wear a skinny jean a million different ways; with all variations of tops and shoes. This confidence makes getting dressed a breeze and, skinny jeans work for all aspects of my life – playing with kids, working in a business-casual office and going-out for a night on the town. However, I would really like to have different looks that are more trendy yet still within “my style.”
Enter the boyfriend jean – so cute and stylish on others, but can I really do it? If I have plans for an evening out, will I reach for these jeans when I want to feel my best? And, how do I wear a looser jean yet still feel put-together and like myself? I posed these questions to Jenn and she challenged me with styling my boyfriend jeans several different ways: casual, business and dressy. Check out my looks below and tell me what you think about this new-to-me silhouette:
Weekend Wear: This is the easiest way for me to wear a boyfriend jean. The casual nature of the fit lends itself to a relaxed look. However, be mindful of proportions. Either wear a more slim top or tuck (as I have below) – you need to define your waist in order to avoid looking generally bigger in this looser fit.
Jeans: Madewell (worn throughout) | Shirt: J.Crew (similar) | Shoes: Sperry Top-Sider | Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs | Necklaces: Stella & Dot (2013)
Professional Style: The important thing to keep in mind when dressing these jeans up for the office is to pair them with something more conservative and/or dressy. For example, the dichotomy between the repaired jeans and a classic navy blazer paired with patent flats makes the jeans more business appropriate. Keep in mind, however, heavily distressed jeans may never see the florescent lights of the office.
Blazer: Madewell | Tee: Madewell | Shoes: Sam Edelman | Purse: Tory Burch | Necklace: J.Crew (similar)
Evening Out: This was, by far, the most difficult look for me to style. This top would usually beg to be paired with my waxed skinnies but, in an effort to stretch myself, I reached for my boyfriend jeans instead. Notice how the cinched waist of the tunic gives the outfit a more polished look rather than slouchy. And, by adding a colorful heel and structured clutch, the outfit is clearly date-night appropriate (in fact, I wore this look out to the theater the very evening these photos were taken!).
Tunic: Anthropologie | Shoes: J.Crew | Clutch: Hobo (2013) | Earrings: Lucia K
Thanks for following along as I try out boyfriend jeans! Please let me (and Jenn) know what you think of my looks. Or, share your challenges with styling these relaxed jeans.
Jacqueline {and Jenn too}
Johnd891
Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with a few pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is fantastic blog. A fantastic read. I will definitely be back. fdagfgdefefb