So, my skinny jeans are currently on my mind, and as simultaneously confusing as it sounds, they’re on my to-buy list AND my Kon Mari list (I gotta buy a couple new pairs, and I also have to donate all of the too-tight ones that give me grief to Goodwill).
See, I haven’t worn any other style of jeans for the last few years. Even when I was pregnant with Connor, I still wore maternity skinnies.
While some people view skinny jeans as restrictive, to me there’s something comforting about wearing close-fitting denim with a touch of stretch. Whenever I slip into mine, a vacuuming suction sound happens — ZOOOOOOP!
But if I’ve learned anything during my skinny jeans adventure over the years, it’s that all skinny jeans are not created alike. It’s REALLY hard to find the perfect ratio of stretch to denim. Plus, there are all sorts of other things to consider, like the type of wash, the pocket placement, waist style (high-waisted all the way, the way baby!), where the hems hit, and most importantly (IMHO), distressing…
OH EM GEE. You know those jeans that are purposefully light and distressed in the butt? Yeah, I don’t need a spotlight saying, “HAAAAY, CHECK OUT THIS BOO-TAY.” No thank you! But, if the jeans are perfect in every other way (rise, hem, price, etc.), I’ll consider them anyway… It’s a very complicated formula!
Anyway, I’ve been getting by on two pairs of Universal Thread jeans from Target for the last couple months, and they’ve worked out alright, but I’m still kinda frustrated because I have to keep pulling them up after they stretch out. Plus, the lighter pair is already starting to get holes.
So now I’m thinking of splurging on the high-waisted pair from LOFT pictured at the top.
Cute, right? They’re selling out fast though. Wish I’d gotten them on sale a few weeks ago, le sigh!
Skinny jeans: Do you love them or loathe theme? Details please.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I bought a couple pair of LOFT jeans from their outlet and I feel like they sag after a while! But maybe the ones from the actual store are better!
Hi Rachel,
I feel like all jeans with stretch do that to an extent, some more than others. I’ve also noticed that there’s a huge difference in quality at outlet stores. I was just thinking about this when I hit up a new Banana Republic outlet store in the mall near my house. I saw jeans at the factory store for $80 (so a little less than typical BR jeans), but they all had something a bit off about them — loose threads, odd fit, etc.
I wear Mudd High-Rise Jean Leggings from Kohl’s. Not sure if you have Kohl’s there. They’re in the juniors so I had to try them on to get the right size (I’m far from being a junior) but I’ve been wearing the same 3 pairs for about a year now and they haven’t stretched out at all. And if you catch them on sale, great price.
Hi Joyce,
Cool! We do have a Kohls. I haven’t shopped in the juniors section in years but I’ll give anything a try at least once. 🙂
haven’t been to Koh’s in a while but they do have a an amazing selection of denim there of all sizes
You’ve got to try the roadtripper jeans from Madewell! They’re so perfect in every way and they’re pretty affordable too!
Thanks, Kelsey! I’ll look them up. 🙂 There’s a Madewell store in one of the malls nearby so hopefully they’ll have them in to try.
I’m getting ready to check out old navy’s rock star jeans with the tummy slimming panels. My favorites have always been Luckys (I wear Lolita Skinny, a curvy fit). But even with luckys you have to pick the right fabric with the perfect stretch ratio. Jeans are such a quandary. I need a couple new pairs too, and I’ve been dreading the jean shopping. 🙁
Oh gosh, me too! Sometimes I think it’s worse than shopping for a swimsuit.
I am all about skinny jeans! I bought a couple of high-waist pairs from The Gap a couple of years ago and I love how they hold everything in place.
I’ve read recently that boot-cut/flares are back in style. I used wear those all the time back in the day. I feel like skinnies are more versatile because you can wear them with flats or heels. I feel like boot cuts looked best with a little bit of a heel and I used to get my pants hemmed for different heel heights. Nowadays, I’m a bit too lazy for that. 🙂
Oh boy! I loved a boot cut back in the day. TBH I’m not really looking forward to them coming back in style though, because I’m not into my pants dragging on the ground! I don’t miss that at all.
I feel the same way about them dragging on the ground. It’s funny, I did not like skinny jeans when they first came out, but now they are my go-to pick!
Speaking of back in the day, I was looking for something in my closet the other day and found my old pair of Doc Marten boots I bought back in 1996! I need to try them on to see if they still it.
OK, neither did I! They reminded me too much of the ’80s, but now I LOVE THEM. They totally keep everything in (especially the high waisted) and I never have to iron them.
Girl, do the world a favor and wear those boots!
I constantly wore skinny jeans when I was in high school, but now I like a bit of breathing room in my jeans (I normally wear straight-leg ones). When I do wear skinny jeans, though, Old Navy’s Rockstar Built-In Sculpt jeans are pretty decent. Athleta’s Sculptek skinny jeans are pricey, but they are hands-down my favorite pair of jeans that I own.
I’ve been enjoying Abercrombie Harper stretch jeans lately. I get the “low rise” but they aren’t low at all…actually feel high waisted to my 5’1″ frame but they do also have a high waisted. The black ones run smaller than the other colors. I also like J Crew Factory Rockaway jeans. So true about how important the ratio is!
Oh, definitely skinny jeans. And for me they have to be extra-long, too so that they puddle up around my ankles. Being tall it’s really hard to find them. In the old days Target sold jeans by cut, height of the rise and length but no you can only find the long length on line, meaning I can’t try them on and see how I like them. Most of the other kinds are too expensive for my budget these days but I have a couple of newer pairs that I can wear until they’re threadbare before I need to go on a quest again.
I’m petite so the only denim I wear is skinny jeans. I love the skinny jeggings from American Eagle. They’re super stretchy and comfortable to wear, but not so stretchy that they’re going to lose their shape. Plus they come in short sizes, which is a necessity for me!
I have one or two pairs of skinny jeans that I only wear when I want something I can tuck into my tall boots. I feel like I’m encased in plastic wrap when I wear skinnies. For the record I also do not like wearing workout leggings or breeches unless I have to. Give me a classic, heavy weight, straight leg or boyfriend jean with at most 2% stretch. Perfect dark denim all the way. No distressing please. I like my jeans to look neat and clean and to my eye distressing just looks like you need to toss those jeans. I guess I’m from that generation where holes in your clothes mean they’re worn out or that you’re too poor to have nice clothes. Sorry, not sorry.
P.S. I’m short too. The skinnies I like best are from Top Shop (great price and from Nordstrom so you know there is hassle free returns) and Lucky because I didn’t have to hem them and they are high waisted but not too. I also like the pair I have from KUT, but they were waaaaay more expensive and I had to have them hemmed before I could wear them. I also hated the skinnies I got during the Nordstrom sale from NYDJ. They were super tight in the thighs and loose and falling down in the waist/hip area. They also stretch out during the day as you wear them and it’s just constant and never ending pulling them up. Hope this helps you triangulate for some new jeans.
I haven’t tried the Top Shop jeans but now I’m curious. Just looked them up and there’s quite a few cute styles (and petite sizing, YAY!). Have you tried their Jamie jean? Curious to know if they stretch out much.
The Jamies I have stretch a little bit over the course of the day. But it’s more of a relaxation into a more comfortable jean. Like an easing of the sausage casing. As opposed to, “OMG, these have stretched out so much that I’m pulling them up every three seconds.” If that makes sense.
Since I ordered them on-line, I read all the sizing reviews first and then ordered two different sizes, so I could get the right size.
Love skinny jeans, as long as they’re not super-skinny. We’ve had a lot of success finding skinnies for my girls at Old Navy. And surprisingly nice ones from Walmart, of all places. I really like Lauren Conrad skinny jeans from Kohl’s. (Shockingly, they have them in plus sizes!) Mom, ever the fashion-conscious senior citizen, lol, usually wears skinnies from one of the Kohl’s brands, Sonoma I think.
Speaking of Walmart, I just found out they’re carrying premium brands online, like Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan, and Calvin Klein. Plus insanely cute shoes by Katy Perry. Whaaaat?!?
Really?! I’m always amazed by the randomness you’ll find at Walmart!
Haven’t tried the Lauren Conrad jeans, but I’ve always liked her style, so next time I’m at Kohls I’ll try some on!
I get mine at Old Navy. I’ve just recently started wearing them.
A funny FYI – my husband is not a fan. He calls them my “Robin pants”.
LOL, like Robin Hood? Or Batman and Robin?
I think he means from Batman & Robin but Robin Hood is a good one too!
Have a great weekend.
Barb
I’m definitely not a skinny jean gal! I haven’t been much of a jeans person lately but do find that a straight leg or slight boot cut is more flattering on me. I also can’t stand anything snug around my waist – skinny jeans make me feel like 10 lbs of sausage in a 5 lb casing. 🙂
I mean, I get that too. But on the flip side, skinny jeans also hold everything in?!
I’m trying on the wrong skinny jeans! And I know why, because of the rise. I think I need to adjust my attitude toward high waisted. Or maybe lose 30 lbs so everything looks good. HAHA! Kidding – I’ll be checking into my attitude. 🙂
PS TGIF. I feel like calling it quits already and it’s not even 11AM. HAHA! I hope you all have a fabulous weekend.
Hi Karen ,
I have great success w Jengjngs and I get them at Walmart for $9.99 .
They come in a myriad of colors so they come in handy for all seasons !
That’s super affordable, Michele! It must be nice to have them in so many different colors, too.
I have 3 words for you ladies that can change your lives: Home Shopping Networks! HSN, QVC and Evine… And they are all on the internet, you don’t have to spend hours in front of your tv. Just enter skinny jeans in the search box and sit back for a few hours with a glass of wine. Many designers you’ll already know, some you may not. Iman, Brooke Shields, Isaac Mizrahi, Diane Gilman… So many more. Light, dark, faded and distressed denim. Skinny, boot cut, trouser jeans and jeggings. Regular, petite and tall lengths. And special details… embroidery, lace cuffs, leather trim, metal studs, high waist, low waist. And their clearance prices are unbelievable, but you have to be quick.
Yes, I know the drawback. Not being able to try on before you buy. For me that was a no-brainer. Six years ago I moved to a little mountain community that is 20 miles to the nearest small town, it’s main shopping center is a Walmart. Next big store in town is Walgreens. If I want to drive 60 miles I can get to a Target. So shopping became a challenge. Someone suggested the shopping channels to me about 3 years ago, and my wardrobe has greatly improved in all areas since!
And…they offer installment payments!
Everything at loft is 40% off!!! Go get em ?
I’m shorter (5’3.5 yes adding the half ?) so skinny jeans and black leggings are my world. I have 2 pairs of G by Guiliana I got on HSN clearance that i love and the Top Shop Jamie on sale at Nordstrom I also like. Both stretch but keep shape& not ridiculously tight either. Boot cut i feel like a short Gumby in.
I’m with you sister! I’ve loved every pair of Loft jeans I’ve ever gotten, especially if you can catch one of their 40% off everything sales. ? I’ve been living in Levis 721s postpartum and they’re just the perfect rise for me these days. Kohls usually has a good price and they come in short lengths!
This is unrelated but I reallllly think you need this book!
https://www.popsugar.com/moms/100-Reasons-Panic-About-Being-Cat-Lady-Book-45297946
I’ve got a booty with a smaller waist and my absolute favourite are the Paige Hoxton high rise skinny jeans (ankle length cuz I’m 5’4”). Every wash I have is perfect. Pro tip: get them at Nordstrom Rack. Don’t pay full price ever. Skinny jeans all day erryday!!
Hi Karen, i remember a decade ago wearing my favorite boot cuts and being very afraid of skinnies! I recall not even knowing what shoes go with skinny jeans. Now I’m all about the skinnies and to agree with many of the comments here, because I’m only 5’1”, skinnies are an awesome choice. I have high waisted jeggings in short length from AEO and ankle length skinnies from Blank NYC. I love Madewell because they never stretch out and their service at the stores is wonderful, but lately I’m leaning towards a lower price point and have found awesome skinny jeans at Target (Wild Fable brand) and Amazon. Happy shopping!