On a recent visit to my hairdresser, I heard that side parts and skinny jeans are officially “dead” (as decreed by Gen Z). Well, my side part and skinny jeans are hear to tell you that is a personal choice. Wear what you’re comfortable in and what you feel you look good in. This is my philosophy now and always. If you feel good, if you like what you see in the mirror, your whole mood will lift, you will shine and smile bright. And that is pure beauty.
However, if we’re talking about the latest trends… middle parts and straight jeans are what is on display. Now, you can still buy your skinny jeans at your favorite retailer. I understand that trends can take some getting used to. And maybe you feel you’re not quite ready yet to make the switch. (You’re not alone - still seeing plenty of skinny jeans out there.) If you’re sick of your skinny jeans and ready to try something new, there is plenty to choose from.
I normally don’t post about denim because I find it incredibly personal. Denim is the furthest you can get from one size fits all (no disrespect to the Traveling Pants). And the denim industry is forever innovating, adjusting and changing everything about the jeans we wear. Whether it’s the pockets, the fabric, the fly, the cut, the length, the list goes on and on. Believe it or not denim styles are fluid and we are at the mercy of the designers to find what looks good on our bottom half.
If you find that purchasing a new pair of jeans is overwhelming for you, you are not alone! It’s an incredibly painful and frustrating process for so many women. I recall being a teenager and dragging at least 10+ pairs of jeans into a dressing room and then having to come out and get more. I think the only reason I don’t do that anymore is because I don’t have the time. But one lesson I have walked away with is that I don’t need to be so hard on myself. I can have more fun with my clothes and wear what I like instead of only what’s trendy.
With that in mind, I will share what works for me and the styles I am currently loving to offer some inspiration for your wardrobe. I purchased the below pair of jeans from J.Crew last fall. These 9" demi-boot crop jeans are so flattering and fun. I was looking for something a little different and this pair delivers. I like the button fly detail and boot cut style in a crop length. The crop length works particularly well for me as I am petite and find that I always need to have jeans hemmed. Bonus: these jeans are available in petite and tall!
If a boot cut style is not for you, I also found a flattering straight leg option at J. Crew. These are the 9” vintage straight leg jean in Rinse wash. These jeans offer a little more classic look that will pair easily in your wardrobe. This slightly higher waist line is comfortable and supportive and totally on trend.
Whatever your preference when it comes to denim, look for what makes you smile. It might be the most comfortable fit or the most flattering or both! One of the best aspect of today’s denim is that it is available in endless fits, styles & colors. You can pick a boyfriend denim in a light wash in a petite size. You can pick a curvy fit in a cropped length in a dark wash. Mix and match all you please until you find your perfect combination. If all these choices seem overwhelming, start with what you love most about your current jeans and go from there. Change what doesn’t work for you. Shop from a retailer that you are already familiar with so you know what to expect from their product. And don’t forget that some of the best jeans we’ve owned are “broken in” so give it time and good luck!