Back to Basics (aka Remembering How To Style Non-Skinny Jeans)
Last weekend I started phase two of my own closet turnover. Phase one was the end of August where I established a transition wardrobe by pulling out everything that was so obviously summer. I put the shorts away, but not my natural white denim. Never having been one to abide by the “no white after Labor Day” rule, this was not unusual. However the difference this year was that I was not feeling inclined to wear my skinnies. After wearing Mother’s The Rascal Ankle Snippet in Whipping the Cream for the last three months, I needed to find fall’s version of what had become an important staple in my wardrobe.
I posted my latest and favorite pair of new denim on my Instagram on September 1st and have been wearing them religiously all month. Straight-cut denim is nowhere near as foreign a concept as skinnies were when they first hit the scene with JBrand in 2008. Remember when bootcut was all the rage? I can’t begin to tell you how many times I recall hearing, “I only wear bootcut jeans. They balance out my figure,” while attempting to introduce this new style that looked as though it would only fit a 13 year old. Women would outwardly laugh at me as if I were out of my mind to think they would wear such body-hugging denim. Now I can only appreciate the irony of weening women off a trend that was very challenging to have them embrace nearly 10 years ago. Being on the front lines of this cult phenomenon, I remember quite clearly the resistance of wearing a pant that was so snug all over. But young and old, curvy and straight, plus-sized and petite have all succumbed to skinnies.
Spring 2017 introduced more options in denim and pants in general. Wider leg openings, frayed hems, exaggerated cuffs, high waists….there are so many choices. Now there is even a “slim boyfriend” which acts like a bridge between a straight and a boyfriend. Basically, adding anything that is not tight to the calf is a progressive denim statement. I’ve encouraged clients to explore these styles in order to extend value to their existing wardrobe. Changing one simple aspect of our style, such as adding a straight cut pair of denim to our rotation, keeps us dynamic. It doesn’t hurt that this is the easiest and most universally flattering cut for men and women alike either. Straight-cut denim is the same width at the knee as it is at the ankle and touted as the most classic of cuts in denim. Finding the perfect balance in the leg can be proportionately beneficial, whatever styles you choose.
Simple changes in denim will reinvent your sweaters, giving you a new overall silhouette. Introducing higher-waisted denim can also allow for sweaters that hit at the hip and offer the illusion of a longer leg. Bridging last year’s pieces with these newer silhouettes is a natural progression of style. What I’ve come to realize in my career as a stylist is that many of us are averse to change but change is continuously occurring in our lives. The good news is that these denim styles may be the easiest adjustment into fall yet!
To be perfectly clear, I am not claiming that skinnies are unofficially over. I am suggesting that it may be time to introduce something new that is complimentary to your shape, offers more comfort, and is rooted in classicism. Imagine that!
Tips on how to style the non-skinny…
This is a style that won’t take an over the knee or high boot, so skinnies will always prevail for these types of footwear. But with a slightly wider leg, you can pair with a heel or a bootie easily. Shown here with a block heel Oxford and nude heel, you can flip the hem to show more ankle, implementing my skin-to-fabric ratio!
Citizens of Humanity Emmerson Slim Boy-Friend in Blue Ridge, $218 at The Shoe Hive
Shown here with a “Nudist” type of heel, this is a longer straight-leg version and looks sleek with a heel; not for flats.
Mother Rascal in Coffee, Tea or Me, $215 at The Hive
Shown with a slip-on for a casual look…
Current Elliott The Fling in Bolero, $248 at The Hive
This slight flare works well for short booties, slip-ons, and sneakers! Once you need to wear a sock, you can wear a taller suede boot that fits under the flare, covering the ankle completely.
Rag & Bone Hana in Bedford, $210 at The Hive
