I’m thinking of rethinking jeans, my friends. Thinking of rethinking my relationship with jeans which have been a staple in my wardrobe since I was fifteen when I inherited my sister Connie’s old jeans with the flower inserts in the legs.
I wore faded jeans, a turtleneck, and a black corduroy blazer on my first (ever) date back in high school with my best friend’s older brother. He was a hunk on whom I’d had a crush for ages. We went to a movie. I was nervous and trying to look like I wasn’t. So nervous that I almost walked in front of a car on Queen Street in downtown Fredericton because I momentarily forgot which way the one-way street went, looked the wrong way, and stepped off the curb. He had to yank me back. Then in the movie theatre, I immediately spilled coke all down the front of my baby blue sweater. Oh, I was suave. Ha. But my jeans looked good, and I felt good in them. So all was not lost.
But lately I’ve not been feeling so good in my jeans. I mean, I know I’ll never look as good in jeans as I did when I was fifteen, or twenty-five, or forty-five. I don’t expect to. Anyway, it’s not so much about looking good in my jeans, as it is about feeling good in my jeans. Feeling like myself as a 69, soon to be 70 year-old, woman. I need my jeans to work for me, the me I am now.
But I’m not about to begin the Sisyphean task of shopping for new jeans. I’ve been down that road too many times.
Over the past few years, I’ve written about my search for jeans numerous times. I’ve written about skinny jeans, about white jeans, about cropped wide-leg jeans, about low-rise and high-rise, about expanding my denim horizons, and finally about giving up on my search for the one perfect pair of jeans.
Some of the jeans I’ve purchased in my pursuit of the one perfect pair have disappeared, donated probably because I eventually hated them or outgrew them. Some, like a couple of pairs of old skinny jeans, still fit but are packed away. The jeans I bought and wrote about here in 2015, I was still wearing last summer. But I think I’ll have to ditch them this year. One does need to breath in one’s jeans. And the rest are still in my closet. Waiting for me to come to terms with them and their various imperfections. Waiting for me to rethink them and decide whether I will love them or leave them.
I always begin a rethink by doing my research. This past week I read five articles in various on-line publications. All were about which jeans are trending for 2026.
In Who, What, Wear, fashion editor Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki says slim, neatly tailored jeans are emblematic of this year’s best jeans. See above: the slim boot-cut on Bella Hadid, the straight-leg as featured in Netaporter, and the slim cigarette jeans on Dakota Johnson. These are jean styles that have always warmed my denim-loving heart.
In another Who, What, Wear article, I read that denim this year is “less about extremes and more about proportion, polish, and longevity.” The author of the article, Sierra Mayhew, predicts that hugely baggy, pooling-on-the-ground jeans will be replaced by tailored, wide-leg jeans (see below, left.) That ultra-skinny skinny jeans will go away again to be replaced by the slim cigarette jean. And that barrel-leg jeans are on the wane.
Elle and Refinery 29 argue the opposite, that “exaggerated volume,” pooling hems, and embellishments are necessary for our denim to have “flair.” See above right.
Vogue enthuses that Celine’s “saran wrap look” skinny jeans are the latest thing, then appears to do an about-face and declares that big jeans have never been bigger, “with the hem on the floor required.” And then comes down firmly in the middle by saying that the “jean of the moment is the classic straight-leg.” Vogue seems to be sitting on the fence. But I’m okay with that as I love a classic straight-leg.
The denim trends this year, if these experts are to be believed, cover all the bases. Leading us to draw the conclusion that everything is trending, that we can wear whatever we want.
But we already knew that, didn’t we?
So what’s next in my task of rethinking jeans? Well, not so much rethinking jeans, as rethinking what will make me feel better in the jeans I already own. Because I am not interested in giving up on jeans. Nor am I interested in shopping for more jeans when I have so many pairs in my closet.
To wit: I have Levi’s dad jeans that are a bit too short, Levi’s men’s 511 jeans, a pair of split-hem straight-leg jeans from Zara. I have Frame boot-cut jeans, and Levi’s rib-cage wide-leg. Plus a new pair of black straight-leg jeans from Mother bought in Montreal. In my storage drawers I have jeans I’ve tucked away because I either don’t wear them much at all, or I can’t wear them in winter with my boots: Frame raw-hem straight-leg ankle jeans, Buffalo cropped mom jeans bought second-hand, white Levis 501s, and two pairs of skinny jeans.
That is a ton of jeans by anyone’s standards. How can one person have so many jeans and not be able to find an outfit that makes her feel good in her jeans? Well, you know what Kay Barron, Fashion Director with Netaporter, says? “When you look into your closet and hate everything, it’s not the clothes.”
So maybe it’s not actually the jeans. Maybe it’s just mid-winter blues. Or the fact that despite exercising as regularly as ever I’ve been feeling puffy in my clothes. Maybe I’m just bored with my wardrobe. Maybe I just need a good closet rummage. And to find a couple of new outfit combinations that will make me feel better about my jeans. And better about me in my jeans.
So that’s what I did.
This is what I came up with earlier this week.
I love this outfit, above. I’m wearing my Frame boot-cut jeans purchased the summer of 2019. I wrote a post back in 2019 about how my new boot-cut jeans, safari jacket, and basket bag outfit reminded me of what I wore in the summer of 1975. But in 2026, I’m wearing a vintage men’s Hugo Boss shirt, vintage blue Liberty scarf, and my chocolate-brown Prada ankle boots from the early 2000s with my boot-cut jeans. And in the photo on the right I’ve added my newly purchased Jacquemus tote bag and my green Max Mara coat. See how the tiny blue drop earrings I’ve had for eons match my scarf? That’s pure style serendipity.
I wore this outfit on Tuesday to run errands and take myself out for lunch. I laughed when the young girl at the cash in the restaurant glanced up at me, kind of surprised, and said, “You look so nice.” “Ah, thanks,” I replied.
And later in the week I wore the outfit below for an afternoon out with a girlfriend. Strolling, bit of vintage shopping, lots of yakking, followed by lunch at Gezellig, our favourite place in Westboro Village.
I’m wearing my ribcage, wide-leg jeans, a COS merino turtleneck bought at the COS sale in Montreal in January, black knee-high boots from Brown’s, and silver earrings and cuff.
I added my new-ish blue, “Puff Tech” down parka, bought at Uniqlo just before Christmas, brown Ray Ban sunglasses, and my brown Jacquemas tote bag. I kind of like the brown, blue, and black together.
While looking at old posts about jeans this week, I chose three outfits from last year that I plan to rewear this upcoming spring and summer. Levi’s dad jeans, with COS turtleneck, Veronica Beard blazer, and loafers with socks. White Levi’s 501 jeans, black Everlane cashmere crew neck, black Uniqlo blouson jacket, and old Cole Haan Chelsea boots. Second-hand Buffalo Mom jeans, striped oversized shirt from Nordstrom, tan basket bag, and very old, tan, square-heeled sandals.
So yeah, my friends, I’ve been rethinking jeans. Or have I?
Have I really been rethinking jeans? I mean, did I for a minute consider that I might stop wearing jeans? Not really. Jeans are such a part of my style DNA that I can’t imagine not having a pair, or six, hanging in my closet. Plus three or four pairs not in current rotation tucked away in a storage drawer.
No, I think I’ve been rethinking me in jeans. Rethinking my relationship with jeans, now that I’m not fifty, or even sixty anymore. Rethinking how to feel good in my jeans. To feel that I look like I want to look, and am still able to breathe at the same time. Ha.
I knew before I began my research that I’d not pay too much attention to the trend prognosticators. I never do. Somewhere in the myriad of articles and breathless posts about what women “need” this season, there would be something that I’d planned to wear anyway. Perhaps tweaked a little, worn with a different boot or shoe, with or without socks, with a new scarf, or a different coat, with top tucked in or worn out, or whatever.
I just needed to find the right combination that made me sigh and think, “Yes. These are my jeans. This is me in jeans now.” Not quite the same as forty years ago. Ha. As if. Or even ten. But me right now. And I needed to be in the right frame of mind to find that combination. Which may have been the problem all along. February can be dreary here in the land of ice and snow.
So, as always, you do you, my friends. If you love the “saran wrap” look of tight skinny jeans, Celine has your back. Maybe you’re a baggy jeans woman. Or a classic straight-leg with boots. Or maybe you hate jeans and always have done.
But I will say one thing. This is a great year for second-hand jean shopping. No style is off the table this year. Whatever is out there, if it fits you, and you love it, snap it up. Everything is current.
When my friend and I were browsing the other day, and I riffled through the denim section in a favourite second-hand shop, I remember saying, “This is a great year for jeans.”
And my friend countered, “A great year for women… shopping for jeans.”
Yes. Exactly. Good call, Nancy.
P.S. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking my link I will earn a commission which helps to pay for the blog. If you want to support the blog and don’t want to shop, you can always buy me a coffee. 🙂
P.P.S. I’ve been trying to find online second hand shopping sites that you might like. Two of my favourite consignment shops in Ottawa sell online. You can find one here at The Recollective. I can vouch for the quality of pieces in their store and have chatted numerous times with the friendly owners. And I will say the same about Trove Fashion in Ottawa. I bought my second-hand mom jeans at Trove.
Of course you can check on Etsy for jeans and just about anything else. My niece even bought her wedding dress on Etsy. And my friend Suzanne has a vintage shop on Etsy here. I also checked out Thred Up and Vestiaire Collective for jeans; they each have a ton of styles. I’ve heard that Vestiaire has a good reputation for pieces being what they say they are. To be honest, I know very little about Thred Up.
Let us know in the comments if you have any tales you can share about jean shopping… new, second-hand, online, or in person. Or just weigh in on whatever you are thinking about whatever. We’re here to listen.
51 thoughts on “Rethinking Jeans. Or Am I?”
you look great in all your ‘new’ outfits. i am thrilled to see that barrel jeans are on the way out. i am so tired of women who normally talk about balance and style with the clothes they buy, (looking at you trinny!) losing the run of themselves and wearing barrel jeans or pants which make them look like an extremely short cowboy who just fell off their horse. they look awful on very tall supermodels and just hideous on normal shaped people. sorry about the rant but i dislike styles which seem designed to make women go and buy new clothes they dont need and look ridiculous while doing it… rant over!
Thanks Noreen. I’m happy to get my bootcut jeans out again. And I love then with heeled boots. So that was a plus. I’ve tried barrel jeans on a couple of times just to see what they looked like on me. Laughable I’d say if my friend Debbie’s reaction is anything to go by. Ha.
So agree with you Noreen about those ridiculous barrel jeans/pants! And love the “short cowboy” description. Influencers must make big money to sell this style. What a true great rant!
Also agree about wide leg or barrel leg or whatever they want to call that style. I went through the bell bottom era and so only ordinary boot cut ever again and also rethinking my really faded look choices. Sal. Army need jean?????
I went shopping for new jeans recently as I wanted an alternative to all my old blue ones , though blue will always be my favourite . I’m very happy with the brown & coffee pairs I found but it was hard work raking through the masses of different styles available . As you say there’s every style out there right now which is good but confusing . I avoid flares or anything too baggy as I don’t have your long legs & they only worked when I wore higher heeled ankle boots with them . I don’t like that look on me now . I’m happy in a loose straight or those that taper in a little towards the ankle . Then I can show off my socks . Toast has my favourite chinos ‘ Gabi ‘ which they keep doing in different colours . I like those in the summer when denim can feel too heavy . If you’d told me over 60 years ago that I’d still be loving denims now I wouldn’t have believed you . That new bag is looking good .
I envy you your access to Toast. I’m happy you introduced them to me. I subscribed to their email list so I can get the magazine. The whole atmosphere of their site is just lovely.
The irl shopping choices in Canada are deteriorating into almost all fast fashion. It seems that our “high street” brands are not as cool as yours. I should just emigrate, but Stu might miss me. Ha.
Lordy, jeans. I have come to two conclusions on the subject – the first is that there is a reason the classic straight leg always comes back into fashion and every other fly-by-night variation has its day. It’s the best. And second – I will never look as good in jeans as I do in my head, where I see myself as a rugged cowboy after a hard day with the dogies. Instead, I am a short woman with short legs who struggles to get the damn things to fit at the waist. When I was young it was the tiny waist and round hips dilemma and now it is the no waist and gravity problem. An eternal conundrum.
I think none of us look as good in jeans as we do in our heads. My problem is the waist as well. Ball on a stick shapes like mine can be hard to dress. 🙂 Glad that you are settling into your new home, Annie.
Really enjoyed this piece this morning! I think you look very nice in all of these outfits. Very polished in fact, which is nice when you are wearing jeans. I also like the blue and brown combo.
Like you, jeans have always been central to my wardrobe given that I have long legs and narrow hips. I recall always yearning for the perfectly-fitted, boyfriend pair that “cool” girls seemed to have. I spent endless hours in vintage shops in the 80s trying to match that perfect style, usually with Levi’s.
These days I generally pair jeans with cashmere or nice shirts and scarves and can dress them up and down. I sometimes go through a period in the wintertime in which I don’t wear them much. Oddly enough, my go-to this winter has been dressy cord trousers, the latest pair an actual men’s pair from Italy with turn ups. They pair well with cashmere and blazers and can go to the office too (and are washable when salt comes my way!). I would say sort of a Margaret Howell look.
That said, I do love my jeans the rest of the year and I had also been searching around to see what the jeans trends are, in some of the same places. I like the wide-leg ones or a good slouch pair now and again, with an oversized men’s cashmere sweater, and in contrast to others here I have one dark, cropped barrel pair from COS a couple of years ago that I think look quite nice, with a tucked shirt showing the high waist. That said, most of the time I go back to what I would call more of a cigarette jean than a straight leg, but we’re splitting hairs here. I would say this is the style on Dakota J above. You look great in all of your pairs, honestly. I wore boot cut for many years in the early 2000s but never thought that was my best look. I think the taper is nice. I tried on a pair of lighter-wash jeans the other day (but didn’t buy) as you have in some of the photos here, so I must also be yearning for spring.
Enjoy playing with clothes to keep the winter blues away. Your post lifted mine a little too!
I love the Margaret Howell look. I subscribe to their emails just so I can look at their site on a regular basis. Plus the editorial content in brand emails replaces fashion magazines for me. Looking but not shopping. 🙂
Hi Sue, thanks for inspiring me to find modern ways to wear my jeans. A straight on the narrow side is my favourite silhouette so I am happy they will be trendy.
Oh, me too, Lise. A narrow jean has always been my preference. Although I wear them slightly looser than when I was younger.
There are three pairs of jeans in my closet…slightly different sizes and shapes but I hardly wear them…they are fine for standing but not fine for sitting. I am really looking for trousers that feel casual and comfortable to wear as an everyday pant. The jeans are too heavy to wear on a plane and too heavy to pack in the suitcase instead!
I find that light-weight stretch jeans are fine for travel. Probably because I don’t have anymore leggings or any more comfortable pants, I guess. Pants can definitely be problematic, can’t they?
I love jeans, in theory, and in my mind there’s a perfect pair for me, somewhere. However, I can’t find it, despite years of searching. I had to laugh at the idea of secondhand jeans shopping — if I can’t find my jeans in the hundreds of brand new pairs I’ve tried and returned, what are the odds of my finding that elusive pair in a thrift store? In fairness, I should add that I need tall sizes, which narrows the pool considerably. But, hope springs eternal, I periodically become convinced that this new style is IT and order a few pairs to try, only to return them, dejected.
I’ve not tried jeans in thrift stores, but I have found them in a consignment shop. Same with my sister who is even harder to fit than I am. But of course, it’s always hit and miss with second-hand shopping. I’ve tried shopping online for jeans once, but had to return everything, so I stick to irl shopping for pants unless I’m ordering the same size, brand, and style as one I already own.
Re-styling jeans,something I knew I wanted to do for some time,so thank you for ideas
Chocolate and blue,grey and brown colour combinations were on my horizon at the moment-actually,if I didn’t get a nasty cold,I would wear something like that to a dinner party yesterday,but it was pyjama for me instead
My favourite jeans are straight,ankle to full lenght,middle wash,although I was wearing wide,mid-raise navy and dark grey ones during the winter (with almond toe Tods ankle boots, 4 cm heel,although it seems that now they have to pair with combat boots to be current. Too bottom heavy-I’ll wear it like this only in case of ice and snow). I’ve never liked total skinny jeans,they had to be more straight at least around the ankle- so,I guess,like the new variation
Other requirements: not the lenght to the floor (“look what my jeans dragged in”- no,no and no!), not too wide (proportions….. and they are dangerous for walking for me), no Britney Spears low-waist (or any low-waist now)
I loved to see barell jeans on others but simply didn’t liked them as the trend to stay
Yay for white/light cream jeans,always!
Good news: everything is in now.
It seems that I’ll continue to wear my same three pairs (+ white ones), but have to be very creative to style them not in a boring way (although the classic,most wonderful combo: jeans, white tee,golden jewelry/and or scarf will always be my favourite!)
Dottoressa
I love my white or cream jeans too… always have done ever since the seventies, even when they were hard to find. Summer just isn’t summer for me if I don’t have white jeans. You looked awesome in your jeans the last time I saw you. 🙂
Thank you Sue! I now only need some little adjustments around my waist area :). Like Winnie The Pooh
D.
I hear you sista about the waist area.
Jeans are the mainstay of my wardrobe. I wear straight leg, high waisted jeans and find them comfortable. When the mid rise was in style I was constantly pulling them up. I do hope high rise is going nowhere, even as mid rise gains popularity.
I have jeans in light wash, dark wash and black, full length and cropped (to show off booties in the winter or to wear with fashion runners or sandals in the summer), find black dresses up nicely. I’m 72 and have no intention of parting with my beloved jeans. I feel comfortable in them. I feel like me!
Have you tried Tribal jeans? They have a hidden wide elastic waistband that snugs in nicely for a good fit and comfort. My new go to! Made in Canada for a win!
I like the look of high-rise, but my short waist doesn’t. Mid-rise suits me better, but of course it depends on the brand. I have tried Tribal jeans when I was in New Brunswick. My sister bought a pair the last time we went shopping at our fav store in Fredericton.
At 73, I still live in my jeans, but I hate shopping for them! It’s so hard to find the perfect fit for my straight up and down boyish body. I’m down to 3 pairs now and my 2 favourites are showing their age, so I’m going to have to do some dedicated jeans shopping before too long or I won’t be able to get dressed in the morning! I’m most comfortable in a classic straight-leg or bootcut style.
As Stanley Tucci says in The Devil Wears Prada… “gird your loins” Elaine before you go jeans shopping. 🙂
Absolutely LOVE the ribcage jeans and Cos top. As well as silver jewelry. You look so fresh and need to wear more blue. It really suits you. Thanks for the post. Jeans are really a challenge. I don’t think we will ever find the perfect pair. But we will keep on trying.
Thanks, Judy. That’s the first time I’ve done a fully tucked in top in years. And I was quite happy with the look.
I feel most like myself in a pair of broken in jeans. I like the structure it gives my shape and the fabric smooths over a little extra fluff. I like various washes, nearly always a straight leg or slightly boot cut style. I went up a size in jeans last year and it was the right decision. Just a little ease is more comfortable and flattering.
Incidentally, my mom wore jeans until her last days at age 86, always belted with a tucked in top. Classic and timeless.
I will think of your mum, Cathy, if I am ever tempted to think I’m getting too old for jeans. 🙂
Jeans….definitely have us over a “barrel”….. so to speak. Life is much easier in lululemons.
Ah yes. That is if one likes Lulu Lemons. 🙂
I think you have a case of the Februarys – it may be the shortest month but it seems like the longest!
By coincidence, I was out jeans shopping yesterday – white jeans season is upon us but with the weight loss my old ones are clown pants now. COS have restyled their barrel jeans (the Arch) and the new version (the Bay) is a little slimmer and sleeker, and actually looked pretty good, unlike other barrel jeans I’ve tried. I’m still on the hunt for a straight-leg pair, but at least I’m ready for warmer, dry days.
Definitely a case of the Februarys, Carol. If I could just wear shoes once in a while instead of boots, though, I’d be happy. Maybe. Ha.
I’ll be glad to see the end of barrel leg jeans. They don’t work on me and they rarely look good on anyone. It’s summer here and jeans are too hot to wear. But I’ll be back in them when things cool down. Jeans last for ages and I care less about trends than I do about comfort and pleasing myself. My favourite pair is 10 years old, too loose around the waist unless they’ve just been washed and feature a small mended patch that I repaired years ago after the left leg tore on something or other. They are my favourite denim colour (a faded mid-wash), very soft and lovely to wear.
I like the full-length barrel jeans on some people. With the right shoe they look kind of edgy. But definitely not on me.
I love your ideas for restyling how to wear, and what to wear with jeans. That’s why I follow you! I’m closer to 80 than 70 and jeans are my staple bottom layer and fortunately my weight doesn’t fluctuate a lot. I’m tall and slim – the high waist, straight leg, tall length from Reitman’s (Canada) are perfect for me in fit, style, comfort, and colour selection. And a good price point. I really don’t care if people are looking at my butt for a label or a rear pocket design identifier. And I have one favourite (bought on impulse because they were on clearance for $9.00!) dark wash, wide leg, high waist, cargo jeans that I adore!
However, I had a hip replacement last week and I can’t imagine a scenario where I’ll be wearing anything other than pyjama, lounge, relaxed yoga-fit bottoms against my scar for several months. So if I have to go out I’ll be embracing the baggier athleisure look for many weeks.
And I need to find underwear that doesn’t hurt my scar, just to add to the indignity! Fortunately I’ve been a fan of Reitman’s Hyba line for awhile so have some nice soft baggyish yoga pants for when I have to go out. Also some Costco 32 Degrees wide leg yoga pants, while all my jeans I love will have to wait.
Someone needs to blog “what to wear post hip surgery”! My sutures and staples come out tomorrow so it will be trail and error after that.
And footwear! 🙈 one foot is too swollen for anything other than the most ancient pair of fuzzy lined Crocs, which really don’t have much fuzz left. I’m also venturing out tomorrow to the hospital with no makeup which is another level of social anxiety. My doctor has already seen me with no makeup and he’s focused on a non makeup wearing part of my anatomy, but what if I run into anyone else with no makeup. The horror!
Trying hard to laugh my way through all the indignities and my little anxieties but wish I could just bewitch my way through this stage and show up in a nice pair of my favourite jeans and boots, my regular winter uniform, and with some mascara!
If this sounds like the ramblings of a woman on heavy pain medication, it just might be!
For everyday wear I want something with stretch these days. Ironically, I dig out my jeans (darker wash straights) when I want to feel a bit polished and dressed up. I usually wear them with a jacket and low heels and always feel like that’s a great look, but agree with those who note that jeans are not comfortable for travel, which limits their usefulness.
I kinda like the barrel legs, but the proportions are tricky to get right.
Loved your comment, Linda. Hope the recovery goes well… and quickly. 🙂
Thank you. It’s slow but steady. And we have a beautiful sunshiny frosty morning here today. 😎
Praise the Lord for the end of the barrel leg style! They don’t flatter anybody and look particularly costume-y on older women. As I get older myself I’m always on the lookout for my age stylistas that rock a cool look. Those that lean toward classic with a touch of quirky are my icons. I think there’s a fine line between being stylish and looking like one us trying too hard…and that line gets finer as we age.
You do look great in blue and Gezellig is da bomb. Had dinner there just last week. Duck confit to die for…not Les Fougéres but nice to know a good duck confit can be found this side of the river.
I don’t think that the barrel jean, or indeed the really baggy styles are intended to be flattering. At least not in a body-con way. Same with the slouchy looser jeans which I am beginning to love for their edginess.
P.S. I also had a particularly good duck confit last week at Working Title restaurant in Sandy Hill. Lovely.
I love all your combinations today. My trouble with jeans is that if I can get a pair to fit round the waist then I’d need another person to take up the space in my hip and thigh area!
As luck would have it I have found a chain of shops which have their own brand jeans and they seem to do three or four styles in a couple of different fabric weights and a few colours. They have elastic waists and fabric with a bit of stretch. I own a few pairs now and they are comfy and easy care. My favourites are a dark wash navy straight leg and a navy 7/8 leg. I think I have moved from trendy to comfort these days.
I hear you Kenzie. If a pair of jeans flatters my rear end, they expose the front end which is not good. Ha. Too bad all the half tuck looks are tucked in the front. Maybe I’ll try tucking in the back and hiding the front. Ha.
I often sense I’m on the younger side of your readership, as I still work almost full time. So – I rarely get to wear jeans other than on the weekend, and even then if I’m not going anywhere, I’m in sweats ;). Anyways, I did want to say how struck I was/am by your first experimental outfit. The scarf and shirt combo is outstanding – and with the coat and earrings = next level. Really chic .
I am ambivalent re : barrel jeans. I went a bit nuts last year and somehow have accumulated 5 pair in diff colours , washes, and one leopard print. They are fun to wear, sort of, but very tricky to style. They really are a summer pant , I’ve decided, as they look best with some ankle /foot exposed . I don’t typically jump on a trend with that much gusto, and I really disliked barrels the first few times I saw them. They do not make one look sophisticated or elegant, at all, which is what I’m trying for when I get dressed. I think they will be hitting the donate bag at the end of our upcoming summer if I don’t wear them much.
Ah, thanks, Lisa. I had fun putting that outfit together. Buttoning the vintage men’s shirt to the top and tying the scarf to fit under the collar was a brainwave I had after I had it on. I loved it like that. I’m so glad someone noticed. 🙂
P.S. I hated barrel jeans at first, then they grew on me… but only on other people. It’s nice to admire someone else’s look even if you know it won’t work for you, I think.
I have to say, you look fabulous in your denims, Sue and hope you continue to wear them… No joke ! They’re my go to for most of the year and I will be soon wearing them again as the weather cools down. No doubt sweater weather season is only a month or two away down here too 🙂
Oh and your first date memories made me laugh and gave me a flashback to the first disco I attended mid-winter, 1977, aged 14. I was obsessed with Charlie’s Angels, particularly Kate Jackson as Sabrina Duncan at the time. Unfortunately I didn’t have a white pantsuit like Kate’s, so I had to make do with a beige skinny rib poloneck with a thin silver necklace and pendant under a dark green velour V-neck sweater with a striped detail around the neckline ( remember those !? ) and faded blue denim flares with brown leather ankle length cowboy boots.
It was a good time with all the hits going from the late ’60s to ’77. My friends and I were beyond footsore and pooped by nights end !
Oh god… velour sweaters… I remember those. I bet you made a fabulous Sabrina, albeit a bit younger. 🙂 I still remember my roommate using the curling iron to make her hair into a replica of Farrah Fawcett’s swept back curls. She looked more like a country singer than one of Charlie’s Angels.
Memories… and who didn’t take a photo back then with couple of friends imitating the Charlie’s Angels logo !?
What a fun post Sue. I love jeans too, and as others have said I have an image of the perfect jeans out there, but it is not easy to find jeans that fit a short 62 year old body. As Steph mentioned, cords are also a great option in colder winter weather. I have some ancient straights, Levis that were a mistake in terms of fit, and I actually bought a pair of barrel legs a few months ago, and I have to admit I kind of like them! You have some great outfits there, especially the first ones with the brown shirt and vintage scarf. Those brown suede boots- beautiful.
Thanks, Alison. I would love to find a pair of cords that suit me. Still looking. 🙂
Late to the jean party. Just when I get comfortable with a style of jean it changes. I think for now I am going to stick with the style that suits best-the trouser jean. I have a pair I bought from JCrew about 4 years ago. They are the easiest to stye and the most complemented jeans I have. While I love straight leg leg jeans I can’t find a pair that I like.
I actually love barrel leg trousers and every time I wear them I get loads of compliments, although that’s not why I love them. Penny Kennedy on @mymousecottage on Instagram styles them wonderfully. I bought 2 pairs from Uniqlo last year in their Comptoir des Cotonniers range, in cord, and find them a refreshing, relaxed change from jeans. So many jeans brands – and so many I’ve never heard of! I buy mine from Seasalt. They don’t cost the earth, last well and they fit my 5ft 7 UK size 10. Crop leg/ankle grazer styles just don’t work in Scotland – I would freeze round my ankles!
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