Fall Denim Edit
I have been planning my fall wardrobe to a rather obsessive degree. Last fall, I felt a little bit lost. I played around with silhouettes. I did the Toteme high-rise barrel jeans. I went for it with the really oversized wide leg jeans. I am proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new things, but I just didn’t feel like ME. It was the ultimate pendulum swung. Skinny jeans were declared “out,” and rather than trying out something more classic, I was like “okay cool, I’m in on all new shapes!”
I did it. I tried barrel jeans (also, here!). They gave me a stomachache. I tried wide leg jeans. They just felt off. Again, I’m proud of myself for trying so much new (especially after what… ten, twelve years of skinny jeans being the norm) but I didn’t feel like myself. If you’re not comfortable and/or feel self-conscious, you are not going to have fun. And if you’re not having fun, what’s the point?
Here are some of the things I learned from last year’s denim adventure.
- I don’t mind a wide leg, but have to show a little ankle or the proportions feel off to me (on my body).
- Barrel jeans are not for me, same goes for anything that comes with a rise that goes up to my rib cage. Ouch. A part of me loved the stomach flattening capabilities, but mostly I felt really uncomfy.
- I really love the look of a long, straight leg jean with a mid-height heel.
- When in doubt… when the trends feel like they are just too much… a return to the classics is in order.
Shopbop is running their denim event this week. This is the perfect time to invest in new denim as they have so many fantastic styles and silhouettes. Plus a ton of great styling advice and inspiration. In preparation I ordered a LOT of denim. A lot got sent back but I kept the winners. Read on for my favorites, and see below for some outfit inspiration. I am very into vests as shirts, sweaters over shoulders, and cashmere t-shirts.
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Crewneck Sweaterover the shouldersI love a classic crewneck always but right now wearing one over the shoulders (even over a light trench!) is the move.Shop -
Button Down ShirtclassicAlways a classic, I can’t get enough.Shop
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Cropped FlaresI love these – they are super stretchy and comfy, and just the right length!Shop
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Pinch Waist JeansLove. I had these in a lighter wash but love the darker wash and frayed hem.Shop
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Straight Leg Jeansnew favThese are such a splurge but they are everything. Absolutely love them.Shop
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Crop JeansEasy and fun. These are a super stretchy, comfy wash, making them great for travel.Shop
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Tailored Vestlove!I LOVE this vest. I was having a hard time with this trend but these are perfect. I love the higher neck. I wear the size 6.Shop
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Wide Leg JeansThese are fantastic. SUPER comfortable thanks to a bit of stretch. Again, wide leg works, as long as there’s a bit of ankle left!Shop
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LoafersA fun accompaniment for denim, especially anything cropped. Will be cute with a fun sock too.Shop
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ClogsLeft over from last year, I do just love a clog!Shop
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Ballet Flatsgreat shapeThese are fantastic. Very current silhouette.Shop
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Birk ClogsSo freaking comfy. Just love a birk!Shop
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BlazerThis was more of an investment piece but the fit is phenom and it has a nice longer length. Size up!Shop
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Tee 2 PackThese are GREAT tees. Size up, I wear a large in this brand and find that it fits like a small medium.Shop
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Pistola JeansI love these. Just slouchy enough, but again… ankles!Shop
Some Outfit Ideas….
Vince Vest, Nili Lotan Jeans, See by Chloe Platforms
White Button Down (similar), Grey Sweater (similar), Mother Jeans, Gucci Loafers
Madewell Button Down, Pistola Jeans, The Row Sandals
Lisa Yang Cashmere Tee, Favorite Daughter Jeans, Khaite Flats (also here, here, and here), Etsy Bag, Celine Sunglasses
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These all look fabulous on you! I am tall and I feel like all of these wide leg styles look like clown pants on me. I have had some success with Madewell straight leg and cropped flares. Honestly, I am just waiting on skinny jeans to come back in style again, because I can’t seem to give them up. LOL.
Thank you! I know, I agree — have you tried a more cropped wide leg? That seems to be my best bet. (not sure how tall you are but I’m 5’8)
I am 5’10. I was actually just looking at cropped wide leg options in the links you shared. I’ll give it a shot. Yay for free returns! Haha.
Let me know how it goes! Since you’re a little taller than me I think they’ll look even cuter!!
Really appreciate the styling tips! I also appreciate the Madewell is giving $50 for their denim recycling right now so some errors I made last year exploring new silhouettes can contribute to a new pair this season 🙂
Amen to that!
I was clinging to skinny jeans with all my might until very recently when I made the switch to “slim” jeans that hit above the ankle bone. I’ve decided they are much breezier and cooler to wear in the hot months, which I love, but I still struggle with pairing boots in the winter. I end up back in skinny jeans just because I don’t want to go out and buy a new pair of expensive, slender/sock style ankle boots–and I detest pleather. The fashion INDUSTRY plays with us this way, making our investment boots obsolete. Plus, I hear you on the high-waisted discomfort! Fine to stand in, but my ribs hurt when I have to sit. The struggle is real and I’m glad to know I’m not alone.
I love that ! I know, they really do play with us. So frustrating!
Thank you for the inspiration! Did the Nili Lotans run true to size?
Thank you, Kim
Yes, they do!