There are so many denim choices out there that when I wrote my first review of "Flared denim" two weeks ago, I didn't think four pairs of denim was enough to make comparisons. And even with adding these few more to consider, there's still a sea of brands and cuts in many different shades of blue, black and white. But we've got to start somewhere. I chose to review bootcut and flared jeans, since we're seeing a rise in their popularity again this Fall. I also chose a bit lower price point than the jeans I reviewed in the last post.
Remember, just because a brand works for one person doesn't mean it will work for another. Our bodies are unique, one-of-a-kinds, and that is why there are so many denim brands out there. I truly believe jeans are as personal in fit as shopping for swimwear. But, when we find our go-to brands that tend to fit us well, the search gets a bit easier.
I pick up a new pair of jeans every Fall but, if you haven't updated your denim in awhile, I suggest a good refresh every five years. Denim is a staple that we can wear from toddlerhood to beyond retirement. As our bodies change and evolve over time so we need to let our denim evolve with us; it's best to let the old denim go and freshen our looks.
I am a consistent size 8 and that is what I ordered all these jeans in. I have a mom tummy and I am straight like a board; I have no curve indent for a waistline. I'm an "Apple" shape.
One thing great about bootcut jeans is their versatility; they can be worn with heels, boots or flats. I love pairing them with sneakers. Length is important though, we want the hem to graze the top of our shoes.
I love the way bootcut jeans look on my legs but, for the curvy girl, bootcuts flatter their hips.
1. DKNY JEANS
Price: $79.00
Where: Macy's
Comments: I felt I needed a little less waist to wear these comfortably. The high-rise was a tad too high for my body and I felt my "mom tummy" wasn't camouflaged enough. But, they would be a great option for those of you with long torsos and have more curve than me. Worth a try!
2. Democracy
Price: $44.97 (marked down)
Where: Nordstrom Rack
Comments: I love the feel of these jeans. I've got a couple other pairs of Democracy jeans that I purchased when Nordstrom carried them. Because I'm straight from waist to hip, I have to wear belts or my pants just keep sliding down. It's annoying! But, the Democracy brand denim has thick, heavy duty elastic inside the waistbands that hold them up. For the first time in my life these allow me to wear jeans without a belt. Hallelujah! I love the look of the leg and the dark denim gives a slimming appearance. I'm keeping these! (And for this price, I don't have to think twice!)
3. PAIGE
Price: $99.60 (marked down from $249.00)
Where: Nordstrom
Comments: Oh, what to say? These are definitely meant for a curvier body shape than I have. They are a 32 inseam (way too long for me). The waist was tight and the legs were too full. These are simply meant for women with hips, thighs and a smaller waist.
4. SPANX
Price: $148.00
Where: Nordstrom
Comments: These do not have a zipper or waist button or pockets; it's all seams for looks. There is a two-inch waistband of elastic on the inside of the denim of 91% cotton, 7% polyester, 2% Lycra® elastane. I was surprised there wasn't more Lycra in these because "Woah" they felt like I was wearing a girdle. They looked GREAT but, I think I like breathing more than this pulled in look. They are sized from XS=0 to 3x=26W-28W; I tried a size Medium. If I went a size up, the knees would have had too much fabric. I did debate about keeping these because, they did look good but, whenever I wear body shape wear, I feel ill after an hour or so. I think these could give that same feeling.
Once again, I think these would fit a curvier girl better than me.
5. LEVI'S
Price: $69.50
Where: Macy's
Comments: This does not surprise me. These are my favorites. Levi's have always been a go-to brand for me. They just fit my shape better than most. It's easy to find a fit in Levi's for me. I pulled these off the shelf and didn't realize that I had pulled an "8 short". But, I like them. They will be the perfect length with a sneaker or flats. I won't need to hem them. And...I like the way they look on my bum! That's always important. These are keepers!
I'm pleased with the jeans I'm keeping (The Democracy pair and the Levi's). They ended up being better priced and were the ones I liked the fit and comfortable feel.
Maybe a bootcut or flare jean aren't your thing. That's okay. Know that when you find something that fits your shape well, nobody will notice if you're wearing what the current trend is, they will just notice how polished you look. And...that's the goal.
Happy Wardrobing!
Twin Cities Wardrobe Stylist Kathy Banta