By special request, I’m dedicating this week to exploring what in the world is going on with jeans these days. It’s likely that the jeans department of your favourite online or offline shop is a confusing muddle of too much choice. It seems that every style that was ever remotely popular over the last 10 years is available again.
For women, we can choose from flares, high-waist, boot-cut, straight leg, wide leg, trouser, skinny, super skinny, boyfriend, distressed, etc. If that were not enough, the newest kid on the block is the “slouch fit”. This sits at the natural waist but the seat is lowered and a little baggy, only to taper in again at the legs. They’re sort of like very hip denim Aladdin pants. I think it can work on the right person, but really who has time to experiment with these things? Nevertheless, the point is that too much choice is never good. What to eat for lunch is enough decision making for one day.
The situation is equally confusing in the men’s department, leading some brands to use the style name as a guide. Take Nudie’s Average Joe jean or Naked & Famous’ Skinny Guy stretch jean. The message is clear. If you’re not an average joe or a skinny guy, as the case may be, these jeans are not for you. While the introduction of designer jeans for men was a great innovation, I think we might have lost a few men along the way.
The existence of skinny jeans for men has, at the very least, informed most guys that super baggy jeans don’t really work anymore. But there may be a bit of confusion as to how skinny one should go, as evidenced by those guys who are now walking a bit funny. I’m also confused by men who have misinterpreted the look to mean tighter in the seat, even when the jeans are relaxed in the leg! I really don’t understand that one.
Despite all the choices out there, my picks for fall are easy. The most stylish choice for women this season is the higher waist slim leg jean (not too skinny). By higher waist I mean the natural waist and not the super high waist circa last year. This style is almost universally flattering and will not easily go out of style. Look for a denim that’s less stretchy in grey, black or dark blue. While super stretchy denim may be a little more comfortable, a lower stretch factor denim, in my opinion, is more structured and modern. Whatever you do, please say no to low rise. After all, it was the low-rise phenomenon that made muffin-top a household phrase.
For men, generally as a rule, one should not go skinny. The male version of the “slouch fit” style is not as Aladdin-like and may be the best bet for those who want to experiment. This style is relaxed in the seat and narrows a bit in the legs so you get best of both worlds. However, for the universally fail-safe, can’t go wrong option, stick with the straight leg. It works everywhere and on everyone.
Terry Chan is a Canadian lawyer practicing finance law in London. She writes every Friday on style and fashion, perfectly aware that the next big thing is not looking like a lawyer.