I know you’re not going to believe this, but this is the same sweater in both photos! I swear! But the way I am wearing it- it looks totally different. This cute sweater has little buttons & button holes on the sides to wear it wrapped, and I love it! It reminds me of something I would have worn to ballet class when I was little.
Paired with these super casual jeans and dressy shoes- I have a cute outfit! You may recall that these jeans were actually in my ‘before’ photo the other day. But then after doing all my jeans research, I realized that this wide bootleg cropped look is actually in style! Yeah! Lesson learned- don’t ever get rid of your jeans- they will eventually come back into fashion.
In order to make them look current, I just have to be careful with how I style them and what shoes I wear.
These gorgeous snakeskin pointy toed sling backs are perfect, they make the jeans look trendy and modern. I also replaced the high neck white shirt from the before photo to a tank- which is much less matronly.
This title may be a bit ambitious, but my sweet (and fashionable) sister, Kara asked me to do a post on what tops to wear with different styles of jeans. So, after doing a ton of research, here are my findings. Hint: grab a cup of coffee… this is going to be a LONG post!
I’m going to start with wide leg jeans- since 1. that is what I’m wearing today 2. they are totally back in style 3. you may be wondering what the heck to wear with them.
I’ve worn these once before, paired with a cute striped top as seen here. Today, I’m pairing them with a black camisole and a VERY old blazer. Seriously, I think my 17 year old was an infant when I bought this at White House, Black Market. But, after all these years I still love it. It has that classic, Chanel inspired look that will never go out of style.
I decided I needed a long necklace with this top, so I threw this on one.
In my before photo, I paired it with a blouse that is oversize and a jacket that was too baggy for this style of jeans and clunky boots. The trick with wide leg jeans is balance. Since you are big on bottom, keep the top somewhat fitted or simple. My cropped jacket doesn’t overwhelm the pants. You don’t want to look like this photo below. While she looks comfy, it’s also a messy look.
photo cred: whowhatwear.com
I would say with wide leg jeans or pants, do not wear peplum, tunics or oversize tops. Unless you are super skinny, avoid long jackets. Stick to slim tops, or a fitted blouse. Off the shoulder top is popular with wide pants. Or a striped sailor shirt with boatneck collar would be cute. Try a tank or plain fitted v neck shirt (like I did today). Shoes really matter here- think heels, pointy toe or very minimal tennis shoes like Converse or Superga. Below are some inspiration outfits for you to consider.
I love the scarf as a belt. Cute, simple white top keeps everything in balance.
I love the simple tank with these jeans. And the shoes. Gorgeous! photo cred: Stylecaster.com
I always love stripes- and the off the shoulder look is lovely. Shoes are fun in the bright yellow! photo cred: katie considers.com
Now let’s talk about skinny jeans- since you all know they are my favorite! One of the nice things about skinny jeans is you can basically wear anything with them! They are so versatile.
An oversize sweater (or tunic), skinny jeans and booties is a great, casual look! Jackets and blazers over a tank or camisole look cute with skinny jeans. A long cardigan over t shirt works, or consider a statement blouse or button down shirt. Be sure to add a skinny belt. Another option is a boxy blouse to create a little shape on top. As for shoes, try neutral sandals, or pointy toed heels look gorgeous. Ballet shoes work as well. For a more casual look, wear simple tennis shoes. Below are some inspiration outfits I found on Pinterest.
Here are 2 great tops with skinny jeans- a button down blouse or a boxy blouse. Notice the neutral shoes. Photo cred: Gorgeautiful.com
Here is a date night look with skinny jeans. Love the off the shoulder top and the pink heels. Very glamorous! photo cred: miamiamine.com
Moving on to cropped jeans! Cropped jeans can be a skinny cut, a wide leg cut, or a straight leg. As with skinny jeans, any top works with cropped. Cropped straight leg cut is a good alternative to the skinny- they are still dressy, but better for many figures.With cropped jeans, it’s all about the shoes! Ankle boots, flat sandals, tennis shoes, ballet flats, pointy heels. Anything goes!
A camisole, blazer and skinny cropped jeans is a very classic look. And again with the neutral heels. Photo cred: SydneStyle.com
Boyfriend jeans are a must have for most fashionistas (although truthfully, I’m still trying to find some that I love). Boyfriend jeans are usually really faded, distressed with holes at the knees. They fit somewhat baggy, but have a straight leg. They are often rolled at the cuff. For date night, pair with a super feminine top and heels. Otherwise, pair with t shirt or fitted sweater and tennis shoes or ballet flats. Try a crew neck sweater and loafers. A graphic t and blazer would be a super cute outfit. Below are some inspiration photos:
I love the plain black t shirt, the ripped jeans and the espadrilles. Such an easy, but stylish look. photo cred: femalemag.com.my
Here she has paired boyfriend jeans with a cute t shirt and duster cardigan and heels. This is a fun way to wear them. photo cred: FashionTasty.com
Here is a good date night or girls night out look- a black camisole, white blazer and black pointy toed heels. photo cred: http://makeoverly.com/boyfriend-jeans/
This is a cute casual boyfriend/ straight leg look. Graphic t shirt, blazer and tennis shoes. photo cred: Mykindofsweet.com
Making it’s way back into style is the bootleg cut. I do not own bootleg jeans, but now think I may need to get some! They are a great jean for a curvy figure. With bootleg jeans, try an off the shoulder top, or something somewhat fitted. One rule with bootleg is always wear heels, boots or wedges! No flats! For an edgy look, try a graphic t shirt and a bohemian cardigan. Or for a classic look, a button down blouse tucked in with a wide belt. Add a cropped jacket to show off your waist. Or maybe a flowy blouse- but not too flowy (no Seinfield references!) Remember, the jeans are the main attraction in this case. The top should be understated and not compete with jeans. No oversize sweater!
This flowy blouse is perfect. photo cred: Collection201.nl
Here she is wearing a simple grey shirt and a cute blazer with the sleeves rolled up and boots.
One of the things I noticed in my research is that you can wear basically anything with jeans! There aren’t any rules- just go with what you think feels and looks right. But try to think about proportions, big on bottom = small on top and vice versa. Remember, darker denim is dressier, so for a casual look- for for a washed or faded color. For evening out, go for a dark wash or black jeans. And in my opinion, white jeans are in style year round.
That’s all I’ve got for you today. I’ve got to get to work (teaching 4th grade today)! Wish me luck… and please comment with your favorite style of jeans and what you like to pair them with.
There is a great style blog called Ain’t No Mom Jeans– I love checking it out from time to time. It’s amazing how something basic and simple as a pair of jeans can really change your look.
The jeans I am wearing on the right I bought at the Goodwill for a Halloween costume- but they are so bad, I decided to show them today so that you can see a side by side comparison of what a difference jeans can make.
It’s not helping that I tucked my tank in- but I wanted you to be able to see the 18 inch rise and the elastic waistband. That’s not all that’s bad though- the color is awful (acid wash is not my favorite) and the baggy- yet gathered at the ankle- style isn’t flattering. The one nice thing I can say about these jeans is that they were so comfy!!!
Luckily, the jeans on the left are also comfy- and a lot more stylish. The dark wash is much better- the cut is slimmer (but not too tight) and the slight flare at the ankle is a great alternative to the boot leg cut. Paired with pointy heels and this cute blazer- I’m ready for work!
If you haven’t already- do a personal jeans assessment. Are your jeans dated? When did you buy them? Are they still ‘in style’? If you think you need new ones- there are lots of great options in lots of price ranges. Shop around and try on lots and lots of different pairs/ styles/ brands… My favorites are Madewell, CABi, Old Navy, James Jeans.
Today I’m showing this cute painter’s smock blouse worn 2 ways- both of which I think look really cute.
On the right I have paired it with bootleg jeans- tucked it in and added a leopard print belt. Since this picture was taken last spring, I’m wearing open toed wedge sandals. For the Fall I would chose wedge boots.
On the left is today’s version- here I have opted for skinny jeans. I left the blouse un-tucked and added this cool statement necklace. For my shoes I chose my snakeskin heels.
Both outfits work for different reasons. On the right my legs look a longer- but then again the look on the left seems more ‘current’.
I’ve decided I’m sticking with the untucked- just cause it’s so comfy!
Have a great weekend and I’ll see you all Monday!
This top is actually faux silk- I got it at H&M
I apologize- this picture is blurry. Something seems to be wrong with my camera (I’m sure it’s user error!).
Top: H&M, Jeans: Anthropologie (on left), Nordstrom (Paige Premium Denim) on right, Shoes: DSW, Necklace: Stella and Dot, Leopard Belt: Target
One of the things I love about the cooler weather is that you can dress in layers. This outfit is a good example of that. It started off with a pair of bootleg jeans and a plain v neck sweater… but that alone is just too boring.
So, I added a layer. I added a purple tank under the sweater, and added a necklace on top.
But that wasn’t enough so then I added this cool jacket over that- and voila- a layered and interesting outfit.
So easy…
Layer 1- add a tank underneath and a necklace on top
Layer 2- to complete the look, the jacket ties all the colors in and adds texture
I’ve had lots of readers ask me about bootleg jeans- so here they are! They honestly aren’t my favorite style- but for work they can be a nice substitute for trousers. Notice I wore them with a heel, which is a must with bootleg!
If you’ve been paying attention to fashion you’ll notice that polka dots are a huge trend right now.
For some reason I just can’t seem to join in on the craze. Part of it is that I haven’t found anything polka dot that really worked for me- and looked appropriate on a 41 year old.
Then I found this cute cardigan at Target. It’s a very subtle polka dot pattern. In fact, from the photos you can barely even see them.
Which in my mind is perfect. Sometimes, I’d rather be a bit subtle than scream ‘trendy’.
On the right I’ve paired this cardigan with my old faded jeans. It looks ok, but not very polished. My closed toe shoes are also a bit off- being that it’s summer!
On the left I now have on my dark blue bootleg jeans. These are almost like dress pants- they really don’t look like jeans. For my shoes, I’ve switched out the black pumps for snakeskin wedges. Finally, I added a cute necklace to follow my ‘rule of 3’.
Pretty simple and easy changes- but they make a big difference.
Happy Monday. Go check out my friends on Monday Mingle!
Although I don’t wear this style often, I do love my bootleg jeans. They are a great alternative to my skinny jeans- plus they make my legs look really long (just be sure to pair them with heels)!
Today I decided to pair my jeans with a cute new blazer I just picked up.
I was super excited when I found this one on the clearance rack at Kohl’s for $12. It’s got everything I would want- it’s a soft jersey cotton, has stripes and also has a peplum- which is very on trend right now.
To keep the look light and ‘springy’ I’ve paired it with this bright tank and open toed sandals. It’s a lot better than the look on the right- yet achieves the same effect of layering- jeans, shirt, sweater (or blazer).
I just love this look of denim on denim, it looks effortlessly cool and chic. However, no matter how hard I try, she still seems so much more glamourous than me. Maybe it’s her hair?
As per usual, I just had to show you how even denim on denim can really go wrong.
Below you will see an attempt that shouldn’t need any explanation! But I’ll tell you anyway… the denims are too similar, and by leaving the shirt untucked, it’s just a solid mass of blue. I also have the shirt buttoned up way to high, making it look matronly. Finally, the square toe boots are outdated and add nothing (as opposed to the pointy toe snakeskin heels worn above).
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This version of denim on denim is anything but cool!
Everyday Mom Style 