Are Skinny Jeans On The Way Out?

In the mid-2000s when skinny jeans started to make their comeback, I wasn’t buying in.  Tapered legs were a relic of the 1980s.  I’d lived through that hell once, now I had hips, and I was not going back.  But after a couple of years, skinny jeans were all you could buy, so I gave in and started the grail quest for a pair that looked good on a pear shape.

Now, a decade later, with denim sales dropping, Buzzfeed proclaims that skinny jeans are dying off and being replaced by the bootcut, flare, and straight leg styles of yore.  Here are my top picks in each category for women who are ready to say ‘adios’ to the skinny.

Cookie Johnson Faith Jeans ($58) // AG Harper Jeans ($172) // NYDJ Samantha Jeans ($110, also in petite) // Kut from the Kloth Stevie Jeans ($89)

Straight Leg. Not ready for a more generous leg opening?  Switch from skinny jeans or leggings to the slightly wider straight leg style.  They tend to be a bit more flattering.  Also, you can still tuck them into boots without much effort.

Tall?  Try these Gap 1969 jeans.  Looking for a lighter wash?  Try this medium wash from Lucky Brand.

Wit & Wisdom Absolution Jeans ($68) // Paige Skyline Bootcut Jean ($169) // Mavi Jeans Ashley Jean ($118) // NYDJ Billie Stretch Bootcut ($120)

Bootcut. Before the skinny styles looted and pillaged my closet, bootcut was my go to style.  It gives a pear-shaped wearer a little balance and lengthens their leg line.  They also look great with a pair of pointed-toe high heels.  For me, these are the go-to ‘casual Friday at the office’ jean.

Paige also makes a great bootcut jean called the Transcend that I’m thinking about buying in black.  I wore the hades out of my black skinnies last fall.

Petite? These AG Angelina bootcut jeans are worth a look.  Tall?  LOFT makes a bootcut jean that looks good.

J Brand High Rise Jeans ($198) // Free People Mid Rise Flares ($78) // Michael Kors Flared Jeans ($125) // ASOS Curve Bell Flare ($63)

Flare Leg. Going for a little drama in your denim, go for a flare.  The J Brand above is the classic 1970s high-waist style.  If these are a bit too wide in the leg-opening for you, try a micro-flare from Henry & Belle.

I also recommend that unless you have fairly long legs, you wear a heel with them.  They can make shorter legs look shorter.

Petite? I like the look of these Banana Republic jeans.  Tall?  These Gap Authentic Flares have drama-worthy width.