5 Alternatives To The Skinny Jean!
Levi 501’s Straight Leg
One of the most popular items of clothing I am asked for help with, by my personal styling clients are jeans. Brands I would recommend and when out personal shopping an alternative to skinny jeans! For well over a decade as a nation we have been wriggling into our skinnies and I think it is definitely time for a change in silhouette. Thankfully so do the denim brands, as 2019 is the year that finally gives us a whole host of alternative jean styles to choose from.
With the environment also quite rightly in the spotlight, I have looked at brands that have taken steps to ensure better working conditions and eco friendly production. One of the main environmental concerns is the amount of water it takes to produce a pair of jeans. Look for brands that are working on conserving water – Levi is a forerunner in this field and you can never go wrong with a pair of 501’s. You can do your bit as well, by only washing your jeans when needed and not after every wear.
So with that in mind here are some new styles for you to try.
Straight Leg
The straight leg jean is my personal favourite to take over from the skinny. Make this your wear-with-everything staple. Team with trainers, tee and a trench for the day and add statement earrings and strappy sandals for a night out.
Topshop Editor jeans in blues and a mid grey wash are my go to straight leg jeans. They are designed to be a cropped fit, so if you don’t want them to be, go for a slightly longer length than normal. They sell out online everyday, but are very quickly restocked and the London Oxford Street branch always has a plentiful supply. Topshop is a member of the ‘Better Cotton Initiative’ which aims help farmers produce cotton in a more sustainable way. Levi 501’s would also be an alternative option.
All Body Shapes
Straight leg jeans are great for all figure shapes, have the support of a skinny, but give a more elongated streamlined leg shape.
@chloelovestoshop in Editor Jeans
Topshop Editor Jeans £49
Off White
The perfect alternative to tried and tested blue jeans. Wear all through the year with a tee, trench and two tone shoes for winter and with sandals and a cami for summer. & Other Stories have really gone for the off white denim jean, with my favourite being the ‘Tapered Mid Rise jean’. Made from organic non-stretch off white denim. If they feel a little snug when you first try them on, the rigid denim relaxes during the day, making them the perfect fit.
All Body Shapes
The mid-rise is considered to be the most universally flattering style, as well as the most comfortable. It sits on the hipbone and is the perfect medium – not too high and not too low.
@lydiajanethomlinson wearing & Other Stories Tapered Mid Rise Jean
& Other Stories Tapered Mid Rise Jean £59
Boyfriend
Everlane is a recently formed ethical LA brand (they ship to the UK) that believes very strongly in providing a safe, well-paid environment for their workforce. The relaxed boyfriend jean comes in 3 washes and is an easy, relaxed fit, with a roomy-yet-tapered leg. Made in non-stretch Japanese denim with a worn-in look and feel. Worth the shipping costs as this is a style you can wear for years. Wear your boyfriend jeans in a relaxed style for every day with trainers and a knit, or style with a wrap blouse and animal print heels for a dressed up look.
Slim & Athletic Body Shapes
The boyfriend works well if you’re looking to add a bit of volume and shape to your figure. For those wanting a slimming design, go for a more fitted style Like the Hush Boyfriend Jeans that have a straight cut and a higher waist to flatter the figure.
@FashionJackson Everlane Boyfriend Jean
Everlane Relaxed Boyfriend Jean $78
Flared
The flare is making a comeback in many guises as a bootcut, wide leg or cropped style.
Hand made in LA in a sweatshop free environment, jeans brand FRAME has a range that includes eco friendly fibres such as sustainably produced Modal. FRAME’s ‘Le High’ jeans are cut from stretch-denim with a flattering high-rise and a skinny leg that flares out from the knee. Style yours with a blazer, lots of gold necklaces, a tee and mules. Go cropped with 'Le Crop Mini' in stretch- black denim, with a mid-rise waist and subtle bootcut silhouette. Wear with scrappy sandals and a blouse. You can find Frame online through Net a Porter, in Harvey Nichols and Selfridges in London.
Pear & Curvy Body Shapes
Flared styles are great for balancing out pear and curvy body shapes and can really lengthen the appearance of your leg by adding heels.
FRAME Le High Flared Jeans £235
FRAME Le Crop Jean £200
All In One
Jumpsuits/boilersuits appear because they are essentially a pair of jeans, albeit with an added top half. Which is an added is a bonus for speedy dressing in the morning! A growing trend last year, that is set to be even bigger trend this year. Style blue denim with a coloured roll neck, camel coat and brown boots for colder months and wear pastel denim jumpsuits with sandals and statement earrings spring through to summer.
Ganni have a great jumpsuit in 3 colours: black with contrast white topstitching, blue denim and pale pink. That would work dressed up or down by changing footwear and accessories. Ganni statement on their website states that their main focus is on reducing their carbon footprint, by reducing their carbon emissions.
Ganni Jumpsuits £290
Jumpsuits
Jumpsuits can look great on any figure; it is all about find the right combination of details, leg fit and colour. Dress up with heels and down with trainers. Always a great not too much effort on trend look.
Personal Styling & Shopping Services
If you would like style and body shape advice before trying to find a jumpsuit or to find the perfect pair of jeans when out shopping, don’t hesitate to get in touch
Thank you for reading!
Lisa
