Style File: Jessica {Skinny Jeans}


I got an email from Jessica last week. She was hoping for a little help.

My name is Jessica. I've been following and enjoying your blog for a year now. Now, I need your help.

This is the thing:

I am 35 years old and a TOTAL pear shape. I am a 8-10 on the bottom and small-medium on top. I am self conscious about my larger rear end. And I feel like I'm at the point where I have to start making sure I'm not dressing too young. So my issue?

Skinny jeans.

I know they are everywhere. I know they are what's in style. I don't feel like they are the best look for my body but I have been wearing them in the winter with long cardigans and boots over and feel pretty good about them when I've got them all covered up.

Now...what do I about spring/summer? [...]


My advice to her was to buy slim straight leg jeans. They still offer the same tailored look, without calling as much attention the the hips. My favorite pair around right now are these Ann Taylor's:


They were on sale for just $39.99 (Orig. $88). They have since sold out.

Here are a few other straight leg denim options:


1 - Colorwashed Jeans - Spiegel - $39.99 (Orig. $69.00)
2 - Manhattan Wash Modern Slim Jeans - Dillard's - $35.70 (Orig. $59.50)
3 - Modern Straight Leg Denim Pants - Ann Taylor - $39.99 (Orig. $85.00)

I think if your proportions lean toward being lower figured (not sure? click here to find out), you should keep a few things in mind.
-Dark wash jeans will minimize hips and legs.
-Avoid washes with fading or whiskering, as they will draw attention to your lower half.

And, lastly I will say this about pear shaped women wearing slim cut jeans. If you do not feel confident and attractive in this style, don't wear it! Sometimes, all it takes is carrying yourself as though you are the most beautiful woman in the room. In Nina Garcia's book, Little Black Book of Style, she says,

"I marvel at a six-foot tall woman in stilettos, a big bottom woman in a curve hugging skirt, a flat chested woman in a tight, low-cut t-shirt. When a woman embraces her imperfections, they can become her greatest strengths, definers of her character and spirit."

I will continue with Jessica's style file next week.

What do you think of skinny jeans? Are you lower figured and rock this style? Leave a comment!
Thanks for reading,

Happy Shopping!

{If you are interested in hiring me as a personal style consultant, email me for rates}

12 comments:

  1. I say embrace your curves! I am a 40 year old hour-glass figure & I hated it growing up. Nothing fit my hips & waist at the same time. Now that jeans sit lower I don't have that issue. As far as skinny jeans go for summer, you can still wear a long shirt or a crochet cardigan to hide the trouble spot & look stylish.

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  2. See, and I say it is perfectly acceptable to "just say no" when it comes to trends like this. I am 36 and similarly proportioned - and short (5') on top of it all. I have tried on some skinny jeans and concluded that they just don't look good on me. Similarly, I avoid tunic tops (they cover up my best parts - my tiny top and middle), leggings, shoes with ankle straps, and other similar trends. However, I am loving dresses, high heel sandals, nude shoes, and statement necklaces as they all emphasize my good points. There are a LOT of trends out there, the key is to pick and choose the ones that flatter you!

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  3. Hmm, I agree with you pushing her towards more of a straight cut jean. I can definitely wear the skinny jeans as far my body because I have a small bottom side and skinny legs and narrow hips, and I'm still in my 20's, but choose not to because I don't feel comfortable in them. I do however like straight leg jeans instead, or for summer, I do have a couple of pairs of the skinny jeans that are cropped,so I will wear those.
    It's all about comfort. Absoloutely do not wear something your not comfortable in, because even if you think they are what's in style, your attitude and confidence level when wearing them is what will show...

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  4. i've seen them on everyone from a 12 to a 2. there isn't a magic size that they look right on. i believe that it is ALL about the pairing of other items, that either rocks them....or not.

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  5. I am a recent subscriber to your blog, and I love it. I am so glad you posted this b/c I have wondered the same thing about the skinny jeans. I am thankful for an alternative. Love your blog!!!

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  6. I think this is one of your best posts yet. I agree with the straight leg being more flattering than the skinny jean and being confident is super important!

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  7. Yes! I agree with your analysis and the comments. I decided skinny jeans weren't for me, even though I could probably pull them off. I love my straight leg Levi's (dark wash, mid rise). For summer they are great with a cute sandal and a tunic top. Did you like Nina's book? It's on my list to read.

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  8. @amydear - I liked the first half of Nina's book, and then I got bored. And a little annoyed on her proclamation that toe cleavage is not necessary (when your shoes show the beginning of your toes). My favorite shoes shoe a little toe.

    Anyway. I think it's worth a browse, but I wasn't knocked off my feet.

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  9. Good quote from the book! This was a good post!

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  10. Just wanted to say, I just found your blog and I am loving it! Thanks so much for sharing your ideas and style. I have been wanting to improve my wardrobe but can't stand spending too much on myself. I love your great finds and I'm inspired by your style and the outfits you put together. Thanks!

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  11. I am a super short moderately "shaped" girl. I rock the skinny jeans, but I usually wear black ones! That way they are dark and slimming. Also, I try not to wear them with flats. I always wear some type of heel.

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  12. Thanks so much for posting this. Your email was helpful--I totally bought the Ann Taylor jeans. I'm loving the comments, too. It makes me feel better that I'm not completely out of style if I decide to skip skinnies! Thanks so much Madeline

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