I have to admit something… I once said I would NEVER wear boyfriend jeans. Never. I mean, they’re baggy and they look like boy jeans. Why would I want to wear jeans like that?!?! Well, never say never. This spring I was looking for something to bring a little excitement to my wardrobe. I felt like I was in a style rut, and I needed something to push my style envelope a bit. So, I got over my close-minded self and ordered a bunch of boyfriend jeans. I found a pair that I love, and apparently they are THE pair that is loved by all (according to my boyfriend jean enthusiast friend)! Yay, me!
Outfit links: Top- J. Crew (similar), Jeans-Citizens of Humanity, Bracelet- Miansai, Shoes- Nike (similar here and here), Belt- old Gap scarf
Being the good student of fashion I am (ha!), I started a pin board called “How To: Boyfriend Jeans.” I started studying boyfriend jean looks and what the good outfits had in common. I also called my boyfriend jean enthusiast friend to make sure I was on the right track. Here’s what I learned:
1. Defining the waistline is critical when wearing boyfriends jeans. Otherwise, I found that I run the risk of looking like a tube. I’ve defined my waistline by doing a sloppy tuck, a tuck all the way around, wearing a belt, and wearing a shirt that hits at the waist.
2. It’s important to keep proportions in mind. I noticed that I need to own my top half when wearing boyfriend jeans. It looks best when my shirt is fitted at the shoulder (tailored), tight, or hits right at the waist. Think baggy on the bottom, fitted/tailored on top! I’ve seen a few baggy tops with baggy boyfriend jeans, and it still look darling! How did they do that? Well, the top is tucked in (defining a waistline), and they were wearing a heel (elongating)! A-ha! They were playing with proportions again!
3. My outfits look best when my boyfriend jeans hit right at my pelvic bones. I’ve been adding a belt to make sure they hit right.
4. My girlfriend and I agree that it’s best to order at least one or two sizes down. Who doesn’t like that?!? It helps achieve #3, and it keeps the jeans from looking too baggy. It also gives the jeans a bit of a feminine touch.
5. My girlfriend and I also agree that a cuff or roll is important. I’ve enjoyed playing with the length of my boyfriend jeans by cuffing or rolling them depending on my shoe. Either way it seems like a common denominator with
I’ve been having so much fun with my new boyfriend jeans! They’ve been such an exciting addition to my usual wardrobe rotation! I desperately needed something to get me out of my fashion rut. Who knew boyfriend jeans were going to be my answer?!?!
I had my husband and friends snap a few pictures of me wearing them using ALL the tricks mentioned above.
Outfit links: Top- Iris and Ink (similar) , Jeans- Citizens of Humanity, Shoes- Elaine Turner, Clutch- All Saints, Bracelet- Miansai, Necklace- Lulu DK
Outfit Links: Top- J. Crew, Jeans- Citizens of Humanity, Shoes- Pedro Garcia here and here, Belt- J. Crew, Sunglasses- Ray Ban, Bag- Rebecca Minkoff
Outfit Links: Top- Tularosa (similar), Jeans- Citizens of Humanity, Sandals- K. Jacques or Sam Edelman (similar), Bag- Gigi New York, Earrings- Gorjana, Necklace- Bony Levy (similar)
A special thanks to my husband, Kathryn, and Katie for taking my pictures! And a very special thanks to my boyfriend jean enthusiast friend, Kim W.!
Thanks for the post! Do you have a pair of boyfriend jeans that you like that does not have holes in them? I’m
Struggling with wearing my hokey jeans to some events?.
so cute!!
Oh thank you! I bought a pair of these jeans just because they are so comfortable. I kept fussing with the shirt and waist last night, unsure of how to get this just right. They look super cute on you! They also look timeless in the photos. I really like that. The sloppy tuck will happen tonight, along with leather belt and cute little shoes. Thank you!
YAY! This makes me happy!
So glad you got these jeans! I had actually put mine away for fall because I was having such a hard time trying to figure out what to pair with them. They were looking too masculine on me. I like your outfit ideas and look forward to seeing how you style them in the future.
I was in a similar situation – loving the idea of boyfriend jeans, but not ON me! I wound up finding a pair of “girlfriend” jeans (the Loft) that have the same look with proportions that work for a petite person.