The dish on denim: 3 alternatives to skinny jeans
The fashion world has been rumbling with predictions that it’s the end of an era for the almighty skinny jeans, which have been dominating clothing racks and closet drawers for a good decade or so. Now, the runways, retail analysts and fashion experts are sending a unified message: It’s time to loosen up, already.
Many women are ready for comfort, Wendy Liebmann, who runs New York-based research firm WSL Strategic Retail, tells Bloomberg Business. Plus, wiggling into those skinny jeans helped make our butts look smaller, and women are done “de-accentuating” their behinds, Florence Kane, founder of the denim blog Jean Stories, tells the Wall Street Journal.
So, what have we been missing out on while wearing those black skinnies like they were our uniform? Here are a few alternative styles to try on this spring, along with our top picks—all under $100 a pair. Skinnies, we’ll see you later!
Boot cut
Provided by Old Navy
These jeans sit at the hip, and have slimming superpowers through the hip and thigh with a flat front and mild flare at the cuff. They’re a great everyday style to be worn with blouses or T-shirts and are a perfect match for all your boots and booties. Bonus? They’re flattering on pretty much every body type.
Our pick: If you love the fit of these jeans, stock up in different washes, which range from the dark “rinse” to a lighter, almost indigo “acadia.” “Crater Lake “is a good, go-with anything medium wash. The Diva boot cut jeans, on sale for $18 at Old Navy
Boyfriend
Provided by Target
Tell your skinny jeans you’ve got a new lover—one who is much more relaxed. A borrowed-from-the-boys look, we love the versatility of these loose jeans that are low-waisted, relaxed through the legs and cuffed at the ankles. Pair them with pumps and a blazer for a look that’s surprising and cool or wear them with your favorite band T-shirt, colorful flats and a messy top bun for a TGIF look.
Our pick: We love the idea of this distressed, relaxed pair of jeans worn with a dressy, feminine blouse. Low-rise destructed boyfriend jeans, Target, $29.99
Flared
Provided by Free People
Not entirely ready to abandon the skinny jean trend? Make a compromise with flared jeans. They’re slim through the leg, but flare at the leg opening.
Our pick: These vintage-inspired jeans have a bit of a Boho vibe, making them the perfect denim for festival season. Free People five-pocket skinny flare, Free People, $78
