Skinny jeans if you have unskinny genes
| Posted Sep 19th 2006 5:59AM by Sarah J. Gim
Filed under: Casual wear
All right, you vowed that you'd never go back down into the basement and revive your fashion flops from the era of '80s glam rock, but you can't avoid it now. Skinny jeans are everywhere. Sure, they look great on waifish models, rail-thin celebrities, and skeletal rock stars, but what about us normal, curvaceous people who hear the word "skinny" and fear for our basic nutrition? Can we pull off skinny jeans without looking as if we've stuffed our legs into sausage casings? Better yet, can we actually fit into skinny jeans?!?! Of course. They're not called "skinny jeans" because they're reserved for skinny people. They're called "skinny jeans" because they're narrow, and in fact, when it's done right, skinny jeans can even have a slimming effect on any silhouette.
First, make sure you get the right jeans. The old adage "black is slimming" should be your mantra when looking for skinny jeans. You don't necessarily have to go with black denim, but stay with dark blue washes. Additionally, "skinny" doesn't necessarily mean you are wearing denim leggings. "Skinny" just means that the bottom of the leg isn't flared. Certainly, you can wear jeans that are skin tight, but even slight tapering at the ankle or a very narrow straight leg is considered "skinny." It may seem counter-intuitive, but a lot of lycra and spandex is not a good idea for skinny jeans. Stiffer denim will help to "hold you in," if you know what I mean.
Now that we've got the right jeans, how to pull together a complete look? The key is a top that has volume to balance the bottom, as well as length to cover your bottom as well. Lucky for us, many shape trends for this fall lend themselves to pairing with skinny jeans: voluminous sleeves, layering, vests, chunky knits, tunic tops and belts.
Big sleeves are big for fall -- think 'Pirates of the Caribbean,' minus the skulls and swords, and you'll have it - dolman sleeves (the kind with armholes that reach to the waist, like a batwing), kimono-style, and sleeves with big puffs at the wrist, like an inverted leg-of-mutton sleeve.
Layering during the colder seasons is a no-brainer, but this fall, layers go long, longer and short. It's especially easy to do with vests as the new hotness. Start with a long white shirt, button up a little menwear-inspired vest, then throw on a big slouchy cardigan sweater and belt it. Trenchcoats are also great as the final outer layer.And if you're still unsure about skinny jeans, scrap jeans altogether and go for regular pants. Wide-leg, menswear inspired trousers are totally fabulous for fall, too.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 13)
9-19-2006 @ 1:27PM
Ann said...
I'm going to stick with my menswear inspired wide leg pants. Skinny jeans scare me and next year they will look totally dated.
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9-19-2006 @ 4:30PM
Lani said...
I love following new trends... but sometimes I don't buy into them. I'll have to agree with Ann on this and nix the skinny jeans look.
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9-19-2006 @ 4:30PM
Deidre said...
I would also recommend wearing skinny jeans with taller boots if you are not super slim in the legs because it cuts down on the "drumstick leg" effect and balances out the silhouette.
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9-19-2006 @ 6:43PM
katie said...
If skiny jeans aren't just for those who are waif thin, why give us photos of waif thin models wearing them? Let's be honenst. Skiny jeans are meant for women with long legs and no hips. Until I see a flattering photo of an average sized women strutting skinny jeans, I'm stearing clear!
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9-19-2006 @ 10:53PM
jordan said...
skinny jeans are the best...period.
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9-20-2006 @ 10:16AM
Mary Chapel said...
Rule is if you have worn it before, don't do it a second time. No to skinny jeans and the layered look! Will always love bootleg jeans!
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9-21-2006 @ 6:24PM
LB said...
I'm a 14/16 but tallish with only average to long legs (I don't need tall inseams) and I look great in my OldNavy skinny jeans. I was totally amazed! but do try on a pair even if you are not a waif. I admit I'm not pear shaped,more hourglass, but with the right tops, I am loving it and I have been getting compliments. Do try on a pair.
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9-22-2006 @ 10:08AM
wendy said...
I have mixed feelibs about the skinny jean. I really feel you should be fairly thin to wear them, but its also important to take heed on where you wear them. I was too thin and I wore them well, but I gained my weight to where I should be and I find having thighs just don't cut it in those type of jeans. Curves work, but only if your a size 1-3...
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9-22-2006 @ 10:32AM
wendy said...
Skinny jeanms work woth curves if your a size 1 or 3, but after that,wear them with caution is my opinion.
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9-22-2006 @ 11:53AM
Debbie said...
When will we ever learn that "trends" are introduced each year to sell clothing! Wear what looks good on your body and don't be a slave to "trendy"! I will be wearing my boot cut jeans this year ... how 'bout you!
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9-23-2006 @ 6:12AM
Vanessa said...
i think skinny jeans look really good! but i couldnt even get them on when i tried a pair on! im not big or anything at all..im a size 5 and i dont even know what they look like on me because the small pant legs dont fit over my calves!!
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9-23-2006 @ 6:37AM
Sarah said...
Katie is absolutely, right on. If you want to title this "Skinny jeans if you have unskinny genes" then please, go ahead and show us some pictures of "unskinny" models. The ones you show are... rail thin. You want to go ahead and try to cater to a specific "genre", if you will, then do it fully. Not a good job on your part there. That's all. :o) Carry on!
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9-23-2006 @ 6:46AM
Cindy said...
I was very excited to see the line "skinny jeans for the not so skinny." However, once again, you show those of us who aren't skinny how great skinny women look in the styles you featured. The fashion industy needs to show women a more realistic picture of what the hottest new styles will look on most women; we all know how great the skinny women will look!
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9-23-2006 @ 7:10AM
John said...
gang banger pants with boxershorts hanging out have been worn by males for too long. boot cut would be a nice compromise for males . some women look good in "Skinny jeans" others look good in spandex stretch but heavy girls should wear something more flattering to a fuller figure .
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9-23-2006 @ 7:29AM
k belloli said...
I would have liked to see photos of of "rounder" models in these "skinny" jeans.
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9-23-2006 @ 7:33AM
AWS said...
So what's a 5'0" size 10, pear shape, thunder thighs girl to do? Skinny Jeans? Layered looks? How do I not look like I can roll down the street?
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9-23-2006 @ 8:05AM
annie said...
Look, if you wanna look like you did 20 years ago, do skinny jeans. I personally like to progress past-been there, done that. For those who have not done skinny jeans in the past 25 years- GO FOR IT.....I loved mine back then, but please that was 20# ago. It took way too much courage to finally break over and buy "bell bottoms" in early 2000...not switching again!!!
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9-23-2006 @ 8:12AM
Tina said...
I cannot believe these are coming back. The thought makes me ill. I will stick with my wide legged, hip rider, sexy jeans and say No Way to the skinny jeans. That whole wide on the top skinny on the bottom look is just horrible and should stay in 1985.Next thing you know they will bring back the stone washed look
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9-23-2006 @ 8:24AM
Carol said...
People who have the negative comments about the skinny jeans havent tried them on. I didn't think I'd like them, but look great in them. I didn't think I'd care for layering, but this fall, it works well without added bulk. Its a great look to transition from warm to cool and days where you see warm and cool in the same 24 hours. I'm wearing a loose open sweater from BEBE over a camisole. Comfortable and hot!
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9-23-2006 @ 8:27AM
Jo said...
I tried the tummy tuck jeans, notyourdaughter'sjeans/ skinnies, because I read that they make you look slimmer, etc. Think of a girdle. Now, take a closed tube of tooth paste and squeeze from the bottom. Where does the paste go? To the top of the tube. And that's exactly what happens to the extra skin and fat when you put on these girdle like jeans...your waist balloons out about 4 inches. No thanks. This regular lady likes regular jeans. I'm sure I'd turn heads if I wore these little jeans. But just because people are staring, doesn't mean they are thinking complimentary thoughts. Get real!!! LOL
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