How Mere Mortals Wear Skinny Jeans
Ok, I know what you're thinking. Most of us aren't stick skinny and have perfect legs like Victoria Beckham or Lindsay Lohan. Don't worry, you too can wear skinny jeans. I had my reservations before buying my first pair. I was hoping the trend would fade away before having to invest in something that made me look like an inverted triangle from the waist down. However, since that time, I've found a few fun ways that mere mortals with curves & wear larger than size 00 can also wear skinny jeans.
As you can see from the picture above, these celebrities have paired their skinny jeans with flowy sweaters and tops (thus cleverly hiding the waistband/hip area). Larger tops lend balance to the upper half of the body and keeps the focus of the skinny jeans on your legs. Wearing a t-shirt or tight top only really works if you're Kate Moss.
If you have any afford to pinch an inch (or even a half inch)--and I know most of us aren't perfect like the celebs who are on strict diets and have personal trainers--avoid pairing tight tops and skinny jeans--leave that to the professionals. If I haven't already convinced you to pony up for a pair just with the simple fact that these jeans can show off your killer legs, let me ask if you've ever tried tucking your bootcut or trouser jeans into calf high or knee high boots? Or worse yet, tried to wear those high boots under your flared leg denim?
Ok, so how cute does Jessica Alba look in her skinny jeans and boots? Do you believe me yet? I'm not saying you should throw away your bootcut or trouser denim... but if you haven't already done it, just at least go try on a pair of skinny jeans that you feel comfortable in and play around with some ballet flats or some sexy knee high boots (it can be another excuse to buy new shoes and frankly... what girl doesn't
So, hopefully, you're now resolved to at least try skinny jeans... but you're not ready to plunk down $150+ on a new pair of True Religion Jeans? Well, here are some cute affordable options out there...
Start with a dark pair of skinny jeans. They are the most versatile to wear with both casual and dressier outfits. The ones above are from Hydraulic and the denim has stretch in it so they are very comfortable and hug in all the right places. ($39.99 at www.tillys.com)
After you've mastered the basic dark wash skinny, move on to other colors and washes. White denim is coming back (I know, I'm slightly scared) but if you're not quite ready for that, move on to grey wash or even black denim (Punk-rock-glam baby!!). The ones pictures above are ecoSkinnys made from organic cotton $78 from Levis and come in grey, white, black. (www.levisstore.com)
Pair your new skinny jeans with cute tops that come down past your hips and flow out at the hem. NO BANDED BOTTOM tops. Banded bottom tops just cinch you in at the waist slightly below it and you end up with the inverted triangle issue you were trying to avoid in the first place!!
The tops above are all $18-$25 at www.forever21.com. The best tops have the illusion on a waist (empire waist, tie back, tie front... etc etc). Since the bottom is flowy and loose you want to show you have some shape up top, otherwise you end up looking like a giant blob up top with two sticks coming out.
And what outfit is complete without shoes?? Ballet flats are perfect with skinny jeans. Ballet flats are dressier without having to wear painful heels. Also, I think you have to be 16 to pull off skinny jeans and flip flops, but I can be proven wrong. Go bold with your shoes. Metallic and brights are in. Be adventurous with footwear and accessories. The flats above are from Payless Shoes and Target (both under $25) . And, as mentioned before, a pair of hot knee high boots are perfect to tuck into a pair of skinnys.
Take chances and you will be rewarded.
