Skinny jeans if you have unskinny genes

Posted Sep 19th 2006 at 5:59AM by Sarah J. Gim (Subscribe to Sarah J. Gim's posts)

Filed under: Fashion, Best of the Season

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.

skinny jeans in black

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.

layers for fall

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.

Tags: cigarette jeans, drainpipe jeans, jeans, skinny jeans, stovepipe jeans

Ann 9-19-2006 @ 1:27PM

I'm going to stick with my menswear inspired wide leg pants. Skinny jeans scare me and next year they will look totally dated.

Lani 9-19-2006 @ 4:30PM

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.

Deidre 9-19-2006 @ 4:30PM

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.

katie 9-19-2006 @ 6:43PM

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!

Mary Chapel 9-20-2006 @ 10:16AM

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!

jordan 9-19-2006 @ 10:53PM

skinny jeans are the best...period.

LB 9-21-2006 @ 6:24PM

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.

wendy 9-22-2006 @ 10:08AM

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...

wendy 9-22-2006 @ 10:32AM

Skinny jeanms work woth curves if your a size 1 or 3, but after that,wear them with caution is my opinion.

Debbie 9-22-2006 @ 11:53AM

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!

Vanessa 9-23-2006 @ 6:12AM

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!!

Sarah 9-23-2006 @ 6:37AM

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!

Cindy 9-23-2006 @ 6:46AM

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!

John 9-23-2006 @ 7:10AM

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 .

k belloli 9-23-2006 @ 7:29AM

I would have liked to see photos of of "rounder" models in these "skinny" jeans.

AWS 9-23-2006 @ 7:33AM

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?

annie 9-23-2006 @ 8:05AM

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!!!

Tina 9-23-2006 @ 8:12AM

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

Carol 9-23-2006 @ 8:24AM

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!

Shar 9-23-2006 @ 8:39AM

And what about layers in 92 degree Florida? We live in shorts until the temperature drops to below 50 which may or may not happen and then just for a few days. We don't layer anything...so nix the skinny jeans.

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