For as long as I can remember (okay, since about 8th grade), I have been a devoted skinny jean wearer. If the jeans even slightly left space between my ankle and fabric, they were a no-go.
I thought I’d be the one clutching my skinny jeans so tight I’d lose circulation in my hand. I thought I’d never see the day where anything but skinny jeans would grace my legs. And yet, I think I now own more non-skinny jeans than I do skinny, and that’s kind of great. The versatility of skinny jeans is there, for obvious reasons, but don’t discredit a boyfriend jean or cropped kick flare from giving you confidence. Denim is an easily moldable medium, something that can transition with every mood or environment, and it’s time to stop playing one note and sticking to your skinnies.
Here are 9 pairs of non-skinny jeans that will work with anything you own and deserve a place in your wardrobe just as much as those skinnies.
One Teaspoon ‘Awesome’ Distressed Jeans (Shopbop, $149)
Distressed boyfriend-style jeans will never not be a cool girl’s go-to, but skip the cuff and go for a cropped hem and super-light wash.
Zara Denim Jeans (Zara, $20)
I’m a sucker for a good kick flare and these babies are on sale for less than a fancy cocktail at an NYC bar.
James Jeans Plus Neo Beau Z Classic Boyfriend Jean (Bloomingdale’s, $185)
A good way to update the “classic” boyfriend jean is to go black. They can be dressed up with pumps, or down with a pair of Converse.
Aries ‘Norm’ Taped Straight Leg Jeans (Nordstrom, $132.58)
Go straight for the street style in these ‘ 90s-influenced patchworks (and glitter-tape) cropped mid-rise jeans.
Rayner Wide-Leg Jean (J.Crew,$138)
Liek culottes, but not. These trouser style jeans are high-waisted and have a deep, black wash, so they’re perfect for those office-to-drinks kinds of days.
KUT from the Kloth ‘Chrissy’ Stretch Flare Leg Jeans (Nordstrom, $66)
If these are the perfect wide-leg jean, I don’t know what are. The dark, consistent wash is a high-end style without spending a high-end price.
Levi’s 501® Jeans (Bloomingdale’s, $58.80)
This color is called “Fog Line” and it’s the best way to go for a lighter wash but still feel edgy and upscale.
Denim Culottes (Forever 21, $24.90)
Culottes are still going to be big throughout the spring, and these are the perfect pair to transition with.
Premium Flare Denim Trousers (Mango, $120)
If you’re looking for the perfect work-appropriate pair of jeans, well I’ve found what you’ve been looking for.