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Fall’s Biggest Denim Trend: Wide Leg Jeans

Wide Leg Jeans Wide Leg Jeans Wide Leg JeansTop c/o Oak + Fort // Jeans // Boots (similar) // Bag // Lipstick

Let me just say that when it comes to fall’s biggest denim trend – wide leg jeans – I’m here for it.

I’ve never been a huge fan of skinny jeans and after purging all my jeans with stretch (go team 100% cotton!), the wide leg jean trend couldn’t be more welcomed.

There are two key differences between the wide leg jeans of the 90s/00s and the wide leg jeans today – rise and leg taper.

Rise

Obviously, most jeans nowadays are high rise (thank goodness).  While I love a high rise, I kind of feel like we’re getting a bit out of control.  A 12-inch rise just isn’t comfortable to sit down in.  But alas, the higher rise elongates the leg even more, and looks great on all body types.

The good news is that as the trend has evolved, so has the footwear.  You don’t need to wear super high heels with wide leg jeans anymore.  The higher rise gives you a lot more versatility with the shoes you pair with them.  I wear a 3-inch heel MAX nowadays.

Which brings me to the next point.

Leg taper

Remember Aliyah in her Tommy Hilfiger?  While that was a total vibe, the wide leg jeans of the 90s/00s really didn’t have much variation in leg opening from waist to hem.  It was basically just a column of denim.  Today we have the advantage of a leg taper that shapes the hips and thighs (a throwback to 70s flares).  Another fabulous feature that flatters all body types.

Here are some of my favorite wide leg jeans right now (including the ones I’m wearing).

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1947 Levi’s 501s

Levi's 1950 501sLevi's 1950 501s1947 Levi’s // Top (similar) // Heels

When it comes to denim, I’ve worn it all.

I was drawn to these 1947 Levi’s 501s because well, the history.  My purchase included a letter explaining the origin of this style.  Here are the goods:

  • 12oz Cone Mills Red Selvedge Denim
  • Two back pockets with concealed rivets
  • Big “E” single-sided Red Tab
  • “Two Horse” leather patch
  • Twin needle Arcuate
  • Watch pocket rivets returned after WWII

What makes these jeans so significant to history is they were considered a “dawn of the new era.”  After WWII, jeans became an everyday staple, and NOT just for those who worked in the trades.  The result was a slimmer silhouette and the removal of extra details like cinch and suspender buttons.

And voila, you have the 1947 Levi’s 501s.  Mine are men’s, size 29.

You can break these babies in a few ways.

One way is just to wear the heck out of them.  Another is to wear them in the bathtub – a trick I’ve done before for other jeans!  (They shrink to the perfect snug fit.)  You can also wash them, which I did here.  (They’ll shrink two sizes.)

I love experimenting with different denim styles and Men’s denim will definitely be a category I continue to dip my toe into in the future.

What are your favorite denim styles?  Have you tried Men’s jeans?

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Denim’s New Trend: Barrel Leg Jeans

Barrel Leg JeansBarrel Leg Jeans Barrel Leg JeansNaadam cashmere sweater // Levi’s barrel leg jeans // Prada mules (similar here)
Gucci sunglasses // Bottega Veneta bag

Denim trends change all the time.  And honestly, I love it.  I wear jeans more than anything else and love experimenting with different styles.

The 80s and 90s have played a huge role in the types of denim trends we’re seeing now.  Hello, Mom jeans.  We’re also moving away from skinny jeans in favor of a true straight leg.

The newest take on straight leg jeans is a high waist, cropped style that tapers at the ankle.  Barrel jeans and balloon jeans are super flattering because they elongate the legs. While skinny jeans draw attention to your hips, barrel leg jeans even out the ratio from hip to ankle.

I love the stitching and wash on this pair, but they also come in lots of other washes and colors.

If you’re looking for a more 90s inspired style, try balloon leg jeans.  These tend to be longer in length and wider through the leg, so if you have long legs, definitely give them a try (or be prepared to wear heels or platforms).  I tried these on over the weekend and adored them.  Be sure to go up one size.

Cropped sweaters and tops are an ideal pairing with these jeans because of the high waist.  I paired my Naadam cashmere sweater (on sale for $100!) with these babies (you MUST check out the brand – read my review here).

Oh, and I got a new handbag.  Teehee.

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