Fashion is cyclical, and the pendulum seems to be swinging away from our beloved skinny jeans. The fashion world seems ready to relegate skinny jeans to the back of the closet with Juicy tracksuits, cold-shoulder tops, and jelly sandals. But, not so fast! Skinny jeans will always be, fashionable maybe just not fashion-forward.
Straight Leg vs. Bootcut Denim
This season two denim styles seem ready to rumble for the top trend of 2020: straight leg & bootcut denim. I live in denim, so I see no reason why we all just can’t get along. There is room in my closet for both (and skinny jeans too). Adding one of these newer denim styles to your wardrobe will expand your styling opportunities by like a thousand (definitely a mathematically calculation).
Really, they aren’t that new. Flare jeans have been around before, but after years of skinny jean dominance, these two styles feel downright fresh. I know. I know. It is hard to step out of the comfort zone. But let me show you how easy it is to swap your regular denim for one of these fresh alternatives.
The Underdog Bootcut Denim
In this article, I will be tackling bootcut or flare jeans. I think this style will end up taking second place, so I decided to tackle it first. It’s my root for the underdog spirit. The first time boot-cut or bell-bottom jeans hit the scene was during another tumultuous time in our history – the 1960’s. They sprung up amongst the counter culture of hippies and protests of the Viet Nam war.
Bootcut denim had a resurgence during the ’90s with low-waisted denim, long lengths, and destroyed hems that we couldn’t help but step on. How completely impractical in wet climates. But just as I think I will never give up my skinnies, I thought I would never give up my low-rise jeans, yet here I am shocked at how low the rises I used to wear were. Seriously! What were we thinking?
The fresh crop of bootcut jeans features mid to high rise waists, and inseams that are long, short or cropped. There is truly a pair for everyone. I prefer long bootcut denim or intentionally cropped because of my height. That middle-length that hits around the ankle looks like I am wearing floods or high waters. For this article, I am sticking with my favorite pair of bootcut jeans from AG Jeans.
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Bootcut Denim Outfit Ideas
Bootcut Denim + Button-Down Shirt + Pointy Toe Boots
Classic button-down shirts are having a major fashion moment this year. I am working on another post on my favorite shirt brand. Pair your favorite classic button-down with your boot-cut jeans and booties. I like pointy toe boots with bootcut denim. It elongates the leg. I am wearing a modest heel boot of about 2.5 inches. Honestly, I never go much higher because comfort is king in my life and any higher, and I am pushing 6ft tall. This look has an effortless pulled together nature that works for every day, whether at work or play.
Outfit Details
Grayson Shirt // Grayson makes modern shirting for women and how they live. The quality is impeccable, and they have several fun patterns along with the traditional stripes and plaids. I love this one so much. I bought it in the reverse too.
AG denim// AG Jeans are some of my favorites. They consistently make wearable styles that flatter all women. These are the Angel bootcut, which features a mid-rise and are available in a ton of different denim washes.
Boots (Similar) // Mine are old, old Via Spiga. I like the Sam Edelman I linked as an update for 2020 and a more comfortable, walkable heel.
Bootcut Denim + Black Turtle Neck + Leather Jacket + Suede Booties
Add a turtleneck to bootcut jeans, and you instantly give off that cool, 70’s vibe. I added a leather jacket in an unexpected color and suede round toe booties. This look would be better with a modern square toe bootie, but I haven’t found the right pair yet. I’ll let you know when I do. The heel on this bootie is only about 1.5 inches. It still works with my jeans.
Outfit Details
Black Turtleneck // The Supersoft Yarn Turtleneck from J.Crew is a bit thick for layering under most fitted jackets. It works with this leather jacket because it is a tad oversized. I also wear this with my cashmere turtleneck and BlankNCY Suede Jacket, which is much more fitted.
Madewell Leather Jacket // I’ve had the black version of this jacket for years. This year Madewell introduced the Burnt Sienna color, and it is on-trend. The lighter color will work through Summer. Am I the only one who gets funny about wearing black leather come summer?
AG denim// AG Jeans are some of my favorites. They consistently make wearable styles that flatter all women. These are the Angel bootcut, which features a mid-rise and are available in a ton of different denim washes.
Boots (similar) // My boots are old Cole Haan, but I have several rag & bone boots that I like better.
Purse // A fun souvenir from our trip to Italy. Purchased at the Gucci Store in Rome. Trying to convince my husband to go back again soon. He is fearful of what other mementos I might want to pick up.
Bootcut Denim + Graphic Tee + Leather Jacket + Sneakers
Swap your skinny jeans for bootcut denim for a concert or day of running errands. I am wearing the same jeans in every photo, and they work with heel heights from flat to 2.5-inch heels. The key is to find or hem your jeans to graze the floor when barefoot. If I regularly wore higher heels, I would have two pair and hem one pair as suggested and one longer for the higher heel. I prefer my bootcut denim to hide most of my shoes.
Outfit Details
Tee // Anine Bing makes quality tees. I love that this one is a little less stiff than her other tees, making it feel like your favorite t-shirt from back in the day.
Leather Jacket // rag & bone is one of my favorite brands. This leather jacket is an update to my Madewell jacket I have loved and worn for years. BTW – I size up in all of my jackets. I am wearing a Large. I like the option to layer a sweater underneath, and I hate for my sleeves to feel too short.
AG denim// AG Jeans are some of my favorites. They consistently make wearable styles that flatter all women. These are the Angel bootcut, which features a mid-rise and are available in a ton of different denim washes.
Golden Goose Sneakers // People ask all the time if GG Sneakers are worth it. The answer is a resounding YES! They come in so many fabulous styles. The distressing means no stress about scuffs, and they have an internal wedge that makes them crazy comfortable, especially for those of us who can’t wear flat shoes because of foot issues.
Bootcut Denim + Oversized Sweater + Booties
Leopard Sweater (similar) // My Topshop sweater is from last season, but I love the mock neck on the one I linked. A full turtleneck feels strangling in such a thick fabric, especially when a hot flash hits. I like to wear my oversized sweaters with a half-tuck, but you can wear it straight as well. The key is to wear a sweater that even if bulky hangs straight, not flared. This snake pattern is another Topshop option. Topshop is an excellent brand for picking up trendier pieces at reasonable prices. They will last one or two seasons, and then you can donate.
AG denim// AG Jeans are some of my favorites. They consistently make wearable styles that flatter all women. These are the Angel bootcut, which features a mid-rise and are available in a ton of different denim washes.
Bootcut Denim + Boho Top + Clog Boots (Hell Yes!)
Bootcut denim begs for you to go all-in on the bohemian vibe. Leaning in on boho vibe makes this style denim especially great for spring and summer. Pair your favorite bootcut jeans with a loose, patterned or lace top. I am wearing Patricia Nash clog boots, which I love because, as I said, I am a child of the 70’s and comfort is king in my life. It also may be a result of growing up in Santa Barbara, where clogs never really go out of style.
Bootcut denim dresses up well. Add a feminine blouse and some strappy sandals for a girls night out or date night with your significant other. Black bootcut denim looks like trousers without the dry clean expense.
Outfit Details
Top 1 (similar) // Anthropologie Boho green top I picked up last summer. Love the tummy hiding loose silhouette, which isn’t too long to be unflattering. Anthro is my go-to shop for unique blouses. I am currently eyeing this one and this one.
Top 2 // Another Anthropologie Peasant top that surprised me how much I love it. I wrote a whole post about this Insta-famous, flattering top. Check it out here.
AG denim// AG Jeans are some of my favorites. They consistently make wearable styles that flatter all women. These are the Angel bootcut, which features a mid-rise and are available in a ton of different denim washes.
Clogs Boots // What goes together better than bootcut denim + clogs? Maybe only peanut butter & jelly. These Patricia Nash boots are so beyond comfortable. I will admit, I cut off the ridiculous tassel that made a sound when I stepped. Otherwise, these boots are clog perfection!
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