Oh, the bruhaha! Gen Z declared skinny jeans, a side part, and certain emojis a sign that you are officially old. They were talking to Millenials, but the shot rang out loud and clear, and even the Gen X crowd found themselves checked. The thing is, we Gen X ladies heard the sound but decided to ignore the shot.
The truth is skinny jeans aren’t going anywhere. So don’t despair. But maybe take this as an opportunity to step out of your skinny jeans comfort zone and try a new pair. Gen Z has firmly decided on skater jeans or oversized “dad jeans,” but we already did that back in the 90s. The trend looks best with crop tops, so not exactly midlife friendly.
Instead, consider swapping your skinny jeans for bootcut denim or flare jeans. Bootcut jeans flare slightly at the ankle. They are leg-lengthening and universally flattering. They are on-trend for 2020 and so easy to style. Let me show you how.
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Styling Bootcut Jeans
Outfit Inspiration #1: Bootcut Jeans + Sweater + Boots
Bootcut jeans make a statement. So it is easy to build outfits around your favorite pair. For this post, I am wearing the AG Angel Bootcut Jeans. The light wash is perfect for the season. I love AG Jeans. The quality is consistent, and they are always comfortable. My AG jeans are the ones I wear on a plane or sitting somewhere for hours.
For a quick and classic outfit, add your favorite cashmere sweater. Below I have added the J.Crew Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater in tan. To add interest, I added a leopard belt and booties also from J.Crew.
In the second picture, I used the same outfit formula, this time with a cashmere turtleneck. My boots are from Aquatalia Tilly Weatherproof boot, currently over 70% off at Nordstrom Rack. I have them in grey, and I am seriously considering them in black. They have the perfect stacked walking heel.
Outfit Inspiration #2: Bootcut Jeans + Button-Up Shirt + Sweater or Vest
Another quick and easy outfit formula includes adding a button-up shirt to your favorite cardigan or vest. Below I added a grey grandpa-style cardigan to a slim stripe shirt. In the spring, you can add sandals or loafers to this outfit for a different look. My grey sweater is no longer available, but I have been coveting this Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan from Jenni Kayne. If you sign up for her mailing list, you get 15% off your first purchase. It is definitely enticing.
In the bottom photo, I added a Zara Vest to my Madewell Classic Oversized Shirt. Vests are hot for spring. Check back soon for a post dedicated to how to style a vest. The Zara vest below has a fun zip collar you can wear open or zipped up into a turtleneck style. It is a warm vest made of acrylic fibers. Perfect for the in-between weather of spring. I like Zara for extra trendy pieces. They are reasonably priced and always on-trend.
Outfit Inspiration #3: Bootcut Jeans + Top + Shacket or Blazer
Bootcut jeans look great with a blazer or jacket. The flared hem balances the size of the blazer. First, I added the winter of 2021 must-have item – a shacket to my turtleneck outfit from above. The jacket is the Walton Shacket in Colleton Plaid from Madewell. It is a thick brushed boulcé fabric with a quilted lining. It is really too warm for every day here in Socal, but it is 25% off for Madewell Insiders right now.
I actually ordered a couple of plaid shackets to try and ended up keeping the BB Dakota Plaid Shirt Jacket. It is more of a thick shirt weight than the Madewell jacket. I will get more wear out of it in our mild climate.
Another favorite outfit combo of mine is adding a blazer over your favorite graphic tee. It is one of my go-to outfits all year round. I wear this regularly with skinny jeans, but I decided to mix it up by adding my flares. I love this look. You can make it more dressy by adding heels or sandals, but I chose to wear this outfit with my rag & bone lug sole boots from last year. It is more of an everyday casual look.
Related: A Quick & Easy Outfit Formula
Outfit Inspiration #4: Bootcut Jeans + Top + Boots
Bootcut jeans are perfect for the warmer months. They don’t cling like skinny jeans, making them a cooler option for hot weather. When it is warm, add your favorite top to your skinny jeans. Below I added a new graphic tee from The Great. I am obsessed with the soft, slouchy cotton of all their tees. In summer I will wear this exact outfit with sandals. So easy. So stylish.
You can really add any top to a pair of flare jeans. Below I added a knit top with a dressy sleeve and boots for a great date night look. I also styled the bootcut jeans with a voluminous sleeve blouse from Anthropologie. A pair of flared jeans work well with a top with oversized anything (sleeves, shoulders, etc.). The only tops I would avoid are overly long, like a babydoll top or anything that could give your jeans a costumey look like a 70s style boho top. But if that is your jam. Go for it. Fashion is meant to be a form of self-expression.
Flare jeans are just the wardrobe pick-me-up we all need. They feel fresh and modern and ready for a return to everyday life. Honestly, as I write this, I am thinking of all the ways I will wear bootcut jeans this spring. I can’t wait to try them with other outfits I usually wear with skinny jeans. I also can’t wait to get back to normal life.
We Hear You Gen Z
No Gen Z kid is going to tell me what is or isn’t in fashion (except maybe my daughter). However, I hear what they are saying. Don’t get stuck in a rut. That is how you look old. Find elements of trends that work for you and incorporate them into your existing wardrobe. That way, your style is always evolving. If you are a regular reader of fashion blogs, I assume you enjoy trying new trends. So consider a pair of bootcut or flare jeans and give your skinny jeans a much-needed break.
I would love it if you followed me on Instagram for my everyday outfits or on Pinterest for my fashion inspiration. StyleDahlia is a fashion and lifestyle website with a modern take on midlife. We hope to inspire you to step out of your comfort zone, try new things, and live your life in full bloom.
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