Hold on to your skinny’s!

Slim Pickings

Denim trends come and go like the wind, which is why its always good to hold on to them.  The skinny jean has been around for a few seasons now and I’ve been asked many times whether they are still on trend this fall. 

 

The answer is, absolutely!  While other styles like the wide-leg and flare jean might be jumping in front of them as the hottest trend, they are still strong.

In fact, Women’s Wear Daily reported recently that skinny jeans have officially crossed over from a trend to a classic, and they are here to stay.  Department stores were quoted as saying that they have become part of our everyday wardrobe.

You can be sure if major department stores consider the skinny to be a classic, you’ll find them in stores for a long time to come.   

 

Dark Wash

Dark wash skinny’s are the most flattering in this family.  The darker the wash, the more appropriate they are for work or evening gatherings.  Pairing a heel with the dark style is also best for a sexy sleek look.

Charlize Theron looks chic and cool with her dark skinny jeans, black pumps and classic trench. 

I also adore Zoe Saldana’s ladylike look far above where she paired hers with a preppy Chanel jacket (a great look for office Friday’s).

Pair these with heels and a pretty blouse and you’ve got a perfect look for a fun date.

 

   

Light Wash

Personally, I’m not a huge fan of light colored denim…really takes me back to a not-so-stylish time period in my life (you 30-40 something's know what I’m talking about). 

But, paired with the right top, they can work.  Cameron Diaz and Kristen Cavallari look California cool in their light wash skinny’s.

I think with these, you just have to be very careful not to look cheap, so choosing a pair that isn’t too tight and wearing with a less form fitting top are best bets.

 

 

 

 

Ankle

I love the ankle style in this jean because you can wear them with flats!  Until these came along, I didn’t own a single pair of jeans that could be worn sans heels. 

Kate Middleton looks amazing with a button down top and deck shoes with hers.  The belt really adds to the casual cool.

Ballet flats are also perfect with these.  That said, don’t be afraid to wear heels with them too  - it’ll sass em up a bit.

 

 

 

Heels

Heels are great with skinny jeans, as long as they're not too chunky or too tall and thin.  Avoid the super tall stilettos that are higher than 4-inches.  With those rules in mind, almost any heel works.

If you’re going for a sexy look, try shiny or patent heels or a shoe with an open toe or interesting cut like Rosario Dawson.

If you want a casual, stylish look, go for a great bootie.

For a delicate, feminine flair, pair them with kitten heel sandals and an empire- waist or loose fitting top.

 

 

   

Boots and Flats

I love wearing my skinny jeans with heels, but I adore wearing them with my riding boots.  When I wear these together, I feel instantly put together and ready to walk for miles.  It’s a great fall look and an excellent way to show off a great boot.

As mentioned earlier, simple flats are perfect for this style.  Try ballet flats with great details, metallic finishes, sequins, etc. 

For a classic look, wear them with printed canvas ballet flats, paired with a cardigan.

 

 

Mid- High Waist

The mid-high waist versions of this jean work best for those with a little extra around the middle.  If the rise is too low, it creates a muffin-top, so depending on how much extra weight you have in this area, a higher waist will help keep everything in. 

Worn with a longer top that isn’t fitted and these allow you to enjoy this great trend too.  

 

 

 

 

 

I like to think of myself as a “trend-adapter,” rather than a “trendsetter.”  Having just recently accepted the skinny jean trend, I needed a little time to embrace it.  But now that I have, I wear them more often than not.  They are so comfy and fit with virtually any occasion - so I truly agree that they are a wardrobe staple.  My J Brand skinny’s are the best because they have a great stretch fabric that feels almost pajama-like (no, I am NOT going to try the “as-seen-on-TV” Pajama Jeans).  I also love my AG high-waisted Farrah’s that keep it all in on the days I need it.

This girl is a big fan of the skinny.

Trends – Colored Jeans

Denim Hue

Colored jeans are one of the biggest trends for fall, but picking out the right pair to complement your look takes some work.  The style most associated with the trend is the skinny, but there are other options if these aren’t for you.  Keep trying until you find your fit.

There is a rainbow of colored denim on the market, so which to choose?Remember that this is a fad piece of clothing and not likely one that you will wear for more than a season or two.  It’s fun and now and that's exactly how you should treat it.  Instead of splurging on several pairs, I’d recommend investing in ONE really good pair that you can wear to death while they are hot.  Pick the best color for you and be sure to wear them in a variety of ways – dressing up and down.  

Not surprising, red denim is seemingly the hottest hue – especially amongst the Hollywood set like Ashley Greene and Leann Rimes, shown here sporting sexy and casual looks.  Below are two styles I found at Shopbop that I really like.    

 

Former Rachel Zoe Project star, stylist Brad Goreski, partnered with J Brand to share styling tips for colored denim – I love the way he styled this red pair. 

 

 

If red denim seems a little risqué for you, try easing into this trend with blue or green.  These shades are the closest to standard denim and may give you the confidence you need to pull off this look.   

Personally, I think the blue denim looks best paired with a sleek black jacket and heels, but I’ve also seen them paired with casual white tees and summer sandals for a chic day look.

 

 

I adore the softness of pink denim.  Whether a pale shade as seen on Rachel Bilson above, or a darker color as shown at Anthropologie to the left, there is something very romantic and sweet about them. 

I think both of these looks have an unexpected style that really works.  It reminds me to think out of the box when I’m putting things together.  If you have the style to rock colored denim, show us what you’ve got and get creative with how you wear it. 

 

For some reason, I have always been drawn to the color green.  So, I wasn’t surprised that I stopped and stared when I came across these sassy green jeans recently at Anthropologie.  The perfect shade to be paired with a chic blouse…or perhaps a white top to cheer for the Michigan State Spartans (sorry….had to). 

I was thrilled to get a few Anthro gift cards for my birthday this weekend and I just might make the splurge on these. 

 

I love the color yellow and so wish it loved me back.   While it isn’t meant for this pearly white skin, it sure sparkles on Jada Pinkett Smith.  She looks sporty cool while catching a Lakers game.

I think the Elizabeth and James cargo style skinny’s are a great alternative to the brighter yellow shade above.  These have a golden tone that offer a richness that may help extend their trend life. 

If yellow is your color, you might lean in this direction if experimenting with color.

 

 

 

Oh Fergie, the trendsetter.  Who else could get away with wearing two of the most daring trends in years - high-waisted and colored denim!  I wouldn’t recommend trying this one at home, but I will say that the patent belt helped break up this look to make it doable.  

 

So, are you sold on colored denim yet?  If you’re thinking of giving it a try,   J Brand offers a wide selection of colors and is the style you’ve seen most often on celebs.  Rag & Bone also has a great silhouette and a variety of colors.  I’ve found that the easiest place to shop for colored denim is through Shopbop, where you can search by “Colored Denim,” brand, price, etc.  You can also “heart” your favorites so you can come back later after getting through them all. (Remember to click on any of the photos in this post to link directly to the site to find them)  

Following are a few final tips on wearing colored denim:  

• Adults that typically air on the conservative side may want to avoid bright denim and opt for colors that are deeper and darker.  These shades are more likely to go with other things in your closet and may be more flattering on you. 
• Colored denim in the skinny style is a dramatic look.  If you’re not sure you’re that daring, you may want to try a less extreme look with a boot or flared leg.  This style balances out a woman's hips and behind because it doesn't come down into a tapered look. 
• Neutral colors complement colored jeans – Head to toe is too strong.