28 October 2022

Denim challenge: Can you find the right jeans?

Denim Challenge: Sequined top | Mother Weekender jeans | Gucci sandals | YSL Toy Puffer bag

Denim Challenge: Can you find the right jeans?

Several weeks ago, my Nordstrom 6 friends and I hosted a pop-up shop at the Downtown Seattle Nordstrom store. I got to chatting with a customer, who shared with me her denim woes (we all have them) and her difficulty finding jeans. Jokingly I said, “I’m positive I can find you a pair of jeans — are you up for trying?” I put myself up to the denim challenge by saying “I’ll bring you 5 — and I bet one will work!” Danielle was cheering us on, and was alerting the media: Susie is back in the dressing room! 😂 Well, guess what? She ended up finding two pairs that she loved, and we all had a good laugh!

When I first started out as a personal stylist, I worked out of the denim department. After several years there, I learned all about denim — inside and out — thanks to the many sales reps who shared valuable information and style tips. And, on a special Nordstrom trip to LA a couple of years ago, I met Paige from Paige Denim who shared her incredible journey — which ironically started at Nordstrom in Alaska! I’m telling you all of this because this is where my love of denim comes from, and to this day, I believe it’s the starting point of every great outfit. I think it’s better to buy fewer jeans, but make sure the ones you purchase are current, well-fitting and versatile. Since we wear them year round, they are worth every penny!

Today’s post is about 5 jeans that work for almost everyone: the brands, the fits, and more importantly, how to wear them! I hope this helps when it comes to denim purchasing online. I know it’s tricky, and you can count on me to be your trusted resource. In case you missed it, click here to read “The Secret To Buying Jeans” which I wrote last month. Have fun choosing this all-important piece!

Click here to see the Denim Challenge Reels Video, and shop the boards here and here!

 

Style inspo

 

Images via Pinterest

One of my favorite things about writing this blog is researching trends that work for you. In my opinion, it’s the easiest way to feel and look youthful and still be “age appropriate” — whatever that means! 😉 Several denim trends that will be everywhere in Winter 2023 include darker washes, wider leg denim (both cropped and full length), full length denim and flares. Check out my brand new style boards below!

 

My top 5 picks in the dressing room during the pop-up shop

As I mentioned above, I brought 5 jeans to my customer to try: Mother Hustler in black and blue, Mother Insider, Paige Cindy, and Paige Claudine. She ended up with the Mother Hustler in this blue wash AND this black wash. Mission accomplished!

Paige Cindy | Mother Hustler | Mother Insider | Paige Claudine | Mother Hustler

 

The number one denim style that works for everyone

Which denim style goes with every outfit? A slim, straight leg style! It’s the easiest update you can make, and it works for everyone … yes everyone! I’ve always been able to find a pair of jeans for my friends and clients — it’s a challenge that I really enjoy, and I usually get good results 😊

Rag & Bone blazer | Paige Cindy | Clutch | Graphic tee | Gucci sandals | Earrings

Best styles to buy: Paige Cindy, Mother Dazzler, Frame Le Sylvie Slender and Frame Le High Straight

 

Longer flare jeans are trending …

Talk about leg-lengthening! This is one of the trends I’m really excited about, and it’s back. As a matter of fact, it’s the top style pretty much everywhere. Just yesterday, I noticed the new Wonder Woman collection on the Veronica Beard website, and everything was styled around longer flare leg jeans — so chic, and I’m ready for it! Favorites include the Weekender, Frame Le High Flare and Paige Genevieve.

Theory jacket | Paige Genevieve flare jeans | Ivory sweater | Valentino scarf | Valentino bag | Earrings | Aquatalia boots

Best styles to buy: Paige Genevieve (available in petites here), Frame Le High Flare, Mother Weekender

 

Find a shade of black you love ♥️

I can’t imagine getting dressed without black denim on hand, and these days I’m wearing them non-stop. Mother brand has the wash Not Guilty, which is the perfect no-fade, solid black. Other favorites include the Dazzler, Weekender, Insider and Hustler, all in the Not Guilty wash. If you love Paige, then the new Claudine fit is super slimming, and their black wash is also really soft. For a gray, look at this one in the color Train Stops. I also spotted these new longer flares in a cool, washed black color. Stock up, you can’t go wrong!

Halogen faux leather jacket | Mother Insider | CamiNYC cami | L’Agence boot | Scarf | Clutch | Earrings

Best styles to buy: Paige Cindy – Endless Night, Mother Dazzler – Not Guilty, Mother Weekender – Thunder Road, Paige Genevieve – Black Willow

 

Cropped flare jeans

There are a handful of options when it comes to cropped flare jeans, which is great considering this style is flattering on pretty much everyone. Frame makes the cropped mini boot which is a top seller, and it comes in many color options, including coated denim (here and here). I also love the Hustler (higher rise and stretchy) and Insider (slightly slimmer in the leg, often with an uneven hem which I straighten out).

Theory jacket | Ivory sweater | Ivory jean | Gucci loafers | Gucci scarf | YSL bag | Bracelet

Best styles to buy: Mother Hustler, Mother Insider, Frame Le Crop Mini Boot, Paige Claudine

 

Full length denim

This is the trendiest style, and it’s catching on real quick! I recently purchased a pair, and I’m still playing around with styling them. I’ll share the outfits on my IG stories. I love the Frame Mini Boot, talk about slimming and leg lengthening! Try it with a nice blazer like this one and a heel.

J.Crew coat | Frame denim | Burberry scarf | Burberry bag | Loeffler Randall boots | Vince sweater

Best styles to buy: Runaway, Fidelity Lily, Frame Mini Boot

 

Coated denim

Coated denim is really a year round option, but it is particularly fun for the holiday season. They look like leather pants (in other words … elevated), and look amazing with dressier blouses, soft sweaters and literally any jacket or blazer. Or, you can dress them down with a T-shirt, sneaks and any longer coat. On my recent trips to London and NYC, I saw them everywhere. I recommend the Frame Le Crop Mini Crop (in red — so festive!), Le Sylvie High Waist Straight Leg Jeans (try them in the dark chocolate brown — it’s gorgeous), and Claudine Flare Ankle Pants by Paige (flare and coated in all in one 😉).

Sequin coat | Coated denimHandbag | Blouse | Sandals

Best styles to buy: Frame red coated, Frame Le Sylvie slender, Paige Claudine, L’Agence Selma Baby Boot

 

Thank you for reading xo

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