I Heart a Boyfriend Jean

Boyfriend jeans are not a new trend. In fact they have been a key look for quite some time now. Unfortunately I am ashamed to admit it has taken me THIS long , to finally figure out how to wear these bad boys. As a long time devotee of the skinny jeans club, I could not get my head around a baggy jean. See skinny jeans can be dressed up and dressed down. They elongate the leg and if in the correct size, I think can be flattering on many body types. To me, a boyfriend jean just felt, well, daggy. I purchased a pair and returned said pair many times before I finally committed. I would stand in front of the mirror, feeling like Brenda from 90210, (in a bad way) and really struggled to find the cute factor in this fashion trend. The best way to describe how I felt is pure frump. I finally resigned myself with the thinking of that maybe they are not for me.

Fast forward several months and I was performing my ritual of buying a boyfriend jean and returning it, when something happened. I finally got it. The fuss, the obsession, it all became clear to me, it was as if the penny had just dropped. Ahh Boyfriend Jeans! I find it hilarious that after all of that anguish and uncertainty, I now own two pairs because they are on such a high rotation in my wardrobe, one just wasn't cutting it. Now that I am finally seeing the light, I wanted to share some tips on styling a boyfriend jean, because they really are that good and this trend is not going anywhere in a hurry.

1. Don't listen to anything a boyfriend, brother or any man in general may say to you. This is one of those man repelling trends and they just don't get it. Maybe don't wear them on a first date...

2. ALWAYS roll the cuff. Boyfriend jeans completely unrolled is an express ticket to Frumpster Town. Do yourself a favour and show some ankle.

3. Pretty much any top goes. This is one situation where wearing the opposite volumes on your top and bottom half need not apply. A flowy top will work with a boyfriend jean. I love pairing my boyfriend jeans with a silk tee or tank for an easy take on luxe casual chic.

4. Heels are perfect with this look. The juxtaposition of something so pretty and delicate with something so distressed and baggy just works. I like strappy sandals or a pointed tow shoe in particular. A clog also works well here.

5. Flats can also work for a pared back look. Think volleys rather than ballet flats.

I think it is also worth noting that the boyfriend jean I am loving is from Dotti. They are the right amount of distressed and baggy without being too OTT. Cameo also do a great one.

I hope the above was somewhat helpful. Trust me when I say, once you discover the magic of a boyfriend jean you will wonder where they have been all of your life. ....really! For more inspiration on how to wear a boyfriend jean, Ashley from Ring My Bell has some great posts, as does Tash and Elle from They All Hate Us. Check them out.


Jen xox