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Original poster

Making bootleg jeans look less than tragic

98 replies

ocelot41 · 31/08/2014 15:30

Good women of Mumsnet, please help! Although slim ish (12-14) I am also shortish ( 5 4") busty and irredeemably thunderous of thigh and bootcuts are the only jeans I can get to fit me. But in flats I look just...dumpy...mumsy...DULL. Help me? Would boots with wedges look OK? Is there ANY way to make bootcuts look OK or am I doomed to the outer circle of style hell?

OP posts:
AggressiveBunting · 01/09/2014 07:25

I think the key to bootcut is length. The reason they get a bad press is people wear them too short with heels so that they swing around their ankles with the full heel on display rather than break over the boot and cover most of the heel. A nice dark wash/ mid wash lowish-rise slim bootcut with wedged shoes or boots looks very good IMO.

However, I personally don't think they look very good with flats unless you're quite slim thighed. I think a straighter jean looks better.

TwoInTheMourning · 01/09/2014 07:33

I am in the same predicament. ChippyMinton has given you the best advice. I would like to see some of the specific chunky boots she suggests though, preferably with a chunky mid (4cm at least) heel too.

TheWordFactory · 01/09/2014 07:41

Every time I go to Italy I am reminded of how great the boot cut can look! High heels (usually wedge), simple fitted top, shiny thick hair, huge dummies .

Nowt mummsie about those women in Roma!

BabCNesbitt · 01/09/2014 07:53

Now would these huge dummies be the sugary kind or the rubbery kind? And do they come with strings to go round your neck?

LadyIsabellaWrotham · 01/09/2014 08:07

A-Line skirts (structured, 60s style but not too short) are having a Moment. I'm watching the shops ready to pounce.

But I agree that GAP Real Straight are a good versatile option that look good with flats. Last year I wore GAP High Rise Skinnies with knee boots over to balance out thighs but it's quite a dated look now.

AmazingBouncingFerret · 01/09/2014 08:18

I'm intrigued by these dummies. Are they the plastic raving dummies that were all the rage in the mid 90's?

I still have mine but I don't have any boot cut jeans though Sad

Yes I was also going to add that it doesn't have to be boot cut OR skinny. I have a few straight legged jeans that look good (im 5'2")

Rivercam · 01/09/2014 08:22

If bootcuts suit your future, then wear them and be proud. I love m and s Roma boot cuts. I wear mine with converse, or ankle boots with a slight heel.

Rivercam · 01/09/2014 08:22

Figure, not future

Original poster
ocelot41 · 01/09/2014 08:23

Has anyone tried slim joggers?

OP posts:
TwoInTheMourning · 01/09/2014 08:23

Not bad Chippy. I'd live the Orinoco if the heel was higher.

VeryLittleGravitasIndeed · 01/09/2014 08:26

I'm sturdy of thigh and large of bottom and I find bootcut make me look shorter- hourglass leg shape, draws attention to my thighs.

Straight cut /slim, as tight on the thighs as I can cope with (ie no flab being squeezed into funny shapes on the backs of my legs) and knee/calf skimming not clinging - very elongating and wearable with flats. Heavier denim is best, ime.

I always buy them long though, the 7/8 look is for people with stick legs.

VeryPunny · 01/09/2014 08:29

Embrace the well fitting boot cut. They suit far more people than skinnies or even straight legged jeans - you see so many fashion disasters of people in skinny jeans!

Also skinny jeans + tunic is a bit of a mum uniform here. Can't win,really.

BiggerYellowTaxi · 01/09/2014 08:34

Another fan of straight leg or slim cut jeans. I have large thighs but as others have said bootcuts can make them look worse, though I think places do slim bootcuts now which might be better. I also have a pair of M&S high waisted jeggings which I bought really long and rolled/cuffed at the bottom and they are surprisingly flattering and look great with flats.

Original poster
ocelot41 · 01/09/2014 08:36

Also intrigued by dummies ....and LIKING those boots Chippy. Thanks!

OP posts:
MillyDots · 01/09/2014 09:10

I love slim Bootcuts. They balance my legs in a way skinnies don't. Very flattering. Kimberly Stewart always wears them.

Bunbaker · 01/09/2014 10:07

So, what is a dummy? Or is it an auto-correct gone wrong? If so, I can't work out what it is.

museumum · 01/09/2014 10:11

Hate to state the obvious but boot it's are cut for boots - cowboy style. Which luckily are in fashion this season (at least low/short ones with cowboy style heels are).
Buy the boots first - about an inch or two block heel, can be really comfy - then buy boots that come down long enough to sit on your foot properly with the boots on.

I honestly think bootcut are great if worn properly

Thurlow · 01/09/2014 10:12

I love my bootcuts, I have an ancient pair from Topshop that I dig out every now and again, and sometimes get compliments on them.

I sometimes wear them with converse, but especially in the winter I wear them with boots like ChippyMinton has linked too - good, heavy boots just seem to sit right.

Personally I'd wear what you feel comfortable in rather than what is supposedly fashionable. But I say that knowing I'd look a complete tit in a tube skirt Grin

knickernicker · 01/09/2014 10:14

Oasis are good for advice about matching jeans to body type.

angeltulips · 01/09/2014 10:18

What pp said - boot cuts are cut for boots and need a bit of a heel

Straight fit or boyfriend much better for flats. (And don't wear converse, they're shocking for your feet!)

Personally I live in skinnies but I think about pear shaped women I know and slim fit are the most flattering.

Bunbaker · 01/09/2014 10:25

I wear my bootcuts with trainers because a) I don't find heels comfortable and b) They are too short to wear with heels.

So shoot me for crimes against fashion Smile

7Days · 01/09/2014 10:25

dummies = sunnies I bet

dyac I'm guessing

MsAstronaut · 01/09/2014 10:29

Have to second the slim cut jeans as well. I wore bootcut for years thinking I couldn't possibly do skinny with my big thighs. But a slim cut, Gap real straight or Boden straight leg, is more flattering that bootcut - honestly. It kind of smooths out your leg into one long shape instead of big thighs - in at knee - out at ankle.

I like the straight jeans look with chunky socks and combat style or chelsea ankle boots, and boots like this will often give you an inch or more of heel even though they are "flat". Look at Fly, DMs (not so much the original bovver boot DMs, but the newer women's styles), etc.

I also like tights with boots and a fitted but skimming knee length jumper dress, or top and a fuller knee-length skirt like this

Tight skirts also look wrong on me, I just look like an overflowing bum and thigh burrito, but a fuller one works. (Just don't make it below knee length which is a different look altogether - purportedly high fashion but actually makes you look 75).