How do jeans work then?

[GreenthoughtInAGreenShade]

I've never really been into jeans but am converted by seeing people look great in them in passing at the moment. I do own a couple of pairs from charity shops but i'm increasingly aware that they make me look like a sack of potatoes. I'm a size 12 and hour-glassy shaped (although a little overweight), with nice legs so it should theoretically be possible to get something that makes me feel/look better not worse, right?

The trouble is, now i'm looking for them specifically, I cannot find anything that looks normal. The skinny/jegging ones appear to taper people down to a point like a carrot and show every spare-tyre lump which can't be the look they were going for. The high top ones are I assume comfortable but not particularly flattering? I've always gone for boot cut dark blue ones before but am aware that my fashion sense is not from this century let alone this decade. And i have no idea where to start with brands.

Any advice, oh wearers of classy jeans?

I always wear Jamie jeans from Top shop which are a mid- high rise skinny, They do a range of styles, colours, and lengths
I've also heard great things about TU at Sainsbury's or Asda They both do a good range of styles on a budget
Good luck it's not easy to find the perfect fit

I’m a size 12 and always wear high waist skinnies. I don’t think I look like a carrot!

www.johnlewis.com/mint-velvet-dakota-boyfriend-jeans-blue/p3547344

I also find that skinnies don't suit me. The Mint Velvet jeans in the link work for me...don't suppose they're classy though!!

The problem with jeans is you have to put the work in upfront. Physically go to a store with lots of options and try on literally everything that comes in your size.

You sound like a similar shape to me. I go for high waisted slim fit. I like next and m&s. I can see the carrot thing in skinnies so slim just evens me out a bit.

You won't like me for saying this, but buying jeans is about trying them on, possibly trying 30 or 40 brands. When you look in the mirror after a bit of submergence, you will get it. But it is a long slow process if you are not model-shape, and most women are not. It is also, unhelpfully, likely to cost you 3x what you wanted to spend. But spend it willingly because when you find the right ones you should buy two pairs, one black which can be redyed in your washing machine with Dylon and a dark indigo which will fade. And you will wear them to the exclusion of almost anything else, so the cost per wear will be peanuts.

Skinnies don't make (most) people look at you and think you look like carrots/parsnips/veg. They fit to your legs, and legs are leg-shaped. I know bootcut was meant to balance out hips back in the early 00s but actually making the rest of you look as wide as your hips isn't great either.

Jeans in winter are a bit more difficult if you don't like skinnies because boyfriend jeans are often worn with trainers and rolled up and straight leg are often ankle grazer length. I'd suggest going to a store that does a range of fits like Topshop, one of the supermarkets, Gap, etc just to get an idea of the shape and length you want.

I'm the same size/shape as you and I like Next slim or relaxed skinny. I have muscular calves so look a bit mad in skinny jeans. You might have to size down too.

Slim -
www.next.co.uk/xo04176s11#679991

Relaxed skinny -
www.next.co.uk/g80106s12#519978

Marks and Spencer skinny jeans are good too, they're a bit more like the relaxed skinny. Can't find them online but they have them in store - the £22.50 ones. They're my current favourite jeans

Try slim or straight leg instead of skinny. Slim is still a narrow fit but not skin tight like skinny and straight leg comes almost straight down as the name implies but not baggy.

I love my skinnies - dark indigo from Sainsburys Tu. I'm carrying a bit of extra weight round my tummy at the moment, so I wear a long tunic over the top and my Converse. Relaxed and comfy.

I get gap real straight jeans, they have a slightly wider leg than a skinny but dont create the carrot leg effect if you have a larger thigh/hour glass shape.

It is the top you wear with you skinny jeans that is the problem. I am a slim 10 but always cover my bum and tops of legs when wearing skinny jeans. A shirt like this one from Zara works well (I might have it 😉) and can be worn with heels or flats and looks lovely with a biker jacket if chilly.

No real help here but just a point to make - women SHOULD look like a carrot in skinny jeans! If hips and bum weren’t wider than ankles there would be a serious health issue going on

Tu skinnies for me all the way - high waisted, don't go saggy and cheap!

Skinny jeans and drapey tops don’t work for me because I’m an hourglass like OP. Hides my slimmest point (waist) and makes me look chunky because my thighs aren’t skinny. Fitted tops with high-waisted jeans are a million times better on me.

Wow! Thank you all do much for the help. I was expecting silence and tumbleweed.

Sadly, I think you’re absolutely right XingMing, there is no substitute for actually going out and trying EVERYTHING on. Easier said than done with a 3yr old. But at least i have a bit more of a clue now.

Will try to begin with -
Topshop jamie jeans
Sainsburys skinnies (and others)
Gap real straight
Next and M&S Slim or straight leg
...and then branch out and get adventurous.

Also - the whole “jeans ending just above ankles” thing has added a new dimension of horror i wasn’t really aware of, so i’m desperately hoping i get lucky with finding some that don’t. How do you avoid cold ankles? Are you allowed socks? Do you have to have cool shoes? Are there rules about what shoes? I don’t think i can handle the pressure...

Topshop do loads of different shapes and washes and lycra content.

I would grab lots of different ones and try them on, if only to get an idea of what suits you best.

I have Baxters, Mom and straight legs from there as I like jeans to be denim rather than thinner lycra material and I like them looser rather than v tight.

I would also try Levi’s - good stretch and cut
Wear with ankle boots to avoid the cold ankles !

I would try boyfriend jeans

Second Levis. Lots of choice and quality

Jumping on this thread to ask is a personal appointment for jeans helpful?
I was thinking of Selfridges or Harvey Nicks where there is likely to be a big number of brands available.

Ooh, good question - I could definitely do with someone to make suggestions and critique me as I tried things on.

Gap. Up to my trying them, I’d struggled with jeans. But as someone up thread said already....it’s a numbers game and loads of trying on!

I feel your pain OP!
However, I love making sure my jeans end above my ankles! By rolling up the bottoms of skinny jeans you can avoid the 'carrot' look (because it makes them a bit chunkier at the end of the leg), and look fashionable (even if you're not very fashionable!). And I wear comfy white/black ankle socks with any shoe - currently swapping between pink brogues (from Dune) (for a formal look) and chunky trainers (for a relaxed look/practicality). - If the socks are soft enough and the shoes are solid enough, your ankles shouldn't get cold!

Are there rules about what shoes? I

^^

You need to start another thread about this.

Yes, of course there are shoe rules! They make or break jeans. Mrs. Patmore vs Elle, it really makes a difference.