Bootcut jeans - feeling mumsy and back in the 90’s

[Honestandraw]

I used to wear bootcut jeans 25 years ago, would wear ankle boots with them. Looking back I probably was the epitome of frumpy young mum. Then I switched to skinny jeans which I felt were more flattering, despite me being a 5ft 2 size 16/18. I felt slimmer in them.

I’m now 50 and recently picked up two pairs of Evie Marks and Spencer bootcut jeans after my daughter pushed me to get them as they are back in fashion apparently? They a gorgeously comfortable and fit so well. I’m still a size 16/18 and obviously not grown any taller.

I feel even more dowdy in them though, I wear flat boots (can’t do much more than a 2 inch heel) - so my question is how do you style these now? What time of shoes / boots should I wear with them? I hate how they almost swish about after years of skinny jeans. I love them for comfort but not for style. 😫

I used to like kick flare which I think are similar to bootcut. I was quite excited when they came back. Theoretically as I’m really really top heavy they should work on me but I agree there’s something these days that doesn’t. I prefer straight or tapered, so just slightly looser than skinnies.

Somehow they don’t feel very modern even though we’re told they are. Maybe it’s wearing them the first time round. I don’t like lots of fabric pooling at my ankles. I’ve always been convinced that the transition at the ankle from your footwear to the rest of your outfit is crucial. I think I’d rather go the whole hog and wear proper flares.

I have short legs and I think wide trousers and boot cuts make them look even shorter. The only way round that is to wear at least a two inch heel and I can’t/won’t do that anymore. Wearing wide legs or boot cuts with trainers makes me feel too casual and scruffy, a bit like a teenage skateboarder and as I say shortens my legs. Cowboy boots might be the best option.

I think it’s about your height, length of legs and footwear.