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Are you still wearing skinny jeans? If not what’s your alternative?

72 replies

CaraVann · 23/07/2024 11:28

I know they are supposed to be deeply unfashionable these days (according to dd16 and all the fashion websites etc) but I have tried every other type of jean and they just do me no justice at all.

I’m 51 and like to keep trendy but I’m also in peri. I’m 5’5, a size 10 with slim arms and legs but my middle is like a giant marshmallow. I also have IBS and endo and can bloat easily so hate anything super tight digging in. A pair of stretchy high waisted skinny jeans ticked the boxes for me.

These wide-legged jeans/trousers look great on ladies like my friend who has larger boobs than me, a lovely small waist and bigger bums but on my rectangular shape I look awful. Wide legs trousers only look good with a tighter top imo and tight tops on apple shapes like me isn’t a good look.

I love a skinny jean, nice shirt/blouse and blazer but feel like it’s quite dated now.

I’ve resorted to looking like my 16 year old and am living in leggings, t shirts or sweatshirts these days but I need a smarter look for weekends etc.

What can I wear that is comfy, suits my shape but still looks fashionable?

OP posts:
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Happiestwhen · 23/07/2024 18:24

I haven't stopped wearing them for the last 12 years! I don't like the look of any other style so I've stuck with them. Although for summer I've been wearing skinny twill trousers which are lovely and light.

blackrabbitwhiterabbit · 23/07/2024 18:25

Yeh, I'm wearing wide leg trousers but not necessarily jeans.

CharlotteRumpling · 23/07/2024 18:26

What about straight jeans or flares?

JC03745 · 23/07/2024 18:26

I've never owned a pair!

I'm an hour glass and have worn various boot cut styles because they are more flattering on me. I don't wear anything 'on trend' unless it suits me.

CharlotteRumpling · 23/07/2024 18:28

I am also a size 10 with a bloaty peri middle but I wear widelegs with a semi fitted shirt rather than a tight tee. I feel your appley dilemma though

CharlotteRumpling · 23/07/2024 18:30

Boot cut also looks good on me. And M and S wideleg cords which are softer and more forgiving than jeans

henlake7 · 24/07/2024 13:44

Im 51, also 5'5 and a size 10.....which I was feeling pretty good about but now its fat!?😂

In other words OP are you sure other styles dont suit you, even with abit of menobelly Im sure you probably look good in most sorts of jeans. Its probably one of those things thats more noticeable to you then others.
But if you dont feel comfy then why not stick with skinnies? (the blouse/blazer combo sounded great).

Personally Ive never gotten on with skinnies, more of an athletic hourglass so suit wider legs....also I have gigantic calves and struggle to even get leggings on. TBH I have mom jeans that are skinnies on me!!LOL😄

MiddleAgedDread · 24/07/2024 13:45

It sounds like I'm in a similar position to you and I'm sticking with them! The trendy wide legged jeans make me look enormous!

WhatMe123 · 24/07/2024 13:51

Try more of a mom Jean with a tapered in ankle, best of both worlds, skinny at the ankle but more of a fashionable top part.

Beachlovingirl · 24/07/2024 14:20

I have a larger middle but noticed recently that skinny jeans make that part stick out from the side view on me, whereas jeans that are not skinny draw attention away.

I still have one pair of skinny jeans but I also have 2 pairs of flared jeans that actually flatten my tummy and fit through my hips and they are nice and long so I wear with western style boots or platform converse.

I still like skinny jeans and they have a place in my wardrobe but I would be buying a larger waist size in skinny jeans which were sometimes too loose on the hips thus making me bigger.

I wear a tucked in top with my flares. One of my favourites is a stripy fitted T shirt. This also takes away any emphases on my tummy area or I wear tucked in V neck blouses.

Normallynumb · 24/07/2024 14:53

I'm 59 and have worn Skinny jeans for decades and will continue to wear them as they suit my small frame and I couldn't stand extra material flapping around
Wear whatever you feel comfortable in without doubt
If you want a change you could try cigarette pants or chinos but not just because you think you should

Normallynumb · 24/07/2024 14:54

I also have a tummy so wear a longer( but not baggy) top

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 24/07/2024 14:55

Yep, still wearing 'em.
They're so skinny I can't get the buggers off!

Thewaytogohome · 24/07/2024 14:57

I see loads of people still wearing them, especially on the school run.

JackieGoodman · 24/07/2024 15:02

I just bought myself a long cargo skirt to update my look, I love cargo trousers so decided it was the next step, loads of pockets!
I'm also a skinny jeans fan, I will definitely be back in them for the winter.

This sort of thing-
www.asos.com/miss-selfridge/miss-selfridge-cargo-pocket-maxi-skirt-in-black/prd/204873087?currencyid=1&browsecountry=GB&affid=16746&freelisting=yes

JackieGoodman · 24/07/2024 15:05

ps you can't have that big a tummy if you fit in a size 10 ?! (unless all your clothes have stretchy waistbands)

Iloveshihtzus · 24/07/2024 15:34

Hi OP, what about a dress or skirt to change your look? I‘m petite and often have a bloated tummy and I find a midi dress or midi shirt and a draped silky top gives me a better shape. Just another idea.

Missymarple · 24/07/2024 15:40

I gave them up as a bad job when the perimenopause tummy arrived along with IBS. I tried other jeans and just couldn't find any that didn't make me tummy look huge or feel like I was being constricted.

I now pretty much live in t-shirt dresses (no shaping to emphasise the tummy bulge or restrict my poor tum). If I'm forced to wear trousers, I have some elasticated waist cargos which are probably too big on the waist but are at least comfortable.

DeadlyKnightshade · 24/07/2024 15:44

Try some flared jeans. Slim on upper leg which means you can still wear a slightly longer loose top to hide your stomach.

JimNast · 24/07/2024 15:53

People far trendier than me are wearing skinnies.
Mom type jeans are popular but I think they need long legs which I aint got

wide trousers and white midi skirts are everywhere

RaspberryBeretxx · 24/07/2024 16:11

I have not much of a waist and my tummy is not the flattest! I still love skinny jeans and wear them often but also wear straight leg/slim fit - these fat face ones are stretchy but also thick enough fabric to smooth your tummy area a bit. I think they're really flattering.

I have a pair of wide leg next jeans via vinted. I'm not sure if they're the most flattering but they're really soft and comfy and I do like the look.

Sway Slim Leg Comfort Stretch Jeans

Buy Vintagepale Sway Slim Leg Comfort Stretch Jeans today from FatFace. FREE UK Delivery on all orders over £70.

https://www.fatface.com/women/clothing/jeans/sway-slim-leg-comfort-stretch-jeans/971047.html?dwvar_971047_color=VINTAGEPALE#q=sway%20jeans&lang=en_GB&start=4

Timebox · 24/07/2024 16:24

I think the rise is as important as the leg width. i like skinnies in winter but find them too hot for summer. I wear wide legs but i look like the side of a house because I'm broad. I'm 57, 5'9" size 14 and don't really look good in anything but I look better when the waistband is mid rise - as it tucks my belly in. If the waistband is high, like on mom jeans, is sits above my belly and lets it all go.. and thats not a good look for me .
I live in jeans and spend my life looking for the 'perfect' pair, then buy about 10 all the same.

CaraVann · 24/07/2024 22:15

MiddleAgedDread · 24/07/2024 13:45

It sounds like I'm in a similar position to you and I'm sticking with them! The trendy wide legged jeans make me look enormous!

Yes they make me look and feel huge and cumbersome.

OP posts:
CaraVann · 24/07/2024 22:17

JackieGoodman · 24/07/2024 15:05

ps you can't have that big a tummy if you fit in a size 10 ?! (unless all your clothes have stretchy waistbands)

I feel it’s big in comparison to the rest of my body. My IBS, endometriosis and being in peri doesn’t help!

OP posts:
HucklefinBerry · 24/07/2024 22:20

Beachlovingirl · 24/07/2024 14:20

I have a larger middle but noticed recently that skinny jeans make that part stick out from the side view on me, whereas jeans that are not skinny draw attention away.

I still have one pair of skinny jeans but I also have 2 pairs of flared jeans that actually flatten my tummy and fit through my hips and they are nice and long so I wear with western style boots or platform converse.

I still like skinny jeans and they have a place in my wardrobe but I would be buying a larger waist size in skinny jeans which were sometimes too loose on the hips thus making me bigger.

I wear a tucked in top with my flares. One of my favourites is a stripy fitted T shirt. This also takes away any emphases on my tummy area or I wear tucked in V neck blouses.

I agree. I think people often forget to turn sideways and look. Skinny stretchy jeans on skinny legs and a round belly look like tweedledee and tweedledum to me.

The contrast between skinny and round just exaggerates the tummy I feel.

Slim straight leg would still show slim legs but in a more current and less extreme way than stretchy skinnies.