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Skinny jeans/jeggings...I only just got the memo!

85 replies

Sebsaloysius · 03/11/2024 13:26

So apparently they're more yesterday than Hallowe'en. I'm not happy about this as I find them a) incredibly comfortable and b) easy. I'm mid-fifties and a size 20-22, good legs and not a bad bum, but I do boast a hateful tummy. I don't want to look like an ageing rhino dressed as a spring turnip, but equally, I do like to look like I've made half an effort.

What jeans can I wear to suit my age and all the above lumps and bumps? I do have some wide legged ones, but I can't bear the thick, rigid denim that so often seems to come with this style. The same seems to apply to 'Mom' styles. I will carry on with my beloved, stretchy skinnies for pootling around the house and supermarket days, but I'd like something a little more adventurous for casual days and evenings out. I know which tops I feel work with skinny jeans, but I seem to struggle with tops for other styles - I prefer a longer length top to cover my tum, but feel they look vaguely daft with wide legged jeans.

As an aside, it's been the most horrendous of years for me. I've spent the last 2 years caring for live-in elderly parents whilst juggling full time work, and sadly my Mum passed away earlier this year, closely followed by Dad only a few weeks later. A matter of weeks after Dad's death and I was in hospital undergoing major by-pass surgery for blocked arteries. Recovery from this whilst grieving for my lovely parents was long and hard. Only now am I starting to find my feet again, and I'm dismayed at how much social confidence I've lost over the year. I have gained weight due to being far more inactive than usual, I feel older than I've ever felt and I know I look it. I'm trying to embrace going out and socialising to rediscover some 'me' time, but I feel so self-conscious just lately.

I would be really grateful for any advice on how to put a look together, particularly with regards to jeans or trousers as that's what I'm most at ease in.

TIA for any hints or tips!

OP posts:
Gettingbysomehow · 03/11/2024 13:27

I don't care about fashion. I wear what suits my shape.

Doggymummar · 03/11/2024 13:30

Skinny jeans and knee boots are looking fresh right now

BusinessSecretsOfThePharaoh · 03/11/2024 13:36

What height are you, OP?

In the past year, I’ve gone from a size 28 to a 16 and my constant has been the Isla jeans from Yours Clothing. I love them. Bootcut, good deep body, and nice and stretchy so give a good bum lift and general support.

Choice of colours and they wash well. Plus they come in short, regular, and long. I’m 5’ 11” and wear the long- one of very few jeans on the market that has a decent leg length in extended sizes.

https://www.yoursclothing.ie/isla-bootcut-dark-indigo-30-p

Sorry about your mum and dad, and health issues- it’s a lot.

YOURS Plus Size Dark Indigo Blue Bootcut Stretch ISLA Jeans

Shop YOURS Curve Dark Indigo Blue Bootcut Stretch ISLA Jeans at Yours Clothing. Discover women’s plus size clothing in sizes 14-40 with fast delivery.

https://www.yoursclothing.ie/isla-bootcut-dark-indigo-30-p

DelphiniumBlue · 03/11/2024 13:41

I wear straight jeans or flares, they work better with long tops than wide leg trousers do. Wide legs need a fitted or tucked in top, which look terrible with big bellies.
M&S do supersoft jeans, I've got the cigarette ones and the flares, ( Harper and Eva) and they are more comfy than most other jeans in terms of softness.
I would go somewhere with a big range and try on as many different styles as you can, wearing a top you feel good in, and see what works. Think about what you are going to wear on feet as well.

Sebsaloysius · 03/11/2024 13:43

@BusinessSecretsOfThePharaoh

Thanks, I like these!

I'm a little under 5'6".

OP posts:
BookishType · 03/11/2024 13:44

Where have you been OP? 😂

I actually think at your size, skinny jeans are more flattering. Fashion victims like me are buying all the high waists and flares and baggy jeans (with often unflattering results), but I was welded to my skinnies until a year or so ago and I miss them.

AutumnLeaves24 · 03/11/2024 13:45

I'm the opposite to @BusinessSecretsOfThePharaoh *

I'm a couple of years older than you (55) a whole foot shorter than Pharaoh! and rounder than a keg!

skinnies & leggings with long tops all the way. I care about what suits me, not what is 'in fashion'. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Seasidewalker · 03/11/2024 13:46

Sorry you've had a rough time, I would (and do) wear the skinnies and the jeggings 😀

Gardenia777 · 03/11/2024 13:48

Lily slim jeans from M&S, available in a choice of lengths and colours, look good without a fitted top.

kindertoPTS · 03/11/2024 13:50

People have been saying they're not 'in' for a couple of years or more but every brand and store still sells them! I think it's more that any/all jeans style is current atm so just wear what suits you and works with the outfits you wear. Personally for me that's slim/straight/mom fit. I have just ordered some slightly wider fit from Sézane which I liked as they styled with a fitted top. The overall loose fit look doesn't work on me (even though in theory as I'm tall and slim it should!).

Sebsaloysius · 03/11/2024 15:18

Thanks everyone. I'm sticking with my skinnies. I work on the theory that if I feel ok and comfortable, then I hope I look it!

OP posts:
suki1964 · 03/11/2024 15:42

Was there not another memo earlier this year that skinnies had returned? Was so well received that it was even talked about on R2 :)

I haven't ditched mine, never will and I just hit 60

Im sorry you have had such a rough year and hope that you are now moving onwards and upwards

I find I feel self conscious if Im not feeling comfortable in my clothes, ie wearing what fashion dictates rather then what I know suits me

LyingPaintSample · 03/11/2024 15:49

Look at Japanese or scandi/lagenlook- tops don't need to be short or fitted to pair well with wide or barrel leg trousers.

But if you prefer skinnies and leggings, I wholehearted say, stick with them. It's your life, your body, your choice 💪 And it really doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. You will feel happier wearing what makes you most confident, especially after so much turmoil going on in your life lately, you deserve to do and wear whatever you want ❤️

Isitfridayyetsophie · 03/11/2024 15:51

https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/skinny-jeans-trend-aw24 skinny jeans are back, I expect we’ll start the skinny jeans ranges expanding again next year!

edit- also sorry to read you’ve had such a horrid time lately 💐

The Skinny Jean Is Back!

Get the skinny on autumn/winter 2024’s most feared denim trend revival.

https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/skinny-jeans-trend-aw24

Nannyfannybanny · 03/11/2024 15:53

I'm 5.1 ,74, have one pair of straight otherwise they are all M AND S skinny in most colours. I look ridiculous in flared. Ankle boots ATM, then will be knee length.

LorettyTen · 03/11/2024 15:54

If you like skinny jeans/jeggings, they're comfortable and suit you, you wear them as long as you like! I don't have a clue what is or isn't fashionable so I wear what I like. I think my friends do, too.

henlake7 · 03/11/2024 15:57

I dont think any jean style will be so far out of fashion that you cant wear it if it suits you. Jeans are just a basic staple, like a jumper.
Personally Im in the 'fat calves' camp so only really wear leggings for walking the dog...I def wouldnt choose l/jeggings for everyday wear.

Fireworkwatcher · 03/11/2024 16:02

I would go for a bootcut with a high waist .

im sorry for your loss OP

in general though I enjoy the invisibility cloak that’s part of middle age and suggest you wear what you feel comfortable in

Chipsahoy · 03/11/2024 16:11

Everyone I know my age wears them
I and 40 and I wear skinny jeans with ankle boots or knee boots.

Luxemblerg · 03/11/2024 16:15

Was out with my friends last night and most women in their 20s were in skinny jeans with boots.

Looked lovely!

Also, women in Toronto last week were also in their skinnies ☺️

Wear what you love OP!

IBlameTheDog · 03/11/2024 16:18

Where what you like OP, if they suit you and you're comfortable in them it's a win win.

The Princess of Wales still wears them so they can't be that bad 🙂

rubyslipperss · 03/11/2024 16:19

You've been through such a lot & I know when I am feeling slightly anxious about getting out and about I just want to wear what I feel most comfortable & confident in & if that's skinnies for you go for it! I got mine out the other day - with long jumper and long boots and a lovely scarf.

Neveragain35 · 03/11/2024 16:22

Resolute skinny jeans wearer here! Though I now wear the slightly more relaxed ones from M&S (the Ivy jeans I think) rather than the Topshop skinnies I was welded to 10 years ago!

I’ve tried mom jeans, wide legged etc and though I quite like them in the summer I just don’t find them that flattering on me.

KnittedCardi · 03/11/2024 16:23

Doggymummar · 03/11/2024 13:30

Skinny jeans and knee boots are looking fresh right now

This. They are back in again. Fashion is fickle. Wear what suits you, and what you are comfortable in.

Watermelonsregularly · 03/11/2024 16:32

Sorry you've had such a tough time OP. I know first hand how easy it is to pile on weight when you're caring. It felt particularly unjust to me , that by rights I should be wan and beautiful, not fat and spotty with dark eye rings hey ho.

I reckon stick with the skinny jeans if you like them
If you want something dressier for going out what about tights and a shortish skirt, long tops as you already have these. Skirt could be jersey or other soft fabric.

Give the time you have had it might be kinder to opt for indulgent beauty treatments, facials, hair cuts, make up, massage, or eyebrows, or even botox, filler and l the rest of that stuff if you like that kind of thing So nurturing yourself rather than beating your self up?!
Imo there is more beauty in caring as you have done than anything anyone could ever wear 💐