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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:
user1467300911 · 03/11/2024 22:12

Great that you’re going to stick with what you’re comfortable in that suits your shape.

If you decide in the future that you fancy a change, go to a shop where you can try on lots of styles and this article has plenty of ideas for outfits with different cuts of jeans.

I've Worked It Out: This Is How French Women Always Style Jeans

Want to know how what to wear with jeans? I've found 6 outfit formulas that French women always go back to.

https://www.whowhatwear.com/uk/how-french-women-style-jeans

RJB73 · 03/11/2024 22:19

I adore my skinnies and refused to get rid of them. I have purchased a wide legged and boot legged pair of jeans, they look ok but I really don't like them as much as my beloved skinnies.
I've been purposely looking around and notice that many women are still wearing skinnies and they look good.
I'm glad I didn't give mine away, I suspect they'll be coming out again once my knee highs and oversized jumpers come out later in the winter

someon · 03/11/2024 22:21

I was out in London Friday night and lots of women were in there skinny jeans! i actually thought i might be an odd one out as i was in my skinny jeans as i keep reading on mn they are not in fashion anymore i will not be giving my ones up anytime soon as they suit me and i feel comfortable in them as they are still selling them in the shops i think they are here to stay

SnoopysHoose · 03/11/2024 22:24

The Princess of Wales still wears them so they can't be that bad
she is not a marker of what's fashionable, she's very safe and boring

nottaotter · 04/11/2024 07:41

I still wear skinny jeans as they look better on me than loose/wide leg. I think it's better to have more flattering jeans than wear trendy ones just for the sake of it. Lots still for sale in shops/online too.

babyproblems · 04/11/2024 08:12

Sounds like you like the fit / ease of skinny jeans rather than the denim. If you aren’t wearing jeans because you like the denim, maybe look for some other trousers that are a comfy fit but not jeans! I’d say forget jeans and try a wide leg trouser in a different fabric.

SassK · 04/11/2024 08:39

Skinny jeans/jeggings...I only just got the memo! Sebsaloysius · Yesterday 13:26
So apparently they're more yesterday than Hallowe'en.

The skinny jeans 😖👎 thing has reached urban myth status (perpetuated imo by people with chunky legs 😂). They have never gone out of fashion.
Indeed my 14yo fashionista associates wide leg jeans with blue hair and multiple piercings.

OldieButBaddie · 04/11/2024 10:39

Skinny flares are your friend! I was wedded to my skinnies til I bought some and now I only wear these, they are way more comfortable.

BarbadosItsCloserThanYouThink · 04/11/2024 11:11

Hi OP I'm also a size 20, I've tried bootcuts and wide legs, I still think skinnies look better on me too so I'm sticking with them. The others just make me look bigger!

BarbadosItsCloserThanYouThink · 04/11/2024 11:12

There are lots of us still dedicated to the skinny! They wouldn't be selling them everywhere if there wasn't still demand.

Ramblethroughthebrambles · 04/11/2024 13:07

I find flares that are tight above the knees have the same advantages as skinny jeans for being able to wear them with long tops. Love the River Island ones and can feel a bit of 70s nostalgia in them.

Chipsahoy · 04/11/2024 13:24

I love skinny flares too but only in warmer weather. Or for a night out. I need to be able to tuck my jeans in my boots.
I find that pretty much every woman and young girl around here is in skinny jeans but that’s because we are in farm country. Everyone is in expensive wellies or country boots, skinny jeans and a checked shirt in warmer weather and jumper in cooler weather. That’s the local “uniform”.

TwattyMcFuckFace · 04/11/2024 13:28

They're just a wardrobe staple, like leggings.

They'll never be 'out' or 'in'.

They just exist 🤷‍♂️

Tomanyflaws · 04/11/2024 14:33

I'm 33 and wear skinny jeans i did in my 20s to i really don't care if there in fashion or not they flatter my body type with a nice top to i don't like those moms jeans or any of those ripped styles fashionable or not wear what you feel comfortable and feel good wearing.

Wallawallakoala · 04/11/2024 14:47

Oh gosh you’ve been through it!!

personally I’d stick with skinny jeans leggings it’s all about how you style them. It’s what looks good and what’s comfortable on you. I wear skinny jeans and fine knit tops with chunky jewellery at the moment and I feel good, comfy and confident so I’m not bothered if it’s fashionable lol!

AppleDumplingWithCustard · 04/11/2024 15:47

For God’s sake don’t wear Lagenlook tops with barrel leg jeans as a PP suggests. You couldn’t get a more unflattering combination. You’ll look like an ocean liner coming into port!

AppleDumplingWithCustard · 04/11/2024 15:49

SnoopysHoose · 03/11/2024 22:24

The Princess of Wales still wears them so they can't be that bad
she is not a marker of what's fashionable, she's very safe and boring

Well if that’s safe and boring I’d happily go with that. She always looks stunning.

AppleDumplingWithCustard · 04/11/2024 15:56

I’ve just re-read my post above. Sorry. I didn’t mean you personally would look like an ocean liner. Rather that anyone, even if size 10, would do so in that combination.

Bollihobs · 04/11/2024 17:00

I've just seen the new Sienna Miller range for M&S and the jeans for that are labelled "barrel leg"......🤔given a choice between that and 'skinny' I know which I'd prefer to say I'm wearing! 😆

Bollihobs · 04/11/2024 17:06

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.

"and I miss them."

I don't* *mean to be rude but I just don't get that, if you miss them....wear them! Unless you're 13 and genuinely believe that being "in fashion" actually matters just wear what you like to wear, no?

Cuppachuchu · 04/11/2024 17:34

Sorry you've been through the mill OP, hope your lot improves 💐
I'm loving my new baby cord straight leg jeans at the moment, very soft and comfy, and I don't pay much attention to what's in or not. I still wear skinnies and jeggings and I'm over sixty.

Cozylozy · 04/11/2024 18:01

They’re in every high street shop still v popular

Candypatthongworn · 04/11/2024 18:43

Not jeans but how about trying the stretchy wide leg jersey (?) trousers M&S do they are great - you could substitute them for your skinnies when at home to get used to the new shape/style and experiment with tops . Really cheap too around £20 and they suit everyone and super comfy .
I love skinnies they suit my shape petite hourglass but given I am now late 50s I think I need to move on and have found these trousers made a good transition and now I have several pair of 'wider' trousers . Not keen on wide leg jeans or horse shoe styles . May still wear my skinnies with boots and long coats in the depth of winter !

Lifeomars · 04/11/2024 19:32

So sorry to read about your mum and dad. That is hard enough without having health issues too. I remember reading that skinny jeans/jeggings had become passe and as someone who loves the non-demanding ease of jeggings, pull them on and add a top or jumper and boots and off I go, I was bothered for a while. Then I thought "screw it", they suit my shape, suit my lifestyle and are so easy to wear. So I had a sort out, got rid of the worn slightly scruffy pairs and then bought one pair of black boot cut jeans from M and S and feel that all bases (and my bum!) are covered. I truly think we should wear what we feel our best in. Hope the coming months are kinder to you

Sandandsea123 · 04/11/2024 20:58

I just wear them anyway, couldn’t care less they are “so yesterday”; I find them comfy and they suit me, that’s all I really care about!!