Have you ever ended a long term relationship with someone and then intentionally or unintentionally sought out a totally opposite person for your next relationship before eventually realizing that you needn’t go quite so far in the other direction? Is this what has led us down the path of gigantic, oddly shaped denim? Freed from the confinement of skinny jeans, wearing trousers wide enough for their own zip code feels, well, odd at first but then rebellious and fun.
A while back I tried on a bunch of Madewell and Mother wide leg/trouser styles and there were some good options but in the end I didn’t think any of them were super special. While in London for work, I happened upon the Citizens of Humanity horseshoe jeans as well as Anthropologie’s Pilcro version. After trying a few different sizes and washes in each, I’ve ended up purchasing both (!) styles. Naturally, I have some thoughts to share with the world. And photos.
For starters, you will be noticed in these jeans. I am a person who is prone to thinking that everyone is always looking at me (and not in a good way) but I’m pretty sure that people are actually looking at me in these jeans. All to say, I realize this style is polarizing. I would also like to acknowledge that some of us are holding onto our skinny jeans - you know who you are - and that’s fine too. I see you. I’m still rocking my old pashminas and my bright pink Hunter boots and Boden polka dot raincoat that are not exactly “of the moment.”
In order of easiest to hardest to summon the confidence to wear outside of the home, I would like to present Some Really Fun Jeans.
Pilcro Heritage Curve Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans
When in doubt, try a new denim style in Anthro’s Pilcro house brand. These are easy to wear because the fabric is so soft. I personally prefer the look of stiff denim (particularly in a barrel style because they will really hold their shape) but the Pilcros are hard to resist because they are honestly soft enough to do yoga in. Soft doesn’t mean stretchy though and I sized up in these to get the full blissed out baggy look. Highly recommend!
Citizens of Humanity Rigid High-Rise Horseshoe Jeans
I took my true size in these and adore the shape and the wash. As soon as I put them on, I had the strangest deja vu sensation. As in, I’ve worn and loved something like this before. And then it came to me. Barrel jeans are basically the Z. Cavaricci pants and shorts we all begged our parents to buy us for Christmas in the 90’s.
Also! Please note the bestselling (according to the website) J. Crew Delaney kickout sweater pants in the dressing room picture above. I tried them on and, dear readers, they were a disaster. I sized up and then sized up again and then accepted defeat. After further reflection and analysis, I don’t believe my waistline or my bottom is best presented in anything knit - even when it’s a stretchy kind of knit.
Same Jeans, Different Top; All Dressed up to Visit a Historic Landmark
I LOVE THESE JEANS. While not terribly flattering, they have a point of view and frankly seem to look amazing with everything. Would they look best on a taller, less apple shaped figure? You bet your Magnolia Bakery cupcake they would. I’m wearing them anyway.
Reaction from my husband, “What’s happening with your jeans?”
Reaction from my best friend (who is still wearing skinny jeans, just saying), “Um. Those aren’t the best pants I’ve ever seen you wear.”
Reaction from my Daughter 2, “Mom. Where did you get those?”
I wore them when I took my daughter shopping for a prom dress. As we wound our way through the Tyson’s Corner parking garage I asked her how many compliments she thought I would get while we shopped. She answered with an eye roll. I received a compliment from a stranger ten minutes after entering the mall (vindicated!) and Daughter 2 said, “huh, that’s actually very surprising.”
It’s so nice that my family and friends are supportive of my sartorial choices.
Tibi Spring Denim Tuck Jean
Last week, I dragged Daughter 3 downtown after a twelve hour day of visiting colleges in the New York City area to visit the Tibi flagship store and it was worth it. How cute are these jeans? I sized down and would need the shorter length, which was not available to try on. Daughter 3 approved. I'm on the fence. Tibi jeans often feature a very long rise which is an acquired taste that I’m not sure I’ve acquired yet.
Tibi Vintage Wash Denim Ryder Jean
If you are still with me and really want to push the denim envelope, have a look at these slouchy beauties. They are soft, they are stretchy, they have a ridiculously long rise, but I kind of dig them. I’m waiting to see if they make it to sale.
Post-Scripts
Can’t get enough? Jane wrote a much more sophisticated piece on barrel jeans here.
There are still some sizes and colors of Olympia Wedges remaining in the Maryam Nassir Zadeh sale! I sized up a full size.
David Sedaris is always hilarious in interviews. Such a fashion icon as well.
I’m wearing the gel shade of this pretty color on my nails this week - so pretty for early spring!
I tried on this fun raincoat/parka while in NYC. I’m sticking to my decades old Boden raincoat for now but this would be my pick if I were upgrading.
I loved reading this interview with our hero Kim France. Her response to the question about what is surprising about being her age really resonated with me. She said, “that I would still feel, fundamentally, like myself; that aging in and of itself itself doesn’t really change your basic essence.” THIS. While I sometimes barely recognize the face looking back at me in the mirror or in pictures, it feels like just a second ago that I was in college. And my God, I’m still leaving things in hotel rooms (my headphones - two days ago) and airplane seat pockets (my Caddis readers, today). So how can I be nearly 50 years old?
Thanks very much for reading!
XOXO,
Tara
Thanks for the tip! The Dream pants are great looking online - I like the toasted coconut color. I will check them out.
I wonder if the J Crew Delaney pants are similar to the Everlane Dream pants? I've been liking a black pair of the Dream pants I got recently, and just ordered them in navy. With the Dream pants, the vertical front detailing (would you call them tucks?) goes all the way up to the waist- I wonder if that makes a difference, maybe is more flattering to women with regular bodies?
I've been having the same kind of thoughts about 50!!