Skinny jeans are out, but boyfriend chic is in
Tips to help pull off this comfy trend
Spring’s hottest trend is the boyfriend jean, and while it’s not necessarily new to those with a keen sense of fashion, the look will be out in full force and appropriate for everyone.
Slouchy. Worn-in. Baggy. These are words you’ll find associated with this style of denim — and don’t be surprised if you see paint splatters, tears and holes that make the jeans look like they really were borrowed from your boyfriend.
Out with the old
Where the skinny jean was tight, the boyfriend jean is baggy. The skinny jean was often low-rise, while the boyfriend jean has no real rise and just seems to hang off the hips. The skinny jean was all about making your derriere look great, while the boyfriend jean refuses to highlight any part of your body. Indeed, this jean is the antithesis of the tighter-than-looks that we’ve seen so much of in years past.
Be on trend
It turns out that this new trend is easy to wear and can actually look good. Kristen Anderson, denim specialist at Holt Renfrew, says people need to get past the fact this style of denim is not flattering.
“It will not make your butt or your legs look good,” she says. “But since they basically hang off you, they can make you look slimmer, since it essentially looks like you’re wearing a pair of pants that’s too big.”
Wear with pride
How do we find the perfect pair? How do you know what’s slouchy enough and what is veering into sloppy territory?
Anderson’s advice: do not overthink the boyfriend jean. “Put it on and head out the door,” she says. “You want for it to look messy and imperfect.” A rolled cuff at the bottom is a must, since you want it to look like the jeans are too big on you, and a belt around the waist helps create just enough shape. Although this type of denim doesn’t usually have any stretch in it, it’s quite comfortable to wear because it fits looser. The boyfriend jean is supposed to be comfy, and as Anderson says, “Something you would wear to paint your house!”
Plenty of choice
At Holt Renfrew, look for great pairs from a brand known for its denim: Current/Elliot. Created by celebrity stylists, the Current/Elliot has always created denim that is more distressed and looks lived in, so it makes sense that they have some of the best boyfriend jeans. Their boyfriend jean style ($185) comes in light washes (which is what you’ll find for spring) with distressing and rips and tears. They even have pairs with real paint splatters on them.
Celebrity favourite Rag & Bone also makes a great pair called the Dre boyfriend jean ($245), which doesn’t have very much distressing, but still has the slouchy lived-in shape.
7 For All Mankind has the Josefina Rolled Hem Jeans ($248) that are intensely faded and have shredding instead of holes.
The best part about this trend is that it’s timeless and for every age. There’s no right or wrong way to wear the trend — it can be dressed up by adding a lacy top or a silk shirt, or dressed down with a plain white T-shirt.
Act your age
Here’s how you can wear the boyfriend jean in your 20s, 30s and 40s and beyond.
In your 20s: Be bold. wear your boyfriend jeans with bright shoes and a feminine top. The juxtaposition of the casual jean with dressier elements will really make a statement.
In your 30s: Wear your jeans with ankle boots and a silk shirt. Equipment makes silk button-downs in fun prints — either tie the shirt at your waist or tuck it in and add a belt.
In your 40s and beyond: Your boyfriend jeans will look great with flats or loafers, preferably those that have more of a menswear feel. Add a colourful blazer for a pop of something different.