When straighter jean silhouettes started trending a year or two ago, I was hesitant to jump on board. Especially since the early prototypes all seemed to be very oversized and boxy. Yes, I tried them and even shared them here on the blog. But like many of you, I didn’t feel comfortable in the straight leg jeans at first. But now…I’m sold! And I really haven’t worn anything but straight leg jeans this fall. But I am keeping my skinny jeans. And here’s why.
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While riding boots and other tall boots aren’t necessarily trending, they’re certainly not out of style. I don’t think they ever will be. Riding boots and tall boots are classics because they’re also functional. Riding boots are…well, they’re truly worn for riding. And if you live in a colder climate you know the necessity of a good pair of taller boots, especially for pairing with dresses and skirts.
But besides wearing our taller boots with leggings and skirts, many of us still want to be able to wear them with jeans, too. And, friend, there’s just no better blue jean to wear with tall boots than the skinny jean. Thus, I’m keeping my skinny jeans.
Last year I discovered the Vineyard Vines Jamie high-rise jeans, and I have them in both the medium wash and dark wash. I’m wearing the medium wash here because I thought they looked better with the turquoise sweater I’m wearing. I love these jeans. They’re quite pricey, but they’re definitely on the same level as other premium denim brands I’ve tried. In fact, I prefer them over my AG jeans, which cost even more.
I’m wearing a size 30 in the Jamie high-rise jeans and they’re quite roomy in the waistband. I might could have worn the 29, but I’m just all for comfort these days. And I haven’t found them to get baggy with wear, so I’m sticking with my larger size. But if you like your jeans a bit more snug, go with your smaller size.
Looking back I wish I’d worn a shorter sweater with my skinny jeans and riding boots. I guess I’m a little out of practice when it comes to wearing them. Ha! But now I remember that I much prefer a more cropped sweater that exposes more of the leg, creating more balanced proportions. All the same, I think this is a really sweet outfit.
I ordered this blue ice textured stitch sweater because I wanted to try some non-cashmere options for you. This one is 59% polyester, 34% acrylic and 7% wool, so it does have just a touch of that natural fiber in it. It feels very soft, not “plastic” like some polyester blends can feel to me.
It’s a fairly lightweight sweater so I am wearing a body skimming tank underneath, as I do frequently with sweaters. I LOVE these tanks, by the way. They come in eleven different skin toned hues, and I’m pretty sure I’m wearing hue 160, for reference. But they also have a two-layer v-neck option. I wear a size medium comfortably.
I topped the sweater with a cheerful icicle plaid wool blend scarf. I generally prefer not to wear a necklace with a mockneck sweater. (Just a personal preference.) So I opted instead for bold earrings. I also wore my Nordgreen Native watch with the brown leather band. Did you hear about Nordgreen’s early black Friday special? Use code KAYHRMS to receive up to 35% off your order. Wow!
My boots are by Frye and they no longer make this exact style. But they are very similar to these. I have the wide calf variety. But for a more economical option, I love the wide selection of riding boots and other tall boots at Macy’s. I recently purchased these Born Saddler Comfort boots there in black (again I got the wide calf option). They’re also available at Nordstrom for slightly less. These boots are extremely comfortable and easy to wear. And I’ve had these INC Fawne riding boots (very similar to what I’m wearing today) in the past.
To keep warm, I added my Cole Hahn hooded down and feather jacket. Mine is in cashew and I opted for the large to accommodate all the layers I like to wear underneath. I’ve actually worn this coat for two years already and I really love it. I think the cashew color is so pretty, but it does come in several other nice shades, including black, navy and a forest green.
So yeah, I’ll be keeping my skinny jeans. But honestly, I’m only keeping these Vineyard Vines Jamies and my Talbots jeggings. And I’ll probably only wear them with tall boots!
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Blessed for My Day
Have you changed recently? No, not your hair color or even your physical health. Has your inner woman changed? If so, was it for the better or for the worse? Truthfully, we are constantly evolving if we’re alive and kicking. But I’ve noticed that we either become easier to live with or more difficult. We become kinder or more critical. And we become more anxious or more at peace and joyful.
God means for us to become more and more like His Son, Jesus Christ. If you have accepted Him as your Lord, He is in the process of creating in you a likeness to Him. The Holy Spirit is issuing forth His fruit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control – in an ever-increasing harvest. And God also uses a regular dose of His Word to cleanse us from the thinking of this world and align us more with truth. When we cooperate with God in this process through prayer and Bible reading we will indeed change a little every day…for the good.
Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. ~ John 17:17
What a beautiful look and that scarf just makes this outfit. I like my skinny jeans on those days when I’m wearing a 3/4 coat and I know I’ll be keeping it on all day. I just think the skinny Jean looks better under this length of coat. Do they make ugly cashmere Christmas sweaters? ?
Hi Kay! I ordered some skinny jeans but in a size larger than what I usually wear. They look like straight leg jeans but with the plus of having a bit more room around the waist (for pie!). The leg is straight and just a touch roomier but not baggy. I’m a very hard to fit size and this solution worked for me. Today’s inspirational message really hit home today, it’s what my daughter and I needed!
I agree. I wear my cow girl boots all winter up here in NE Ohio and I like to tuck my jeans in. I really like the blue sweater on you with the scarf. Have a wonderful day.
What a beautiful outfit. The scarf ties it all together.
Loved the devotion as well. I know I am trying to have a gentler spirit and be easier to live with.
Your Blessed for My Day words touched me deeply. Whether it’s fashion inspiration or personal development, I always gain something positive from you. Thank you Kay.
Love the soft blue sweater. I don’t own a single thing in that blue shade.
Foregoing skinny jeans is something I may ease into. I have too much invested in mine to donate just yet since I have several. Agree 100% that tall boots look best with skinny jeans. My boots are RL and look almost exactly like your Frye. I have a few straight jeans and like them with shoes that have a bit of a heel. I feel taller with the long line it gives!!!!
In case I forgot…Thanks so much for your gift guides…… so many ideas.
It goes to show that rules are meant to be broken. The first thought I had when I saw your photo today was about how nice the outfit looked with the longer length jumper! I’ve struggled with shorter lengths looking as though they’re a size too small on me, so perhaps the longer length is just my preference but I wouldn’t change a thing about this outfit of yours. I agree with you about the skinny jeans 100%. My jeans collection could be called eclectic as there’s always a pair to suit my mood.8^))
Great word today in “Blessed for my day”. You encourage me every day in my walk with the Lord Jesus.
Thank you.
Will not give up my skinny jeans. The straight leg look HORRIBLE on me. I have a long torso so the baggier fits make me look squat and dumpy.
The good news is that now you can find lots of straight leg jeans in a much slimmer, trimmer fit. So they almost look like skinny jeans but the leg opening is a bit wider. I think if you’ll try some of those you might be surprised to find that they are actually very elongating.
Tried those, too. Nope.
I too bought the vineyard vine Jamie high rise jeans last year in the dark rinse and love them. Will not give these skinny jeans up either. Was worth every penny. I too love tall boots with skinny jeans, skirts and dresses. The sweater is pretty but may not be bright enough color for me. Looks good on blondes though.
Really enjoyed the BFMD
I gave away all my skinny jeans but one black pair. Boy am I glad I kept them. I ran across a picture of a women wearing a black blazer, black top, black leggings-very thick and elegant, and black riding boots. The outfit was so simple and chic. I have all the elements but the riding boots. I gave them away too. So, just to try out the look I bought a pair from Target and I love it. If I find this is a repeat outfit I’ll buy better quality boots. This combo works well with black underneath and any kind of blazer on top. I paired it with a burgundy blazer and a tweed blazer as well. Yes, the almond coat is a great color. Not too warm toned for those of us who are cool toned.
Your inspirational messages are the best. Thank you!