Straight Leg Denim – How To Jump In On A New Trend

The fashion gods have decided that skinny jeans are out and a wider/straight leg jean are in.  While I firmly believe that you should wear what you love and feel great in, I also believe that you need to give everything a fair try.  I’m a late adopter to a lot of things, hence my blog name, Later Ever After. However, I have begun to plan my switch to a wider leg denim.  I started this last year, when I was introduced to the Way High Jean by Everlane. 

Straight Leg Denim – How To Jump In On A New Trend

Everlane Way High Jean 

The Way High jean is the ultimate starter straight leg denim that will quickly become your favorite pair of denim.  While I love the price point, the craftsmanship is also impeccable. The denim has a bit of a stretch to it, but actually feels more structured making it stay in place and not stretch out during the day.  Here are a few other reasons why I love this denim.

• Highest rise on the market at 12.5 inches (I can give up skinny jeans, but I can’t budge on a high waist) 
• Priced right at $78
• Two inseam offerings to accommodate long legs; Regular Inseam: 27 1/2” and Long Inseam: 29 1/2″
• Several color offerings; core denim colors and colored denim – rich earth, aqua grey, deep lapis, soybean and day break 
• Expanded sizing with offers of 23 – 35 (I take a 30)

How To Style Straight Leg Denim 

Say goodbye to your long tunic tops and hello to short tops that you can tuck in.  Wearing a straight leg jean involves balance in your overall outfit.  Since the bottom half of your outfit is wider you will want to slim up the top portion of your look.  I personally love a fully tucked-in top, but I know that might not be for everyone.  At a minimum you will want to front tuck your top.

Tucking in your top will draw the eye up, elongate your legs and provide you with a defined waist.  Everyone, I repeat everyone, looks better with a defined waist. In addition, another trick I use with these jeans is wearing a heel.  It just adds to the overall look and creates an even more elongated leg.  You could wear flats with this look as well.  I would opt for a pointy toe flat that makes the overall look more polished.

Here is a great transitional outfit that lets you dip your toe into spring even while the temps are still freezing.  I’m featuring the Way Hight Jeans in aqua grey and the Stroopwaffel Recashmere Sweater, both from Everlane.  The sweater runs true to size even though the description notes its oversized.  

For other denim options, be sure to check out my Everlane Denim Guide.