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What's The Skinny? Slim Jeans Pass the Trend Test
Lindsay Sammon
June 12th, 2006 @ 4:56 PM - New York
The term "fashion forward" isn't just a sassy form of alliteration; fashion is always looking forward (when it's not looking back) which explains why even though Fall 2006 is still months away, we are currently obsessed with the "it" look of the season - the skinny jean.
The look manages to be a winning combination of sexy yet casual all at once, but it's popularity among the fashionably emaciated begs the question: are slim jeans only fitting for those who actually can fit into them? Here's the skinny on who can wear skinny jeans, how to choose a pair that satisfies your style, and how long skinny jean will stay on the racks.
"The runways for Fall '06 showed volume on top with a narrow bottom," said June Rau, Fashion Director for Nordstrom, from her office in Seattle where she sees first-hand how customers are flocking to the trend.
"Fashion overall is getting really cleaned up," said Rau. "There is a return to tailoring, a lot of the 'bling' has turned into prints, and the look is sleek and clean. The skinny jean is part of this new movement in fashion, and we're going to see different variations of that shape."
The slim shape, which provides balance to the voluminous silhouette of princess sleeves and billowing shirts on top, can be threatening to average consumer, but Rau insists there is no need to crash diet before making a purchase.
"I think there is a lot of fear among customers, but there really is a jean for everybody."
It's all about fit. For those channeling their inner supermodel (and have the body to do so) the white Stella jean by Hudson ($174) is 98% cotton for comfort, with 2% spandex, which provides a little stretch. The Stella is slim and sexy, but white can be an unforgiving color unless you're long and svelte.
Another pair that will stretch to fit without stretching the bill is Lux's Stretch Slim Jean ($68 at Urban Outfitters). Cut super skinny with a cute vintage wash, these jeans are great for those who are average height, and want some leg support (the 7" leg opening will really hold you in) with a true tapered bottom.
Whether short or tall, black looks flattering on all body types, which is why we like the Sage jean in Ebony, by Edun ($185). These black jeans are made from soft African cotton and are cut long for a lengthened leg look, which really comes in handy for those who lack the height to pull off skinny jeans in various washes of blue. As an added bonus, Edun's jeans promote sustainable employment in Africa; how's that for do-good-denim?
To dress up the leg with just a pinch of punk, John Varvatos for Converse also has black skinny jeans with a zipper detail at the ankle ($225) for a look that is more rocker than runway. And for those with a shapely hipline, avoid the super-tight legging style jeans and go for the cigarette shape.
"Some of the cuts are simple and straight which give the same effect, but are more flattering for those with a fuller body," said Rau.
Joe's Jeans Cigarette Leg Skinny Stretch jeans ($158) have a straight cut that smooth the hip as well as a slight fading pattern on the thigh and front leg for a "worn in" look.
With the fit problem solved, the real question is, will this trend last?
"A trend isn't in one season and out the next," said Rau. "Look how long the boot-cut jean lasted. The skinny jean is new right now, but it will be the jean of choice for a couple of years."
Goodbye boot-cut, relaxed fit, and - gasp - flared leg. It's time for jeans to get lean.
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