It’s been a few months since I started hunting for some super light wash vintage jeans. Some call them mom jeans, others call them supermodel jeans. Split the difference? Supermom jeans, maybe? :)
Anyway.
I tried and failed with multiple pairs. Multiple pairs.
Then one day, I stumbled upon this pair. I thought, Maybe this time!
But I was skeptical. When I got them in the mail, I tried them on and prepared myself for a disappointment.
But they were … working.
Like really, really working!
Loose in the leg, but flattering on the butt. Super high rise, but not pinchy at the waist. Also! Made in the USA.
I’d found ’em.
For a while I shied away from the supermom jeans — even though I loved them and felt like they were me. I was nervous that they were too trendy.
But the more I thought about it, the more I realized:
Trendy, classic. It’s all invented anyway. So why not define it for myself?
Why not lose the universal interpretation of trendy and classic? Why not define those words in light of my own lifestyle instead?
Why not wear what works for me — rather than subscribing to the familiar rules and lists of essentials “every woman should own”?
Why not?
What’s classic to me might be trendy to you — what’s trendy to me might be classic to you. There’s room for both.
To me, these jeans are classic even though they are popular right now. What are some classic pieces in your book?
xo,
• • •
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01 | Sweater (old from Nordstrom Rack) | similar under $60 (made in USA)
02 | Jeans by Girlfriend (made in USA) (Fit Note: I’m usually a 24 in jeans and sized up to a 25. They feel tight in the waist at first, but over a few wears they mold to your body and get super comfortable. Wash them on cold, do not put them in the dryer, and they’ll stay molded like that forever.) | similar under $70 | similar under $100 (made in USA)
03 | Ankle booties (old by Sam Edelman) | similar by Madewell | similar by Fortress of Inca (made responsibly)
04 | Bag gifted by ONA | similar (made responsibly) | similar (made responsibly)
Love be your Ona bag and am soooo close to ordering one. But is it really suitable for a daily use handbag? I am concerned that all the camera padding reduces the roominess and could be cumbersome. If it had not been gifted, would you buy it for a daily bag?
Hey Holly, I actually do love the durability, versatility and quality of the bag. And I especially love it for traveling. The padding doesn’t bother me too much, since I tend to pack somewhat light on a day to day basis. :) If you’re worried about the padding, you might be more happy with the tote from FashionABLE. Just a thought! :)
Definitely a classic. My mother wore this style jeans in the 80’s and they looked great on her. They look great on you. They look super comfy and classic.
Love this! To me skinny jeans are classic, but to my mom and sister, flares are. I think it just depends on our individual style! These jeans look amazing– I’m loving the light wash, and the term supermom jeans. :D
Thanks for sharing, as always!
-Lauren
http://www.chic-ethique.com/
I have a light-wash pair of boyfriend jeans that I LOVE! Same sort of fit, nice in the rear, comfortable yet flattering in the leg. I always put them away for fall/winter, but after seeing this combo, I may need to dig them back out! As a kid born in 1983 who wasn’t quite old enough to wear all the super cool stuff my friend’s older sisters were wearing, I’ve really enjoyed the more refined versions of late. Plus it feels a little more genuine since I was actually alive when the trend was…trendy ;)
Great outfit. I love those boots and bag on you. You make me think of tge quote “Fashion is what you buy, style is what you wear”. Today, I’m wearing some very patched jeans, which were probably “in” a year or 2 ago, but I love them, the more patched up the better.
You have got me watching Stranger Things, how great is that – I was a teenager in the 80s, so it’s very nostalgic. Thanks Caroline.
Yes Tanya, isn’t is such a fun show? And I love that quote — perfection! :)
I totally agree with doing away with universal notions of what is trendy and what is classic. An item in my closet that I consider classic is my black blazer. On the other hand my headwraps made from ankara (traditional African fabric) are very trendy to me, but to my mothrer-in-law these items are classic. Great post Caroline.
I like the way the jeans are slightly distressed. I want them :)
Those jeans do look so great on you! I worry about buying “trendy” pieces too. For me, it is all about whether I can see myself wearing them a few years from now, once the trend hype is over. I have wanted a pair of light high rise jeans too, and since my figure is really bottom heavy, I had a hard time finding a flattering pair. Actually ended up lucking out at Old Navy!
xo,
Laura @ http://www.thriveorsurvive.us
I bought some really similar jeans to these about a month back. They fit perfectly and I really like the style but I haven’t worn them yet. I just can’t seem to get them to look right with any of my boots and I can’t face exposing my ankles to the air at this time of year. They look great with your boots, but I have none in brown and if I had to go sockless I know I’d just wear something else. Any tips to save my jeans from the back of the wardrobe??? X
Colored tights?
I have a pair of nude ice skating tights that I wear under jeans or skirts/dresses when it is chilly out. They’re really thick and keep me pretty warm, but look like bare legs. My husband doesn’t even notice that I have tights on! Bought them on Amazon a couple years ago and they’re lasting really well. Might be worth a look, Carly! (If you do go for it, size up one or two sizes for comfort!!)
xo,
Laura @ http://www.thriveorsurvive.us
If not tights, what about thick, wool socks? I wore some jeans with turn ups, low suede boots and long wool socks scrunched down. Kind of wintering up an autumn look. Might depend on the proportions of your jeans and boots. I can’t do cold ankles either!
Hey Carly, I actually love all the suggestions above! Tights — colored or nude — and don’t be afraid to let cute socks peek out between your boots and jeans. :)
I just can’t with the mom jeans in my own life. Maybe it’s my age and me living through them once, begging my mom as a teen to get rid of them and going back on that sentiment just seems untrue, but I’m not sold for my closet. You’re definitely wearing them as well as I’ve witnessed (I think we have all seen the not so good.)
I am happy that higher rise is trending after also living through the Britney years of super low rise. My comfort zone is somewhere in the middle of the two I guess.
Can’t go wrong with the basics.
Liv
http://www.livforstyle.net
I love the concept of making your own classics! I have always loved off-the-shoulder tops and they come and go as trendy but I will always love them :). Love those jeans on you! I can’t make myself try high waisted jeans though! I’ve finally gotten comfortable with mid-rises though. I picked up the Rag & Bone slim boyfriends at the latest sale price and was surprised to find they are low rise!
I’m a mom, remember true mom jeans (big even before I became a mom) and those look great on you…not mom-my at all. I have a pair of high rise Levi’s skinnies that I LOVE. Since I’m 60 I mostly wear longer tops over-no one wants to get a peek at this belly anymore! But sometimes I’ll do a half tuck into the front pocket to make me just a little less ancient.
Sounds perfect Nelson! :)
Flared jeans and midi skirts for me are both classics that I don’t like not having in my wardrobe. On the reverse side, miniskirts are always “trendy” in my mind, even though I know they are here to stay and are a constant in the world of fashion. You are inspiring me to cut down my closet size for pieces that are classic to me!
Great post, Caroline! And great advice about those made up style definitions as well (remember me, the girl with the “I wanna feel comfortable but also look nice”- style description :))))
And might I just mention that if I were to chose those jeans from the link you posted, I never would have even looked at them! On you however, they look perfect, you instantly get the feeling that everything works together. True style right there! <3
That’s so sweet! Thanks Yana :)
This blog post is brilliant. I have followed you for a long time and loved the capsule wardrobe concept. I purged my closet to only things I want to wear and lost the “fillers”. I am mindful of what I buy and if it’s truly me and does it work with what I have. I don’t always get it right but that’s ok. This post though. This post is one every person should read. It was like a light bulb went off in my brain! I love some of the classic pieces that are trendy now. I had thought about how those trends will go away and will I then look outdated? Who cares?!? It’s MY style!! Thank you again for another epiphany moment that will give me the courage to be me and wear my clothes with confidence.
Yes Ginia! Embrace it! :)
Those jeans are amazing on you! I really love the wash and fit. I’m totally in the idea of creating your own classics. I think it’s best to find things that work for you in the long run.
-Helen
http://www.sweethelengrace.com
The jeans look great on you! Got to love it when a style you think of as ‘yours’ becomes trendy – because suddenly, there are loads of versions to choose from. Then when others move on, you’ll keep wearing your signature style, trends be damned. Win-win.
These thoughts really resonated with me! It really is all made up. At the same time, I do love high-waisted jeans and think they have a classic look. I have an indigo pair and a black pair that are part of my minimalist wardrobe.
To me, classic/trendy is if I like it, I like how I look in it, I wear it! I call it all my style! ?
For me anything high waisted or flaired is classic because that’s what looks great on my body (or makes me feel good/comfortable) despite what’s currently in a fashion magazine. I definitely think you hit the nail on the head, what’s classic for us should depend on our lifestyles and what we feel great in, year after year!
Yes yes yes. Needed to read this!!
Kate
I love how you always challenge us to rethink about trends. With peer pressure and the majority of media and ads, it’s incredibly hard. But I am so glad to have found you who share very similar view on Fashion and Style. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
This title and post is genius. Thank you for this!!
http://www.angelicabbie.com
The jeans look nice, but I doubt I would spend that much for a pair of jeans that are already worn when I can get a pair at the local Goodwill store for about $6. Like the idea of classics.
First of all, Even though my caps lock isn’t on All of my letters are being capitalized, so…I’m sorry for yelling. Anyway…
I had the thought that maybe women are growing tired of what’s trendy and gravitating more toward the classic, comfortable articles of clothing that only seem trendy right now because everyone’s attitude about fashion Is shifting. Maybe that’s not what’s happening, but it does seem like more and more women are growing into the sustainability movement, which I think has had a lot to do with it. They want pieces that stand the test of time and which will most likely continue to do so.
I’ve been so determined to try out the mom jeans, but I’m scared that I’ll either get stuck and not know how to style them, or they’ll make my hips look horrendous! I know I should probably just suck it up and go for it though, or else I’ll never know. I felt the same way about skinny jeans when they first came out, and now I can’t wear anything else!
Hey Savannah, it never hurts to try! :)
Supermom jeans – I like that!
I’m attracted to pattern and florals. In fact, when looking for new clothes, I’m the one looking for something so different or intricate there’s nothing else like it. As a designer and arts and craft adorer I like textures, patterns, and details.
So for me, classic Laura pieces are could considered trendy.
Over the past few years I’ve started liking solids with intricate details and more minimal types of unique, or pattern as an accessory like in a scarf. I think this helps tie my closet together. But I know even a well culled closet for me would include some “interesting” pieces. ;)
*could be considered trendy. Sorry, typo!
I had similar thoughts when I bought some Elizabeth Suzann Clyde pants–not necessarily that they were trendy, but that they were such a STATEMENT pant. I worried I wouldn’t be able to wear them day after day like I can get away with in jeans. But ultimately, I felt so at home in them, that I really like they are a very personal staple now. They are “classic” within my closet. Those jeans look awesome on you and good to hear they’re comfy too!
I love that Lo! Classic in your own closet :)
This is so true, if you love it, who cares if it’s trendy right now. I try not to think in those terms. I either love it or I don’t, trendiness aside.
Sometimes I like when something I love becomes trendy too – it means it will be easy for me to get (I’d never be able to get a denim button down skirt had it not had a revival last year) and yes, other girls might wear the trendy thing too but in a year or so they will stop and I will still have the thing I love.
Current example: I love embroidery. It’s trendy right now. It means I can get a pair of embroidered jeans that would otherwise be unavailable.
And perhaps same with your mom jeans! They were completely out and forgotten just a few years back and you’d have a much harder time finding a pair for yourself.
Trends can open up a way for trying something new – thus giving you a chance to find something you love (high-waisted jeans for me a few years back) or on the other hand finding out what doesn’t work (peplum tops, sneaker wedges, neons).
So a good strategy would be to pick and choose your trends but not see them as trends at all, just as things that either do or don’t work for your style.
xo Kat
Absolutely, Kat. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! :)
Mom jeans are all I wear. My waist is much smaller than my hips and a high waist that doesn’t gap in the back is the only style that is flattering on me. The hip huggers we wore in the 70s were a nightmare on me.
I agree! Wear what makes you happy (that you can find). I’ve also been thinking lately that between the high-waisted mom jeans, Stan Smiths, and Birkenstocks, my not-trendy mom’s longtime favorites are super trendy right now.
Haha Casey! Looks like our moms knew what was up — just ahead of their time ;)
I really want to get a pair! :)
OH man, those jeans look so comfortable! Were your GRLFRND jeans pretty stiff when you bought them and have they softened over time? I just can’t not have a pair of smooth as butter jeans!
ohwonderful.com
Hi Logan, the jeans have zero stretch — so they take a bit of getting used to. They are super stiff at first but I was pleasantly surprised to find that they were loosening + molding to me within a couple of wears. :)
These jeans look amazing. I wish I could afford them but…maybe someday. In the mean time I wonder if you have experience with Zara jeans. These look like they might be similar. http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/jeans/view-all/boyfriend-jeans-c733918p3723042.html
Hey Elisabeth! I tried Zara jeans a few years ago, but didn’t like them because they didn’t hold their shape. I haven’t tried these particular ones though. :)
I love my Tretorn sneakers….trendy in my middle and high school 90s years…and then had a brief revival about 5 years ago…to me, they are more feminine than converse (which is ironic because mine are mens) and so, more classic me.
I steer well clear of high waist bottoms as I’m boyish in shape and my waist is about the same width as my hips. I’m in misery in anything high waisted!!
I’ve never thought about this before but what you said is so true!