What’s New in Denim?

Anything…

I’m not sure there’s ever really anything new in denim these days. I think, with the exception of skinny jeans, just about anything goes. But, I think they (skinny jeans) will be back in a few years. That seems to be the way with denim. This year, one of the big things is the barrel silhouette. But, I remember, when I started blogging in 2021, they were big then, too. And, no one liked them. Maybe, there’s been a bit of an adjustment to them. All I know is they didn’t work for me.

Washes and such…

One of the things that comes and goes are washes. Sometimes, the really dark washes are in; sometimes, the really light ones are. I wonder if it has to do with the seasons. It would be interesting to hear from my friends in Australia! Or, maybe it’s just me. I’ve never been a big fan of the really dark wash, especially when the seams are finished with that gold thread. But, guess what? I tried a pair, and I like them! The same goes for whiskering and distressing. I think those will be back, but it may be a little longer.

Influenced by…

Alison frequently writes about denim, clothing capsules, and such. In one such post, she mentioned every woman might want to include a pair of dark wash denim. I think she meant in a trouser style, thus a dressier pair of jeans. I don’t really want a pair of trouser jeans at this point in my life. If I’m going somewhere dressy, I’ll pull out a dress, skirt, or leggings. Recently, Old Navy had a big sale. I know, when don’t they? I ordered several pairs in various sizes. I probably should have done a denim try on post, but I’ve already returned the pairs I didn’t like or didn’t fit.

These jeans…

I love Old Navy’s WOW jeans. I don’t know, exactly, what makes them so good. Just take my word for it. They are that good! I’ve heard some say they have problems with “dancing bear butt” after wearing them all day. I’ve never had a problem with stretching or sagging. Now, I can’t compare them to premium denim because I’ve never bought any. I think the closest I’ve ever come is a pair of Wit & Wisdom. And, those aren’t premium denim at all. These jeans are the High Waisted WOW Loose jeans. One of the things I like about them is the high waist. It seems counterintuitive that I would wear high waisted jeans, but they just work for me. I mean, they do come all the way up to my boobs, but they just fit better than a mid-waist or lower. I was also lucky that ON offered these in a short length. Petite jeans are often too short in the rise for me. A short length is usually just about perfect.

The outfit…

I know, with high waisted jeans, you’re supposed to wear something cropped. But, when have I ever worried about what I’m supposed to do? This is the Textured Tipped Hem sweater in Floral Puff from Clara Sunwoo. Every time I wear it, I get compliments on it. It’s also nice and warm though I have often worn a light long sleeve tee under it when it’s really cold. I like the way it drapes over the top of the jeans, too.

The Lewk!

There’s only one new thing here. Do you see it? Nigel bought me a new ring for Christmas, and I love it. This is the Small Emerald Cut (AKA Glacier) Blue Topaz ring from Lagos. For as much as I love purple, I don’t really like the amethyst version of this ring. I wanted something kinda soft and neutral for this look. The earrings are decades old and came from Target. I think I may have paid $.99 for them on clearance. The necklace is from J Jill a few years ago. These Sofft booties are so comfortable. I thought they were perfect for the neutral aspect of my accessories.

Wrap it up, Marsha!

I wasn’t going to do a photo shoot with this look, but Nigel thought it would be a good one for the blog. He rarely suggests doing a photoshoot so I go along with it when he does. It was a little chilly the day we took these photos, but I was warm enough for the few minutes we were outside. Here’s the thing. I’m not a fashion expert at all. This whole post is my opinion about denim so don’t quote me! So, can we talk? Are you a fan of dark wash jeans? What trend are you seeing in denim? Have you tried the new barrel leg jeans? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.

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26 Comments

  1. I think you look longer wearing the sweater over the jeans. I have now 2 pair I wear frequently and loving both of them. One is a black one. And just like you I never wear jeans when I want to be dressier, it just isn’t!

    • Thanks, Nancy! I have way more than two pairs of jeans…too many, actually. I’m going to go through them and donate lots this coming week.

  2. Looking good Marsha.
    I did have to look up what a ‘ barrel silhouette’ was Ha, ha!

  3. I have been buying the same jeans model for probably 25 years now if not longer. I like when it’s on sale and take the color or wash I get unless it’s one I really don’t like, olive for example. My favorite, however, will always be the stone wash.
    Last summer I found two lighter 7/8 denims on sale and took a stone wash and a dark wash and both are okay for me.

    That’s a really pretty outfit, I could myself see wearing that except for the turtle neck. I think I mentioned before that I need my turtle necks to be tighter.

    Cat
    https://catswire.blogspot.com/

    • Thanks, Cat! I am the opposite when it comes to turtlenecks. I like them very loose. It’s probably because of my claustrophobia. I think that’s really cool you’ve been able to find the same jeans for 25 years. I am so fickle with jeans. I think I’m always trying to find the jeans of my youth…back in the 70s!

  4. I love that sweater and I can see how you get many compliments on it! I love a good dark wash denim and find that I have dark, medium, and light washes in my closet. I also have all sorts of leg styles (including skinny jeans I’m still wearing!) but I don’t know that I’ve tried barrel leg jeans before.

    • Thanks, Joanne! I seem to tend toward a medium wash more than anything. I do have a few pairs of light wash, I think. I have done lots of purging so I may have gotten rid of them. I’m waiting for Jodie’s post with her barrel leg jeans!

  5. Nice job, Nigel! Your new ring is just beautiful!
    I have not tried ON jeans in a long time but I remember liking them – I have heard so many good things about WOW. These look great on you and they pair so well with the CS top!
    xo,
    Kellyann

    • Thanks, Kellyann! I have several pairs of WOW jeans and like them all. I really don’t know what it is about them that makes them so good. It’s probably something to do with the fabric content. ON has really upped their game the last couple of years.

  6. I think dark-wash jeans are a classic staple, and they are really cute on you! Love your sweater too! Such a pretty print!

    Jill – Doused in Pink

    • Thanks, Jill! I haven’t worn dark wash jeans in decades. Well, not this dark anyway. I grew up in Columbia City, the home of Blue Bell which produced Wrangler jeans so that’s what we all wore (after it was OK for girls to wear jeans to school). Maybe, that influenced me!

  7. This looks so nice on you! Although, they can get my skinny jeans when they pry them from my cold dead hands! Lol. I grew up wearing the big old bottoms, and then we would all be out walking in the rain and our jeans would just be soaked from absorbing all the water. I remember a Lollapalooza like that, I was just miserable but of course couldn’t let on. Lol. Such a skater girl.

    I never cared for the darker wash with the gold thread either, but they are growing on me.

    • Hahaha!! I have heard many women say that. I was never a fan of skinnies because I just didn’t feel comfortable in them. That’s weird because I love leggings. Oh, my gosh! I can definitely relate to soaking your bellbottoms (remember, I’m a child of the 70s) and having to wear them all day long. Not a fun thing at all. I really wish I’d hung on to some of my bellbottoms. I honestly haven’t seen anything like them in stores. A wide leg jean is not a bell bottom.

      Thanks, Erin!

  8. Hi, Marsha – I enjoy your personal commentaries on style. It’s refreshing to have women just share their thoughts on what the designers and brands are presenting to them. I agree with Erin that I will not give up my skinny jeans. I belong to the “wear what you like” club. Trends give us new and refreshing options but they don’t have to dictate to us. I guess women just generally get bored with the same jeans and like to try different kinds. I don’t know if I’ll ever try barrel jeans. Bootcut jeans are the best shape for my body type, so I’m thinking I should really just stick to those. Thanks for all this food for thought! – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com

    • Thank you, Angie! I definitely belong to the “wear what you like” club. Skinnies have never been a thing for me…I’m what my mom and grandma always used to call stocky! I do hope the wider leg will stick around for a bit as I feel they’re the best for me. When I can find a good boot cut that’s my length, I snap them up. They really are a great silhouette!

  9. What a beautiful top! The jeans are perfect with them and I love the fit. I’m all for dark wash jeans!

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

    • Thanks, Kathrine! I was surprised at how much I liked the dark denim. I’d bought four pairs to try, and Mike liked these the best. I love this top and get compliments all the time on it.

  10. I LOVE dark wash denim, so I’m all over this look. (I personally can’t do a turtleneck but this one veers into cowl territory, which I can do.) I like how the necklace looks with this outfit – and the matching necklace and boots which relate to your hair color gives it all a very finished look.

    • Thanks, Sally! I think one of the reasons I’ve avoided dark wash denim is that, sometimes, the dye transfers to furniture and other clothing. This sweater really is the child of a cowl neck and a turtleneck! It’s not big enough for a cowl and not tight enough for a turtle. I am so glad I bought this necklace whenever I did because I wear it all the time.

  11. jodie filogomo

    Jeans are one of those things that are so personal, right? Yet we all have them and wear them, so it’s good to hear your thoughts.
    XOXO
    Jodie

    • Thanks, Jodie! I love jean and wear them a lot. The only silhouette I never really liked is the skinny jean. I never felt comfortable in them as I felt like they did nothing for me.

  12. I love that turtleneck sweater- what a great piece! And I agree with you, I think skinny jeans will be back before we know it! Trends are cycling faster and faster!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

    • Thanks, Ashley. I love that it’s not a tight turtleneck and can be worn a couple different ways. I think trends will probably cycle even faster. I really like that, right now, anything goes.

  13. Honestly I can’t quite wrap my head around paying for designer jeans. I love Old Navy jeans and have worn them for years. There are always so many washes and styles. These look great on you!

    • Thanks, Laura! I used to say I’d pay $$$ for a good pair of jeans. But, I am thrilled to pay so much less for ON jeans. I honestly have never had a problem with them.

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