How to Style Straight-Leg Jeans
As much as I love wearing skinny jeans, sometimes I feel like wearing something else and I am sure you do too. Enter straight-leg jeans. But how do you style them? You can't wear skinny jeans and straight-leg jeans in exactly the same way. So whether you are getting tired of wearing skinny jeans all the time, or you are looking for fall outfit ideas, here are some ways to style straight-leg jeans for fall.
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Updated for 2024
How to Style Straight-Leg Jeans
This post has multiple looks you can use as inspiration for styling your straight-leg jeans and it also has some tips that you can use to style your straight-leg jeans.
I also have written posts on how to style other types of pants, that you might also find useful.
But right now, we are talking about straight-leg jeans, so without further ado, let's get right into finding the right pair of straight-leg jeans.
Finding a Pair of Straight Leg Jeans You Like
The pair of jeans I am wearing in all of the photos on this post are Guess High-Waisted Straight Leg Jeans (I don't know the exact style). Guess jeans are on the pricier side (Some styles are well over $100), but they are very good quality and really comfortable so if they are in your price range, then I recommend them. Guess also has unique jean styles (The pair I am wearing has zippers going up the ankles) so if you are looking for something different, then check them out!
Side Note - Please note that this post is not sponsored. I just wanted to give a quick review of the pair I am wearing.
The most important thing when buying a pair of straight-leg jeans is the fit. They need to fit very well. Since they are straight-leg jeans, they are going to be looser around your legs. This means the top of your jeans should be more fitted. If the waist on your jeans is a little bit too big, you can simply wear a belt.
The other thing you should check when buying your straight-leg jeans is the length. You don't want to buy jeans that are really long if you don't want to have to cuff them. If you don't mind cuffing your jeans, then slightly longer jeans are okay. Ideally, you want your jeans to hit right above your ankle.
And lastly, the rise of your straight-leg jeans. I think that it is best to get your straight-leg jeans in a high-rise fit because it will highlight your waist, but if you prefer to wear mid-rise, then that is fine too. It's all up to what you prefer, and your body type.
Rips or no rips?
It depends on whether you want to wear your jeans as part of a dressier outfit or not. Non-distressed jeans always look more classic, so keep this in mind when buying your jeans. If you do decide to buy jeans that are distressed, keep the distressing minimal.
The Do's of Wearing Straight Leg Jeans
1. Do Cuff Your Jeans
The ideal length of your straight-leg jeans is just above your ankle, so cuff them, if they are a little bit too long, especially if you are wearing flats.
You definitely don't want your jeans to be resting on top of or covering up your shoes.
2. Do Wear a Fitted Top
You don't want to be wearing a loose shirt and loose pants so tuck or half tuck in your top to give your waist definition.
In the outfit above, I am wearing a really fitted top, but a top that is a little looser, like a button-up shirt works too because it still defines your waist when you tuck it in. Wearing a bodysuit would work too, and you won't have to worry about keeping it tucked in.
3. Do Tuck Your Top In
If your top is fitted, then tuck it in. If your top is loose, but not bulky, then you can still tuck it in. If you are wearing a sweater, like below, then I do not recommend tucking it in, because it will be too bulky.
You are probably thinking, "But wait... your sweater is tucked in."
Nope, my sweater is actually not tucked in. :)
I used a simple belt trick, that you can use too, to make your sweater look like it is tucked in when it isn't. All you will need is an extra belt. Put your sweater on, and then put your belt on over the sweater. Then simply pull your sweater out of the belt until it creates a nice fold. Voila! You no longer have the bulky sweater problem.
Another way to get this look is to let your sweater hang straight, and then to take a hairbow, and tie one-side of your shirt up. Then tie up a little on the other side too. After that, all you have to do is flip both sides of your sweater underneath so the hairbows aren't showing!
4. Do Mix Dressy + Casual
Mixing dressy and casual is a nice way to get a polished look. High heels and straight-leg jeans are always a good idea.
For the outfit above, I uncuffed my jeans to make this outfit more dressy and I wore a blouse.
5. Do Wear a Belt
While it is not necessary to wear a belt, it makes a nice addition to your outfit, when you have your top tucked in. So if your outfit feels a little bit bland, you can add a belt, maybe even one that stands out.
Are your outfits always feeling bland? 8 Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Outfit
6. Do Wear a Fitted or a Cropped Jacket
Again, you want to have a defined waist when you wear straight-leg jeans, so your outfit is not too baggy. Avoid wearing any jacket that covers your waist.
2024 Update - I'm looking over this post right now and thinking "What!?" lol. I now think that straight-leg jeans can be worn with oversized jackets if it is done right. Go for something that is not baggy and has an open front like a shacket or a blazer. Just make sure the front is open and you should be good to go!
How to Style Straight Leg Jeans
Okay, let's wrap this post up! Here are the main things to keep in mind when you wear straight-leg jeans.
- Wearing a looser top is fine, as long as you tuck it in.
- Cuffing your jeans makes your outfit more casual.
- The most important thing to remember is that you want to define your waist.
If you liked this post, you can also read these ones.
- 8 Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Outfit
- How to Style White Jeans All Year Round
- 4 Ways to Casually Style a Blazer
- The Place to Find Affordable Formal Dresses
Let me know in the comments! Do you prefer straight-leg jeans or skinny jeans?
If you found this post helpful, please share it. Thank you! :)
2 comments
Gorgeous pictures Pixie! I certainly agree that high quality jeans, like your pair, are a good investment as they are such a wardrobe staple and need to stay looking good! I have a pair of straight leg jeans from riders as well as two pairs of skinny jeans and a paperbag style from seed heritage. Pretty much my go to!
ReplyDeleteThank you for yet another helpful post x
Maryam
https://infinitelyadaydreamer.com
Aw, thank you, Maryam! I am glad you found this post helpful!
ReplyDelete