Mar 16 2009
The Secret to being Feminine in Jeans
I have a confession to make: I wear slacks. I wear jeans. I even wear sweats…and I like it.
Does that surprise you? It shouldn’t.
I have never felt led to wear skirts everyday, and while I wear them frequently, I also enjoy adding stylish slacks or denim to round out my wardrobe.
The trick to looking feminine in jeans is not necessarily in what you’re wearing, but how you wear them. Skirts and Dresses by their very nature are more feminine than pants. But is it possible to be Feminine while wearing pants? Yes.
Tips to Try:
-When wearing denim (jeans) carry a lady-like handbag or clutch. It does wonders to your feminine mystique.
-Pair your trousers with something a man would never wear. For example, a silk scarf, a drapey tunic, a pashmina, pearls, a long feminine coat. I consistently wear a tunic or long blouse to cover my derriere, simply because my Dad thinks it’s more modest.
-The blouse can make all the difference, t-shirt says “I’m comfy and I don’t want to expend any effort”, pretty blouses or cardigans “This is my day to shine, watch out boys, here I come!”
-Keep your pants simple. Because you want attention to be drawn to your face, emphasize your blouse or brightly colored jewelry. Zebra stripe pants just don’t have the same effect.
-Wear heels. If you’ve never worn heels with your denim or trousers, please start now.
-On the same note, avoid Tennis shoes. Use these shoes for what they are meant for ( sports and active happenings) not for your errands and appointments.
-When wearing jeans, don’t wear frumpy ones that bag and fold around your ankles. Unless you are very slender, avoid every manifestation of a “tapered” leg. Boot cut, ladies. Bootcut.
-Put on the attitude of femininity. There is an irrevocable connection between your heart and your clothes. Heart first, and posturing and demeanor follows.
The Nitty Gritty:
-Please make sure your top is long enough to ensure coverage on your backside when you bend over or sit down.
-Place your hands down by your side. Can you pull your pant leg away from your hip or derriere? If not, they are too tight.
I know you ladies have a plethora of ideas- What are some of the simple things you’ve added to your outfit to bring out your femininity?
____
Photo courtesy of Larissa Taylor
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Great post, Christa!
I’m with you on all of your tips…it’s amazing how a set of pearls, pashmina, or handbag can really up the femininity of an outfit. Something I wanted to add: I wear a LOT of capris…I feel almost as feminine in them as I do in skirts. Why? They’re one of those clothing items that men don’t wear! (Unless you’re in Europe, I suppose….) Just like skirts, you don’t see men walking around in capris pants. Plus, they look great with heels!
Christa, I’m a faithful follower of your sister’s blog, and just recently started reading yours. Until last week, I thought you and your sisters wore only skirts, and when I saw a family picture of all of you wearing jeans, I told my husband, “now I like them even more!!!”
I LOVE women who wear only skirts, but I also have never felt lead to do that. Plus, my husband actually prefers me in slacks, so I like to please him. One hot item on my shopping list this year is a nice pair of trouser jeans. I think they look so feminine and classy.
Thanks for the post!
Shannon in Texas
Yes, they do. I don’t know if any of you watch tennis on occasion, but if you’ve ever seen Rafael Nadal, you’d know that men do indeed wear capris. (Of course, in my humble opinion he looks terrible in them, but that’s beside the point.)
Oh, I’m sorry I meant to post this in reply to Miss Audrey. Please excuse.
I agree Kristin. Capris can be very feminine. Do guys really wear them in Europe? lol
They can be very chic also. Don’t forget one of the wonderful ladies that made them popular…Audrey Hepburn! Here is a link to a set I made some time a go featuring Audrey’s unique style. http://www.polyvore.com/audreys_style/set?id=1368342
Oh yes, believe me….they do, lol! The first time I saw a guy wearing a pair of man-capris in Europe I had to try very hard to remind myself that a different culture = different style. Capris just don’t say ‘masculine’ to me at all!
Haha, I agree with you there!
I agree with both Kristin and Audrey. As I haven’t been shopping in forever, it would be nice to buy clothes again =) I liked capris a lot. Buying more feminine clothes is something that I would like to start doing. I wear pants, but I’m noticing that they are getting too tight..yikes! Will have to “scour” Christa’s website…huh?
=)
Audrey Hepburn is a favorite of mine, by the way. =)
Hey Christa!
Up until recently I’ve been a “skirt only”girl, but I have slowly started to wear jeans again.
I like the feminine look in jeans but I’m not sure how to get it. I’m pretty petite so what kind of pants and girly shoes would you suggest? I’m only 5′3 but my all my height is in my legs. Is there a certain style I should try?
Thanks for sharing all these great tips! I know I’ll be incorporating them into my style!
Sydney
The only kind of denim you shouldn’t wear is the “matchstick” or tapered leg. They make your legs look super short because the eye is drawn to the hip, vs. one long lean line.
You can have fun with long, full-legged trousers. With a fitted button-up blouse, they look fantastic on petite figures.
Consider wearing nude/beige colored shoes/heels. They lengthen your legs.
Another really basic, practical tip is to iron a pleat into your trousers/jeans. It adds another long line, causing the eye to “lengthen” your legs.
I found this post very interesting. I never thought pants were feminine. I still don’t.
To my understanding, Christa isn’t saying that pants are feminine, but rather that a girl can wear pants and still be feminine. I’m a dresses-mostly girl, but I do have to wear capris and a t-shirt once a year for a group church performance. I always wear my hair down when I wear them though!
WOW! Stunning article Christa…. totally agree with you and with the wearing longer tops. I just feel a lot more comfortable knowing that I’m not flashing every 2 seconds
I love jeans, but do want to look feminine. I am currently on the look out for some embellished jeans. Embroidery, lace, ribbon , etc. (Not too overdone, of course!)
Totally agree, Christa. You can make yourself feminine in jeans and slacks! I don’t always find jeans the most comfortable thing in the world, but I LOVE my new pair of black pants I bought.
I am also into the long tops thing. I have started buying camisoles from Down East Basics (www.downeastbasics.com) so even if I wear a shorter shirt, I can be assurd of the fact that my backside won’t be hanging out
I’m a pants fan, too (though I like dresses and skirts). I’ve noticed that darker denim is a bit dressier, and pulls off a more feminine look. Maybe it’s because men do not wear dark denim as often as women do (at least, from what I’ve observed). A shoe with a heel definitely gives girliness to it!
Hi… I was a bit dissapointed with this post. I don’t feel that pants are feminine at all. How are we to be different from the world if we look like them? Christ called us to worship Him in the beauty of holiness. Holiness means to be “set-apart”. Why compromise even a little?
I feel that pants are totally fine to be worn around the house… or like horse riding. But when we can chose… why not wear skirts?
I guess I don’t really understand why it seems that everyone is trying to be like the world, wear their clothes, and imitate their style. Being feminine is more than wearing a floral belt or classy purse! Femininity is rejoicing in the way God made me… girls, we don’t have to be like the guys!!
I guess I can’t change your mind… and I don’t really want to! lol But I want other people to know that it’s ok to disagree. And it’s ok to have different convictions.
Hi Thoughtful…
Blessings.
I certainly do think it is okay to disagree or have different convictions. I don’t know why God convicts us all differently, but I do believe He does. And I think you should be “set apart” and feminine in the way He has called YOU to do so. And thanks for not judging the rest of us pant-wearing ladies!!
Thank you so much for this post!
I will be attending a school where only skirts are permitted so this will not apply for long, but I think it is a message that needs to be sent.
I think skirts are so feminine and encourage ladylike behavior and mannerisms, they are beautiful and a woman should own more skirts than slacks, but pants are sometimes called for and you can wear them and look beautiful and graceful!
I have found that New York and Company has some great options, and if you feel that the pants may be a little on the tight side, but you love them, have them TAILORED!!! It makes such a difference!!! Even if you can only afford a couple of pairs of tailored pants it is worth it!
Thanks again for your fashion-minded wisdom. = )
Heels with jeans = YES.
Heels are the key to playing up jeans, every time. I find that putting on heels changes the way I walk and the way I stand, which turns a relaxed jean or pant into an elongated feminine article of clothing.
Thanks so much for the article. I love skirts but love my blue jeans too:)
How do you find flattering long tops? My hips are rather wide and aren’t that noticeable and till I put on a top that goes past “the fly”. Suddenly they look enormous:)
I love heels and I’m a big fan but often I feel like I’m walking sensually when I wear them. How do you avoid this?
I recently got a pair dark indigo blue trousers and love them. High waisted ( well past my belly button anyway) and nicely loose around “hard to fit area”, lol:)
How to find flattering tops?
Here’s a few tips:
1) Look for tops that have a decorative neckline that brings the eyes up to the face vs. your hips.
2) Long vertical lines will make you appear slimmer, drawing the eyes away from the hips. Button ups, long necklace, vests etc.
3) Find the sweet spot. The reason your hips suddenly look wider is because you are creating a horizontal line at the widest part of your hips. Try wearing tops a bit longer or a bit shorter.
Heels:
If you’re pair shaped (which many of us are), it’s easy to “swagger” in heels. The solution? Practice. The Swagger is created by artificially shifting your weight as you change feet.
Try to keeep your hips perfectly still (think “quiet”), suck in your stomach a bit and see your legs as arrows coming out of your hip socket. Keeping your weight square on your hips vs. swaying side to side.
You know why girls practiced with a book on their head? Not only did it eliminate hunched shoulders, it removed all swaying hips. Try it!
Thanks so much for the advice. I’m trying it:)
I am still transitioning into a look of constant femininity (I always look nice when we go out, but at home, I’m a sweats kind of gal … if they get stained while playing with the kids, c’est la vie). However, I *love* my wide leg dark jeans. I really don’t have nice tops, but I find that a tee-shirt well accessorized can be beautiful. I always wear earrings and makeup. I’ve started to add scarves back (before I had kids I love them!) and also cute caps. However, I’ve found that people usually think I’m dressed up as long as I’m wearing my nice shoes. For some reason, they are what pull it all together. My newest goal, though, is going to be to incorporate nicer tops as I build on my wardrobe!
What is a pashmina? I have never heard of that before. Also, I love your blog. It’s really nice to get fashion tips that help you to stay modest, since the world is trying to tell us to give that up and become apart of the crowd. Thank you, Christa.
A is a scarf or shawl and can be worn a bunch of different ways.
Along the same lines as the long tops paired with jeans, I like to take this one step further and wear jeans under a dress! Some of my favorite knee length dresses, including a lovely, sunny, green plaid from target, are just too short for my 5′ 11″ self, and jeans are the best way to make them modest. I roll the hem of the jeans for an even more playful look. Basically, I’m just pretending that the dresses are tunics.
It’s really too funny when people comment on my outfit and can’t figure out exactly what it is that I’m wearing. “I love your…um, is that a dress?”
Ha! I do this too – though I am quite shorter than you are. But I’m always being handed down dresses that I think are way too short, so I wear them over jeans – and I ALWAYS get compliments when I wear them.
I love the idea of wearing jeans under too-short dresses! But what fit of jeans do you wear? Skinny-leg, or boot-cut/bell-bottom?
Bootcut are consistently more flattering than skinny-leg- and balance out the shape of the dress.
One thing I’d like to say about jeans- if you have a lot of embellishment on your back pockets, it draws eyes to your backside. A male friend of mine says that back pockets, if overly embellished, can be a problem for him. Not that I’m saying “Don’t embellish” but rather, “be careful” for modesty’s sake.
I like jeans a lot though. I’m like Alison Joy- I like to wear dresses over jeans! It’s girly.
I’m glad that yo posted what you did about tapered legs…I tried a pair on the last time I was shopping for jeans and they looked horrible on me. Bootcut is what I usually buy but they seem to be getting harder to find with the skinny jeans in.
I love wearing dark jeans, my problem is that I can’t seem to find any without them being so distressed that they have holes in them. (Can you tell that I’m not very good at shopping for jeans?)
Loved your advice about wearing heels with jeans though. That always makes me feel more dressy and feminine.
I too love dark jeans without being distressed much at all, and for that, I LOVE Old Navy. They’re a little bit pricy, but they have so many options – colors, tall/petite, three different waists, bootcut/flair/skinny, and occasionally they’ll put them on sale. I periodically check the clearance section at the Old Navy website, and have gotten pairs for 10-15 dollars. Really nice!
I wear jeans all the time, and my absolute favorite pair is a dark, boot cut from Eddie Bauer. I’ve worn these for months, literally, and they’re not faded. I really reccommend them.
I love your advice here! I have found in the past year I can’t stand to wear tennis shoes, I just don’t feel right in them! Especially with jeans, it just seems sloppy to me now. But I need to find a range of comfy shoes so I don’t go so feminine that my kids don’t get to have mom playing with them! I did find a pair of slip on brown ballet style shoes with a elastic strap over the top that are so comfy and cute and able to go just about anywhere in them! I should really buy 3 pair to have on hand!
Jenna, I was given some great jeans that were from Gap, they are still my favorite, my 2nd favorite is Express. I would check the fit out with them.
I do love wearing heels with jeans but it does hurt my feet after a while, anyone have a great recommendation for full foot pad to go in heels?
I went shopping with my mom yesterday and FINALLY found modest khakis (they’re mid-higher rise, which works for me because I have a long torso). We also bought an electric blue top, and to make it into an outfit instead of something I “just threw on” I found a lime green and silver necklace. The necklace makes it more feminine, and the mix of the blue with the green makes it unique and modern. I’m going to add some ballet flats and I’m headed out to lunch!
Thanks for all the tips Christa, you got me thinking in “feminine” mode before I went shopping.
In response to Alison and Lisa’s comments I so know how you feel.
Dresses over jeans are so the way the go. It not only helps us tall people but also eliminated worry when wearing particular dresses as it stops them from riding up when you walk or run in them.
I also look dressed up alot of the time … well in comparison to my friends but i really don’t care anymore. I try to go for the classic look because it is so much better than following the trends and its alot more stylish.
Question – I don’t wear heels with trousers, or dresses for that matter because I’m tall. Does anyone have any ideas of what I could substitute my running shoes with?
Try ballet flats. They are supercute with jeans and so feminine and classy!
Ditto! I love my flats, well, because they are…flat!
I Love ballet flats too!
You could try the sporty-but-girly Mary Jane style shoes, like these from Land’s End:
http://www.landsend.com/pp/TerrainMaryJaneShoes~194448_253.html&cm_re=Tab-_-SH-_-F-_-031709
(If that link doesn’t work, they’re the ‘Terrain Jane’ shoes.)
So cute!
Christa, I just today got around to answering(sort of) the question you left me concerning being modest/feminine. (Sorry it took so long). I answered it via todays post. You have written a very good article on this topic. I appreciate all of the good advice and wisdom you are sharing.
I’ve never been a skirts only girl. In fact I only have one “casual” skirt. And even that’s for nicer occasions only.
Basically I’m a blue jeans girl. But I never fear that I look *thinks for good word* the word escapes me…that I look non-feminine. Because I have one big rule about jeans.
I NEVER EVER wear plain old jeans.
Never.
They always have something decorative, glitzy, and very girly about them. Whether it’s rhinestones (my personal fave!) or embroidery, or interesting seaming, I always make sure that my jeans are something no guy would be caught dead in.
~Harmony~
PS
I also love heels with jeans, but I’m only just now old enough to wear them so that’s a new thing for me. (I’m 16 as of February) I had always been afraid that I would end up doing what Beth was talking about. Getting the “Model Walk” (as my friends and I call it) is something I definatley don’t want. But I find instead that they make me more aware of my behavior and my walking.
PS#2
about my no skirts thing…I’ve been trying to remedy that. And I admit it…it’s totally, completly, 100%, only because of the guest blog on The Top Ten Things Guys Like About Girls. I’m a hopeless romantic and then this guy blogs, basically about girls wearing skirts, I didn’t know guys cared what we weared. But it inspired me to buy more skirts. Next time I go to the city (I live out in the country) I’ll be buying more skirts. =}
~H~
-”I always make sure that my jeans are something no guy would be caught dead in.”
My sentiments exactly! Good rule of thumb.
Being a jeans and pants person myself, I agree, wholeheartedly. I usually like to wear heels with them, however, when I’m doing errands and have my daughter with me, it’s sneakers. I’ve stumbled twice while holding my EXTREMELY energetic baby girl while wearing heels and don’t want to drop her!
It’s funny though, skirts, for the most part just aren’t in my orbit. I have no hips whatsoever and after having my girl I tend to pooch out a bit at my c-section scar. Thus shirts just all seem to hit my waist at an extremely unflattering point. So I go for dresses instead, definately works much better for my figure.
Hey Christa, why are my comments on moderation? I’m the same Anna as before, I just have an 09 to make myself the same as on IsThisModest.com… Just wondering.
I think she moderates anyone who makes a name or email change (even if it is a minor change).
It’s me again. I must comment on everyone talking about wearing heals. I am now 43 yrs. old. During my younger years I wore heels most all the time. I was not allowed to wear pants, I think I was a pretty classy dresser and I had a lot of high heals. Now I am paying for it. I have had a lot of back problems and feet problems. When I wear heels it kills my back and ball of my feet and when I wear ballet flats it kills my feet because they have no support. Please be moderate in wearing heals. And, if anyone has any suggestions on some really cute shoes that I can wear for casual wear that are not heels and not totally flat, I would really appreciate the help.
Two words: Clark’s clogs. They dress up or down, have a mid heel (1-1.5″) and excellent support. If you can find them on sale, so much the better!
Thanks!
I wear Naturalizers when I photograph weddings and have to be on my feet all day. They are super comfy and have some cute styles.
Interesting that you should mention wearing high heels with jeans – I had been contemplating this for a few weeks now ever since I happened onto a xanga post/survey that asked guys if they would be interested in dating the type of girl who wears high heels with jeans – signaling that that sort of girl might be high-maintenance, among other things. It has kind of put me off the thought of wearing heels with jeans because I don’t want to send that kind of message. (Of course, I am also the sort of person who wears birkenstock clogs to work every single day…heels aren’t really in my repertoire anyway, but my feet feel really good!)
It was nice to see an article praising the fact that jeans can be feminine and appropriate. And I absolutely 100% agree about avoiding the tapered-leg jean. What were we thinking through the entire 90’s? Those don’t flatter anybody!
When you mean tapered are you talking about skinny jeans?
skinny jeans fall into that category, yes.
Daddy is so funny… but sweet.
I have a pair of dark trouser jeans… My dad saw me in them and said, “Grace, what are you wearing? Are those bell bottoms?” My mom and I (who had just been talking about how cute wideleg jeans are) looked at each other and laughed and laughed. Then I asked Daddy, “would you rather have me wear “skinny” jeans, Daddy?” Dad said, “Personally, I think they’re cuter, if they’re not too tight.” Of course, he proceeded to assure me that he didn’t wish to dictate my fashion decisions if they’re modest, etc…
But I have another pair of size 6 long Gap tapered leg jeans, and Dad likes those MILLIONS of times better… they’re not my personal favorite, though.
They don’t look frumpy at all, but also aren’t skin tight.
Just thought I’d share MY funny story about matchstick jeans, after all that you’ve said. = )
Question: Where to buy LONG jeans? I am 5′9″ and want to be able to wear heel hemmed jeans. I was so excited that Gap has size Tall, but they don’t have Tall 4s, only Tall 6+, and I really wear a 4. I love Ross (one of my bargain secrets) and recently found 2 pairs of long long jeans, but they SHRUNK!
And I HATE highwaters.
Bracie, so with you on the highwaters. I always have this urge to say, “Expecting rain?” when ever I see someone with those on!
So where should tall girls buy their jeans?
Good question! And where should the short girls buy their jeans?
IMO, for both extremes it’s a store called “Trial and Error”. There’s no way around it.
Hey Paige,
I’m also 5′9 and used to have good luck at Old Navy but they changed their style this year and it just doesn’t fit right on me anymore (I have a long torso so if you don’t you might have luck there.) they have size 4Long (not that many but they do exist). I’ve found JC Penny and Macy’s and other stores at that level have pants in size long. Sometimes if they don’t have them in store you can order them online. Its a little more expensive at those places but the jeans tend to fit better and last longer so its definitely worth it. Good Luck!
Hi girls –
I just wanted to throw an idea for tall jeans out there….
Don’t overlook the farm stores like Farm & Fleet, Tractor Supply Company, etc. I found my favorite tall jeans EVER at Tractor and Supply. I wear them almost all the time. Unfortunately, I looked there and they did not have 4 talls (Sorry, Bracie), but I haven’t investigated Farm & Fleet. So I just wanted let you know that you don’t have to limit your shopping to clothing stores only. Often the farm stuff is better quality and more durable, too, I think.
Just a tip!
Have a great day, ladies!
Oh, and ditto about highwaters!
Christa,
I love that you encourage all of us ladies to be modest and honor Christ in our hearts and dress. I also appreciate that you don’t try to force a certain set of rules.
My husband and I are training to be missionaries someday, Lord willing and it seems many times at least where I am from that those who are invoveld in full time Christian service look down on those who wear pants–almost like they believe a godly lady would never think of such a thing.
I wear only skirts–but not so much because I have that specific conviction, more so because I don’t want to be responsible for causing another to stumble. I do look forward to the day that pants won’t be so much of an issue in conservative Christian circles. I believe that day will come soon–especially when godly ladies like yourself and those who have commented do such a great job and encouraging us to focus on having a humble feminine heart willing to honor the Lord in all.
Thank you for the time you put into this blog. I have recommended it many times to the teen ladies I deal with.
Kelli
I almost always wear dangly earrings and my circle “Remember” necklace (simple…but not what a guy would wear), plus my girly silver watch. I definitely don’t look like a guy at that point.
Christa,
It was the biggest surprise for me today–when I found out that your sister does the Passionate Homemaking Blog. First, I found your clothing site, and I drewl over and love it to death. My favorite dress is the one that comes in red and blue w/ the sailor design. My husband is in law school, so I haven’t bought it, but I sure will shop here someday…:) Then I found your sister’s blog through someone else’s blog and I love it. Currently I visit it a lot because I am going to have four fabulous tea parties this year, where we learn frugal and green beautiful ways to live.
I then found your blog through your clothing site. Just today….I saw that Empowered Traditionalist was Passionate Homemaking’s sister, (I admit I don’t know her name!) I couldn’t believe it!! How fun!!! I was homeschooled a little bit as well, I am the first of nine, so my younger brothers and sisters were home-schooled a lot.
I recently started a blog called Modest Mormon Mama—yes I am Christian and Mormon. (It is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints after all!) You could definitely browse and tell me my do’s and do nots–don’t hesitate to comment I would be tickled to hear from you! I am a joyful mother of three and I also have a passion through grass root efforts so to speak, to spread modesty…delight, classiness, happiness, brightness, shiny countenances and goodness! My dream once the kidlets are grown is to go back to school, ( I did el-ed) really learn fashion and clothing construction, and become a home-ech high-school teacher and empower young teens to be passionate about their roles as beautiful contributing young women–as well as spread Christ’s gospel to every nick and cranny of this universe. 
Slowly but surely, eh!
Thanks, Emily http://www.mmm.hazubu.com
I’d like to refer to this article on my blog, but I need your permission. Let me know!
Thanks~I love your mission and your support of missions! I LOVE your clothing. Ask my sisters and sister in laws whom I sent the link to.
What a pleasure to meet you Emily- I will certainly check out your blog!
Christa~ Its a pleasure to meet YOU! I was as giddy as a school girl to have you come visit my blog! It was like someone famous visiting, except much different than a movie star or something, whom I would get far less excited about….verses a fellow follower of Christ, making a difference in this world. Keep up the great work
Emily
I got to be in Victoria for a short time, I LOVED it, I was on a mission teaching about Christ for my church, when I was 21 or so. The blossoms are romantic, petals scattering the streets and flowers every where. The whole place is a dream for that matter. All the best, Emily
P.S. You look beautiful in your Victoria shot modeling your own dress, thats you on the right, am I correct? (With the three girls) You should model your clothing on your site, seriously!
isn’t it? I love Victoria, will definitely find time to visit again.
(yes, I’m on the right)
Hi Christa,
First, I’m so proud of you and how you have enabled a new movement of female expression. As an older woman, I am completely comfortable in my personality and sexuality but simply don’t feel comfortable with anyone staring at another part of my body other than my face! LOL. My 18 year old daughter is the same way and is even more modest than I am – thankfully!
I’ve never heard a sincere compliment stated as, “Nice cleavage or nice bum or nice thong you are showing!” However, people often do comment on the little details when I spend the time to put them together. Nice scarf, nice hat, nice shoes, great necklace, great outfit.” Clothes are an expression of our personality and of our creativity. They are fun. And here’s a hint: My boys notice the details and my partner is even more aware and appreciative of how I dress, and how he dresses, than me. Guys notice when we take the time to care!
To that end:
T-shirts with jeans:
I love t-shirts that are graphic or promote a cause, so love to wear them too. They need to drop below my waist and not go above the waistline when I bend over. I have 2-3 twead-ish blazers that I wear over the t-shirts to keep the casual-chic look. Add a hat or some cool bracelets/earrings, boots with either jeans or a jean skirt, and it seems to work.
Jeans:
Muffin-top is NOT attractive to men or women!
Mid-rise, mid-rise, mid-rise. I can’t stand the high waist-ed jeans. All that fabric gets bunched up when I sit down and then I have to twist myself back into position when I stand up. Low rise is ridiculous as well because I can’t stand all my stomach getting bunched up when I sit down.
Pants:
My mother taught me about the all necessary black pant in winter and khaki in summer. I love pedal pushers. Pair that with a white blouse and you are ready for anything.
Length:
One thing you haven’t mentioned is the importance of finding the right length of jeans and knowing what your inseam is with flats or with heels. As someone who has a 34′ inseam, this is crucial.
Skirts:
I pretty much only wear skirts and dresses in the summer time, but skirts in the winter is so cooooooold. Even with leggings and tights, it can get a little chilly, and as an older woman (ahem) I run the risk of trying to look too young if I wear leggings too often. Any ideas?
Okay, so there is my two cents worth for now. L,l,l,l,ooooove what you are doing and am so proud of you.
Blessings,
Mary Beth F.
Mary Beth! What a pleasure to hear from you, I’m so glad you shared some of fashion insights. I wish these girls could see your very chic sense of style
Thank you.
Nice post, Christa. =) I spent about 12 years (ages 9-20) wearing skirts exclusively, and have eased into adding jeans to my wardrobe within the past year especially. I love skirts, but it is more difficult to wear them stylishly at all times for all activities, especially when it’s cold! (Not big on tights.) It’s been very freeing to have options. I’m sure I’ll be living mostly in skirts again when summer arrives though. =)
I’m very careful about my jeans and hunted for a long time to find the right pair. I wear wide-leg dark wash (NY&Co) with discreet back pockets, and also skinnier bootcuts with tunics/dresses. My favorite is the polka-dot dress from CT that I hemmed a few inches – fab! I like heels for nicer occasions, but otherwise cute flats are the order of the day. I even convinced my super-girly self to *gasp* try some Converse recently and found out I still look very much like a girl!
I think a big part of looking feminine is being appropriate and put-together, whether you’re running errands or have a special occasion. You can look frumpy in jeans or frumpy in a skirt – it all depends on what and how you wear them. Wearing clothes that are flattering in cut and color, doing your hair, putting on some makeup, etc. goes a long way. It’s not being fussy, it’s showing delight for the woman God made you. =)
Well said Michelle, it’s all about how you wear what you’re wearing.
- Note: Yes, NY&Co has a great fit in their pants. I had a pair of their jeans for years, until I trashed them on a missions Trip (now they’re cut-off capris
I love embroidered jeans. Just stitching a butterfly or adding some beads to the jeans can make them look very pretty.
I also like to add iron-on patches to my jeans, something like a butterfly or flower, and prettying the patches up with beads and stitching looks very nice indeed.
I love wearing long shirts or tunics over my jeans as well, or dresses that are too short to be worn on their own modestly. These really dress up a pair of jeans and still are quite practical for even running around at youth group.
As to the comment on heels, I never wear heels, since i’m rather clumsy, I find them uncomfortable, they’re really bad for your feet, ankles, arches, heels and posture, and they’re just plain impractical. I really do want to take care of my body, feet included, by wearing shoes that are good for my feet, and provide support to my ankles. It’s for my health’s sake that I don’t wear them. My body is a temple of God, after all, and I already have back problems, which high heels could compound.
I have trouble finding jeans that fit me of any variety- I have scoliosis and a sway back, which means my back curves in quite a lot, meaning most jeans on me that fit me around the hips leave a large gap between the back of the trousers and my back (about an inch and a half gap), so it’s really hard to find jeans that don’t do this. I love jeans with elastic in the waist, since I know ones like this will fit me.
[...] on your bottom or your thighs. I found a nice little test written by a fellow Christian, to test the modesty in a pant leg. She says: “-Please make sure your top is long enough to ensure coverage on your backside [...]
I know you recommend wearing heels but w/a bum knee and ankle due to being ambushed by a car, I’m not able to wear them w/o being in pain. Are flats an acceptable alternative?
absolutely!
I know I’m a little late, but I always wear tennis shoes with my jeans because I have weak legs, I can’t wear heels at all!
What sort of supportive shoes looks good with jeans?
You might try some feminine ballet flats. They are available everywhere from Target to J Crew in dozens of colors and patterns!
thank you for being feminine…but most women wear figure flattering (tight) jeans…which easily draws men’s eyes to those areas that are better of “veiled” by a skirt/dress…very few women today understand the concept of “veiling” (on the head or the body)…anyways, please continue to be feminine in all that you do