Here’s a few tips to take the trend into fall:

"Drew" boyfriend jeans from True Religion

Look for a loose, baggy cut.  They should be nicely broken in, so don’t overlook shopping at a vintage or thrift shop – or grabbing a pair from your best guy’s closet.  The focus is on a soft, comfortable fit – like you’ve worn them for years and they feel even better with every wearing.  This style is a lot more forgiving than skinny jeans, and is flattering on most body types.

Check out the look from behind.  Just because they’re a loose fit doesn’t mean they should sag in the rear.  Choose a pair that makes your butt look good.  If you’re a bit curvy in that part of the body, boyfriend jeans could be a perfect choice for you.  With the looser cut through the rear and thighs, there should be enough room for all of you.

Straight leg.  No boot, no flare.  Roll them up less for fall than you did for spring.  If the weather stays warm, take them up a little higher if you’d like, but if it’s rainy fall weather, much higher than the ankle will look out of place.

Wear with nearly any kind of shoe.  Boots and heels give one look, sandals and flip flops another.  Pair your heel to the occasion and strut your stuff.

High rise or low rise.  Choose a rise that works for your body type.  Whether you prefer a higher rise or lower, the emphasis should be on the casual silhouette, not where the waist hits.

Balance on top.  Wear with a girly top and offset the guy-ish look with something feminine and flirty, or a body hugging sweater that shows off your curves on top.  Look for a top that balances the look out, and doesn’t look too loose and casual on both top and bottom.

How do you wear your boyfriend jeans?

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Given just how many pairs of jeans and piles of t-shirts reside in my closet, I’ve picked up a few tips along the way on how to make this outfit work with minimal effort. Here are a few tactics I recommend.

1. Pick a crisp white shirt instead of a pattern – it’s like a blank canvas waiting for the perfect accessories.
2. I prefer a t-shirt that falls just below my hip bone and is a little bit on the looser side, but you might prefer something more tailored and form fitting. What makes you feel most comfortable will always look best.
3. A boatneck can be romantic, v-neck is sporty and crew neck a bit preppy. Choose wisely for your personality.
4. Be brutal about trying on and picking the right jeans. Fit is everything, so if you can’t find a brand off the rack that makes your curves look amazing, get a tailor to do the job for you.
5. Sometimes all it takes is a sexy pair of heels to push your basic outfit to a more formal level.
6. Accessories like big bangles or a chunky necklace can make a statement but still exude a special sort of relaxed confidence.
7. The purse you choose should reflect what you’re up to and where you are headed for the day – or evening – but don’t under estimate the statement your unassuming handbag makes when you meet up with someone.
8. For your makeup, pick a feature (eyes, lips, cheeks) and emphasize instead of spackling on a whole face full of makeup.
9. A scarf comes in handy under all sorts of circumstances – tuck a colorful version in your bag and see where it takes you.
10. A pop of color with bright, well manicured nails can look youthful and fun without seeming childish. Lots of emphasis on the well manicured part.

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Growing up, it may have been back-to-school shopping with mom and dad.  In college, it may have been the opportunity to pick up one or two fun pieces for fall.  And for many businesswomen, this is the time to stock up on basic wardrobe items in addition to finding a couple of new fall outfits.

I’m at that in between shopping phase.  I wear a uniform for my day job, so only need to have a minimal amount of business clothes.  So, I get the luxury of finding fun things – both for home, and those that will pack and travel well.

Here’s what I picked up at the sale yesterday:

Pajamas:  I’ve been needing some new PJ’s, and was excited to see a nice assortment from PJ Salvage.  These twill pajamas are a classic boyfriend-style pajamas, made out of super-soft cotton and don’t need multiple washings to be comfy.  They had several fun patterns, and I chose a leopard print and a cherry pattern.  Sale priced $37.90.

I also found another pair of pajamas from Shimera.  I couldn’t find a photo online, but they’re in plum patterned cotton, with a t-shirt top (Sale priced,$15.90) and a drawstring bottom (Sale priced, $27.90).

Pants:  This was all about jeans!  And first off was a look at traditional denim.  I was hoping to find something at an affordable price, as I’ve grown a bit weary of paying close to $200 for a decent pair of jeans.  I found a great choice with the reasonably priced Kut from the Kloth, so chose to pick up two pair.  They were both a boot cut stretch jean, the first in a dark wash with button flap back pockets (sale priced $49.90), and the second in a medium wash with back flap pockets ($59.90).  The rise was a a higher fit, and the inseam long enough, so they fit comfortable and are easy to move around in.  While I won’t put these on my sexiest jeans list, they are comfy and attractive jeans for every day wear.  And at this bargain price, who can pass them up!

The other pair of jeans were the Joe’s Jeans Chelsea skinny pants.  These are out of a stretchy double knit, and look like ankle length leggings out of a heavy material.  These are hip and fun, and finally hitting the US a couple years after I saw them all over Paris.  They fit snuggly, and should be worn with a longer top.  I can already think of all sorts of things that I can wear these with!  Sale priced $79.90.

Handbags & Shoes:  These are probably my two favorite departments in the store!  I saw the Marciano studded satchel in the catalog, and was curious to see what it looked like up close and personal.  I wanted to feel and smell the leather, and see if the larger sized bag looked okay on my arm.  I love the removable chain-link strap, which, along with the triangle studs, gives it a little biker chick look while still maintaining a classic style.  The leather feels wonderful, and the pin-tucked pleats and wide top closure at impressive detailing.  Loved the bag, had to have the bag!  Sale priced $189.90.

Because of the traveling side of my life, I am always looking for comfy shoes that don’t take up much room in my suitcase.  I try to have a couple of go-to pair that I can rotate among, and the Puma Mostro sneakers will be a welcome addition.  The leather and mesh give it a sporty lightweight look, and the off-center Z-strap helps gives you a secure fit.  These aren’t a serious running shoe, but they’ll be great for vacation or general walking around town.  Sale priced $64.90.

It’s likely that I’ll be going back for another pass through on the Anniversary Sale, probably to spend some additional time in lingerie (stocking up on basics) as well as spending a bit more time in the shoe department.  These are good prices, and shopping wisely now means that I can get through a number of months without additional purchases.  (Yeah, right!)

Did you go to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?  What purchases did you make?

Photo credit:  All from Nordstrom

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Here are a few choices representing options for nearly any type of occasion:

!iT JEANS ‘Ellie’ Boyfriend Jeans have subtle distressing details, making this dark blue wash casual and relaxed.  Cuffed hems can also be worn uncuffed.  $78.

Christopher Blue Julianna Crop Stretch Jeans have a curvy fit with a slightly higher rise.  Very flattering.  $148.

KUT from the Kloth Crop Denim Stretch Jeans have a lighter wash with an embroidered logo on the back pocket.  Contrast stitching.  $69.

Classiques Entier ‘Glam Denim’ Crop Pants feature straight legs in a very dark wash.  Depending on your office environment, these may be suitable for work.  $118.

Rock & Republic ‘Evelyn’ Crop Stretch Jeans is another slim fitting, dark stretch crop featuring the signature contrast-stitched logo on the pocket.  $188.

True Religion Brand Jeans ‘Lily’ Stretch Denim Crop Jeans, with their super skinny silhouette, also provide a bit of flash with Swarovski buttons on the back pockets.  $262.

Calvin Klein Jeans Crop Skinny Stretch Jeans features a slimming, sleek look in a 5-pocket cropped jean.  $59.50.

David Kahn Jeans ‘Chelene’ Crop Jeans give a faded, casual look, and with a bit of stretch make for an easy fit.  $158.

Paige Premium Denim ‘Hidden Hills Crop’ Stretch Jeans, a great fitting favoritie, offers a straight leg cropped jean in a dark wash.  $169.

Photo credit: Nordstrom

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1. Slim fitting jeans (sale priced, $50)
2. T-Shirt (sale priced, $24.50)
3. Bag ($19.50)

Start off with a pair of slim fitting jeans.  I love this look, but have been slow to adopt the style – mostly because I have a few curves.  But I saw women of all ages and sizes wearing this style in Europe – and they looked great.  It’s just a matter of how you wear them and accessorize your outfit.

These slim fits are made of a premium stretch cotton, meaning they’ll hug your body (and its curves) in all the right ways.  They fit lower on the waist, and come in standard and longer inseam lengths.  Perfect for dressing up (strappy sandals or heels) or down (tucked into boots or with ballet flats).

With so many different ways to wear these jeans, you’ll get great value for your money!

Top off you slim fitting jeans with this featherweight long-sleeved tee with a plunging v-neck.  It’s soft and stretchy and will hug your body, and is also perfect for layering.

Wear it alone for it’s sexy sheer look.  Or, layer over a camisole, tank, or another tee.  The longer length (past your hips) gives you the option to wear out for a casual day of shopping, or tuck it in and slip on a sweater or jacket when you need to look a little more pulled together.

Although the tee comes in lots of colors (orange, red, white and navy), I’d choose white for it’s versatility, knowing that I can pair it up with so many other things in my closet.

To complete the outfit, this reusable tote bag is cute as well as eco-friendly.  Made of ultra-lightweight nylon, it can fold into its own pocket and then slip into your purse or another bag.

Carried inside your purse or a tote, you’ll never have to choose between paper or plastic at the market!

The geometric print is so cute though, that I’d probably use it as a day tote.  It has a top velcro closing to keep your valuables safe, and 10 inch drop handles so it’s easy and comfortable to carry.  If you get it dirty, just spot clean with a damp cloth.

Choose navy for maximum versatility, or go with a fun orange or lime for a bolder statement.

One outfit, three items than can easily be integrated with other pieces in your wardrobe, and a price tag of $94 – well under our $100 budget.  Now, what to do with that leftover $6. . . .

Image credits: Martin + Osa

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