REMIX: Boyfriend Jeans and Why They’re Great

I told you all a while ago in my post on denim (HERE) that I was unaware of different cuts of jeans for a long time.  With that came not knowing boyfriend jeans were out there.  So sad, because they’re great!

One thing I love about them is that they’re relaxed, and who doesn’t love clothes that allow you to unwind a little?  The other thing I love about them is how you can do sort of unexpected things with them.

I used to think boyfriend jeans should only be worn for very casual outfits, like a t-shirt and sneakers.  Wrong!  I was so intrigued to see people wearing boyfriend jeans with heels, statement necklaces, cute blouses, and other things that felt counter to casual style.  I know that’s old news to many of you, but at the time I was wowed by the juxtaposition of relaxed boyfriend jeans with dressier pieces.  It makes the outfits so fun and interesting.

You can pretty much wear boyfriend jeans with anything, but I’ve got a boyfriend jean remix with a few ideas for you!  If it helps, I wrote the “outfit formula” for each so that you can find pieces in your own closet that fit the descriptions and wear your own version.

Casual #1: T-shirt + Sneakers

This is the typical outfit that comes to my mind with boyfriend jeans.  It is incredibly basic, but I never tire of it.  A striped tee, utility jacket, and white sneakers are some of my favorite staples!

Shop for the Look:
Tee: Old Navy (exact)
Jacket: c/o Conversation Pieces (similar)
Jeans: Old Navy (similar)
Shoes: Zappos (exact)
Bag: Nordstrom (exact)

Casual #2: Graphic Tee + Sandals 

This is just a variation of the same formula above, but with sandals.  Still a really casual look, but I guess the glitter in the shoes adds a little girliness and contrast to the boyfriend jeans.

Shop for the Look:
Tee: Old Navy
Jeans: Old Navy (similar)
Sandals: Target (exact)
Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington (exact)
Bag: c/o Sole Society (similar)

Blouse + Wedges

Here are two examples.  The blouses aren’t particularly feminine or dressy, but they are a step up from a cotton tee.  In addition to skinny jeans, I’ve paired the olive blouse with trousers for an office look, but I love it with more relaxed boyfriend jeans.

You could also use a plain blouse similar to these, a flowy button up blouse, or even a cotton button up long sleeve with more structure.

Shop for Look #1:
Olive Top: Nordstrom (exact)
Jeans: Old Navy (similar)
Shoes: Old Navy
Bag: Nordstrom (exact)

Shop for Look #2:
Pink top: LOFT c/o thredUP (similar)
Jeans: Old Navy
Shoes: Nordstrom (exact)
Bag: Nordstrom (exact)
Necklace: c/o Dear Mushka

Dressy Casual #1: Statement Necklace + (Heels)

Statement necklaces are great for instantly creating a dressier look.  In the three examples above I used all different tops, from a feminine lace one to a button up and sweater combo to a plain navy sweater.  Without the statement necklace some of them could have looked very casual with the boyfriend jeans, but the necklaces help dress them up and pull them together.  

Shop for Look #1:
Top: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Jeans: Old Navy
Shoes: Target (similar)
Necklace: Nordstrom (similar)

Dressy Casual #2: Blazer + Pumps + (Feminine Blouse) 
I love boyfriend jeans with blazers!  Blazers tend to add a more professional or pulled-together element to outfits, so the contrast with that and the relaxed boyfriend jeans is so fun!

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The two boyfriend jeans I currently have are no longer available, but they are both from Old Navy and I’ve found that I like how Old Navy boyfriend jeans fit.  They both stretch out after a few wears though.  It’s not as annoying as with skinny jeans because boyfriend jeans are supposed to be relaxed anyway.  However, I haven’t tried other brands, and once I need to of course I’ll be looking into Nordstrom.  (See my last post on denim brands HERE for the backstory on that.)

Below, the top row is all from Old Navy and under $40.  They could/will probably be cheaper with sales.  I paid around $16 for both of my boyfriend jeans from Old Navy–you know how their sales go!  Options 1 and 2 are highly reviewed by lots of people.  Option 3 also comes in a more blue wash with less distressing, and these are also highly rated by by less people.  They’re probably newer so have less reviews.  Option 4 is a Refinery 29 pick, and both pairs of boyfriend jeans I own and really like were Refinery 29 picks.

The second row is from Nordstrom, between $58-$90, all from brands that I hear a lot about from their skinny jeans.  Not sure how the boyfriend jeans fare since I’ve never tried them from these brands.  But option 7 has good reviews and they’re on sale!