If you’ve been hanging out on TikTok this past year, you would have likely seen the ongoing virtual battles between Millennials and Generation Z. One major topic of debate was jeans and what’s hot in terms of fit. Gen Z was claiming that skinny jeans, a beloved must-have item for Millennials, are cancelled and no longer in style, while Millennials, staying loyal to the skinny jean, made response videos claiming that they would not give them up, even though the younger generation continue to label them as being outdated. The Millennial in me has, of course, held on to my pair of skinny jeans, but the trend seeker in me has decided to also explore different styles of jeans that are Gen Z approved. I analyzed four different styles/fits of jeans; here are my opinions on them:
The Mom Jean
First up, we have the mom jean. If you’re jumping from a skinny jean to a mom jean, the shape will take some getting used to, but these are super comfortable and look great when paired with the right top. Like most other jeans, they are versatile and can be dressed up or down. I found that, personally, I like the mom jean best when it’s paired with a tighter fitting top, a bodysuit or a crop top. However, it does look good with certain looser-fitting tops as well, such as oversized button downs or thicker turtlenecks and sweaters for those cooler days. Since these jeans are, typically, fairly high rise, they look great when whatever you’re wearing on top is tucked into them, whether it’s a full tuck or a French tuck. Overall, they are fairly versatile and work well in a variety of different combinations.
Fit: 8/10
Comfort level: 8/10
Look: 8/10
Overall score: 8/10
The Straight Ankle Jean
This one’s an interesting one. I purchased these jeans last year, online, during a Zara sale. They were a great price, and they looked super cool on the model, so I had to get them. When they arrived, as I took them out of the package, I noticed they looked a bit shapeless and when I tried them on, they weren’t quite what I was expecting. They looked like they had a straighter, tighter fit on the model, whereas, on my body, they seemed like they were super tight on top and then straight, and then flared out slightly at the ankle. At first I thought they looked a bit awkward, but I soon realized that they’re great when paired with the right items. My favourite way to style this type of jean is to wear it with a jacket, a blazer, shacket or any layer on top that doesn’t create too much volume. This well help balance out the way the jean ever-so-slightly flares at the ankle. Also, wearing this type of jean with a heel will take your look to the next level. Any type of heel would look amazing! Although not as versatile and easy to style as the mom jean, the straight ankle jean has a lot of potential.
Fit: 6/10
Comfort level: 6/10
Look: 8/10
Overall score: 7/10
The Wide Leg Jean
This style of jean is super popular at the moment. Everyone was hunting down the perfect pair of wide leg, high rise jeans going into the spring 2021. I recall seeing a lot of hauls and reviews on TikTok and Youtube and it seemed like many people were having trouble finding a pair that fit just right. Some were too long, some were too short, some didn’t fit well etc. so I made sure to do some research and evaluate my options before taking the plunge. I purchased mine from H&M and I really enjoy the fit. They were also offered in a variety of different washes- i.e. medium wash, light wash, dark wash. Some had a fray at the knee, others had frayed ankles...so many options. These might be my favourite of the jeans as they look great, are easy to style, go well with anything and are also super comfortable. The wide leg jeans look great with bodysuits and tight tops, but also look amazing paired with oversized button downs, oversized cardigans, and oversized t-shirts. They look great with both heels, flats, sneakers, booties, chunky boots, literally anything! These were, hands down, my best purchase of 2020.
Fit: 9/10
Comfort level: 9/10
Look: 10/10
Overall score: 10/10
The Vintage Straight Leg Jean
These are similar in fit to the mom jean, but are slightly more fitted and more cropped at the ankle. This particular pair also has the full button closure, as opposed to a zipper, which adds to the “vintage” feel. These make a great go-to, every day, standard jean as they have that “just right” fit that allows for them to match, pretty much any top. Their look is also very minimal, so they’re not as dramatic as any of the jeans mentioned above. Essentially, they are the closest jean to a skinny jean, without actually being a skinny jean- and are also more comfortable than a skinny jean. These might be a great starting option for those who are hesitant to give up their skinny jeans, but would like to try something new that is quite similar - you’ll find that this will be a fairly easy transition into the world of non-skinny jeans.
Fit: 9/10
Comfort level: 8/10
Look: 8/10
Overall score: 8.5/10
Conclusions
All styles and fits are super fun to try, play around with and style to create different outfits. It all depends on preference. If you’re looking to try something that’s reminiscent of the skinny jean, go for the vintage straight leg jean, but if you’re going for a look that is drastically different and the complete opposite, definitely go for the wide leg jean, you won’t regret it! Although these are all great options, and I enjoy having a variety of styles to choose from, I will most definitely also be holding on to my skinny jeans. If you’re a fellow Millennial, or even a rogue Gen Z who loves skinny jeans, keep them and wear them with pride! Trends fade and change all the time, so don’t feel pressured to give in to them, but rather, wear the clothes that make you happy, bring you comfort and make you feel like yourself.
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