You are no doubt aware that I hate posting pictures of myself, but I knew you would not believe me if I said I felt great wearing skinny jeans that are more like denim leggings and then didn't cough up the evidence. Granted, it's a crappy photo, but if you squint, you can see that I am wearing what some people call jeggings.
The fashion police have again pronounced that women over 40 should generally steer clear of skinnies. This is nonsense. I mean, I'm not cruising Forever 21, but I believe there's a way to own this look regardless of age or size. Check out Debbi at She Accessorizes Well.
Despite the propaganda, it turns out you don't have to wear high heels, and you don't have to hide your butt! I tried on tunics and all that, but they just made me look like a shapeless blob. I don't hate my body, and I don't think I should have to disguise it because someone else thinks I'm too old or too curvy. I did try to balance a looser top with the more fitted bottom.
I wanted casual kick around jeans that were comfortable but not baggy -- and I found them in Not Your Daughter's Jeans. I'm wearing the Alena Legging in lightweight denim. They fit more like jeans than leggings -- all the pockets are real pockets, and they're a little slimmer at the ankle opening than the other NYDJ skinny jeans. They are higher in the waist and cover everything that needs to be covered. I had to go down two sizes. It's ridiculous vanity sizing, but who cares? Just be careful and go as small as you can go when you are shopping. They are stretchy and comfortable and made in the USA!
Obviously, I will not be the poster girl for jegging couture, but I wasn't looking to make a bold fashion statement. I just wanted a somewhat stylish uniform for Texas winter weekends, so I bought a couple of flannel shirts at Target and added my old black Minnetonka moccasins. These jeans also look great tucked into boots.
I might be delusional, but I like this outfit. Not exactly ready for the fashion blogs, but I don't look ridiculous, either. That was my target, by the way ... low levels of ridiculous. I encourage you to ignore the so-called rules and the noise, and dress how you please. You can totally rock the skinnies if you want to.