You can’t go anywhere without seeing someone in a pair of jeans. They’ve become the American uniform in a way. And in this past week they’ve been the topic of conversation for many.
Oprah recently had her “favorites” episode, where she highlighted her favorite jeans–CJ by Cookie Johnson. Then on Thursday’s episode of Project Runway, hot designer Logan Neitzel was chastised by Milla Jovovich for not taking the jeans in his “Hollywood look” to another level. Her point was that jeans are such a staple in the American fashion diet, and so many brands are going so outside of the box with their jeans these days, that when you do jeans you’ve got to bring it up a notch to stand out. I don’t know how this resonates with everyone. Stores like J. Crew and Gap have been successful in creating classic styles for years. But I recently heard someone say that it doesn’t matter how many pairs you have, you’ll always just wear your favorite ones. That is true.
So as I did my stroll around the Mission District I checked out everyone’s jeans. I saw so many styles, cuts, washes, brands, fits. You name it, I saw it. And they were on everyone from middle-age moms, to teenagers, babies to elderly people. Some of my favorites surprisingly were ripped styles like the ones you get at American Eagle. One woman said she got her ripped jeans from her teenage daughter. I also loved, I mean loved, the shiny slim bootcuts I saw on a man who looked old enough to be my great grandfather. He was sty-lin in his jeans. Most brands I saw were basic well known—Gap, American Eagle, Forever 21, Aeropostale. But one man on Mission Street was wearing a pair of jeans from Brazil. They were comprised of different denims, sewn into various patterns across the front of the legs. They had favorite pair written all over them.
I recently went along with a friend of mine to help him find some jeans. He insisted on Macy’s because he had a gift card. While I cringed at the thought of looking for jeans in Macy’s (department stores like that make me throw up in my mouth just a little) I tried my best to help. We found nothing. I told him he’d be better off going to Old Navy or Buffalo Exchange even and tailoring a cheap pair to fit. I convinced another shopper who overheard me in the dressing room. I also advised him to check out the new 1969 collection at the Gap. I have yet to go in and see for myself if the line is worth any buzz but I soon will because right now I’m loving baggy jeans for women. A pair of baggy jeans, perhaps rolled up even, with a gorgeous structured heel and tailored shirt is a look that says polished, but not too serious.
Love it.
I know this new 1969 collection offers, among other fits, a pair of boyfriend jeans that allow a woman to go baggy without needing a seat belt to hold the pants up.
I have gone to Self Edge and I think they have some nice jeans. As far as “mall brand,” to each his/her own right. I always like to know what other people are thinking so thanks for reading Dress Code.
Matty Matt I’ve even seen several with elastic waistbands, I guess it’s the new thing. Mostly for women of course but who knows. When they start making elastic waistband jeans for men it’ll certainly be time to rethink the whole thing. Perhaps a shift to khaki or cord will be much needed then.
This article is ridiculous. Denim has been a huge part of American culture for over a century – this isn’t a recent trend. Those ripped jeans from American Eagle are disgusting. Telling your friend to go to Old Navy for jeans was a terrible suggestion. If anything, this story could’ve focused on the best jean shop in the city, Self Edge, which happens to be located in the Mission. High quality Japanese and American denim, not the ripped crap from the mall brands.
Oh my God, I was just noticing the same thing! I was at the Pick’n’Save with my friend Bernie, Bernie with the hairlip, and I says to her would you LOOK at all this denim? I feel like I have been transported. Some of the denim is blue, and some of it is dark blue, and some of it is light blue, and the rest of it is dark blue; what a rainbow! Jeans everywhere, that’s what I said to Bernie, except she can’t wear them on account of the goiters on her thighs. Everywhere except on Bernie, that’s for sure. And have you noticed that some of them have zipper flies and some of them have button flies? What I’d like to see is a pair of pants that combines them into a button that you zip up! “Zip those buttons right up!” would be my slogan for those jeans. Maybe some day!!!