Photography: Jane Lee Photography

G Star Raw has announced its results from their #TightorWide campaign, which asked whether we like our jeans tight or wide. As for me? I love both, and here are my top tips on how to style both tight and wide jean styles for effortless everyday outfits. 

Wearing:
Type C 3D Low Waist Boyfriend Jeans & Lynn Mid Waist Skinny Jeans – G Star Raw
Silk Shirt – Equipment | V Neck Cashmere Jumpers – Zara (similar or budget friendly)
Celine Trio Bag (Similar or budget friendly) | Celine Cabs Tote Bag (Similar)
Bally Pumps (Similar) | Lace-up Ballerina Flats

According to the statistics G Star Raw has collected during their #TightorWide campaign, Australians prefer their jeans tight rather than wide. Sure, the skinny jean is the darling of the pant family, a sartorial chameleon that takes you from work to play, but I do feel the the boyfriend jeans has been sorely underrated. Is the boyfriend jean less flattering and versatile than its skinny cousin? Here are my tips on styling both styles to show you that it’s all in the styling.

Flats with tight, and heels with wide

Skinny jeans look great with both heels and flats, but a perfect figure hugging skinny jean is the best style to get away with wearing comfy flats without looking stumpy. I’m wearing my G Star Raw Lynn Mid Waist Jeans with some Lace-up Ballerina Flats to add a bit of detail to this simple outfit.

On the other hand, a wider legged boyfriend jean is at its most flattering when worn with heels. They don’t need to be sky high. Even a kitten heel is effective to add just that little bit of much needed height. I’ve styled my  Type C 3D Low Waist Boyfriend Jeans with classic pointed pumps to add some femininity back into a men’s inspired style.

Slouchy with tight, and tailored with wide

No matter the outfit, perhaps the best trick up your sleeve is juxtaposition. For skinny jeans, loose and oversized items work wonders to offset the fitted bottom half and create a balanced silhouette (channeling the universal appeal of the lolly pop, here). Think deep v-neck jumpers bought in a size too big and relaxed oversized coats.

When it comes to the slouchy and casual boyfriend jean, our juxtaposition strategy will tell us to pair these with clean cut and tailored styles, like button up shirts and blazers. I’ve styled mine with my Equipment Signature Silk Shirt, half tucked for a haphazard weekend look.

The ankle roll is always a good idea

With the exception of the ubiquitously flattering cigarette pant, I always roll up the ankles on my jeans, whether tight or wide. Why? Because the ankle is (don’t ask me to explain the science!), like confidence, one of your best accessories. In fact, for the boyfriend jean, this is your best strategy for making a looser style more flattering. This creates a tapered shape that leads the eye to the skinniest part of your legs.

So what’s your position on this divided denim issue – #TightorWide? See all the fascinating incites on our jean psyche, and shop my jeans at G-Star Raw.

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