Can We Talk Jeans?

[lizzywednesday]

So, one of my well-worn pairs of straight leg jeans wore out (really - there's a hole in an irreparable spot) and forced me to go jeans shopping.

I despise shopping, and jeans shopping especially, because to get something that's even remotely suited to my current body type, my options are seriously limited.

However, out I went to try things on (ugh) where I noticed the jeans options are "skinny" (which do NOT work for me, even in Plus sizes, because my legs are heavy), "bootcut" (which is pretty much what I'd call "flare"), and "straight leg" ... which are actually tapered legs in sheep's clothing (so, effectively a "skinny" cut).

I like my old straight leg jeans, but they're not being made anymore, so I had to have the bootcuts ordered.

Is there anywhere, besides Lane Bryant (because that's where this was), that I can find a relaxed straight leg jean that sits at the waist? Or am I SOL until fashion changes back to what I liked to begin with?

[baymom]

No suggestions on where to look, but how about trying 'trouser' cut jeans? I used to have a pair I loved and they were straight in silloutte but also generous in the thigh.

[lizzywednesday]

No suggestions on where to look, but how about trying 'trouser' cut jeans? I used to have a pair I loved and they were straight in silloutte but also generous in the thigh.

I wish I could, but, apparently, all "trouser" jeans are cut for people who like to wear pants slung on their hips.

I ... do not.

[pinkmomagain]

Have you checked out NYDJ?

[SnuggleBuggles]

I think you're missing a lot of options and maybe need to experiment. Could be that some of the styles you're dismissing could look good. :)
But, 2 thoughts. Old Navy and Lands End. And, no shooting them down yet. :). Go to Old Navy and just grab an armful of jeans. Sucks but they have so many cuts and lots of sizes.
Lands End or LLB might be good ideas as the rises will be less likely to be low. LE has some lower rise so just read the details carefully.
I lucked into a great pair of jeans at TJ Maxx. A random brand ( Artisan NY) but I could tell just eyeballing and touching that they'd be just right. So, worth browsing there too.
ETA- some mid rise trouser jeans http://www.landsend.com/products/womens-mid-rise-trouser-jeans/id_279262?sku_0=::89M
And I agree with the NYDJ idea.

[RiverRat]

Lee makes some nice jeans as well. And Kohls usually has them on sale. And they have real sizes as well.

[elektra]

Lucky looks like they have several plus size styles that look really cute. I am really picky about jeans too but sometimes you have to just go for it.
I ventured out of my 2 preferred brands for the past 20 years recently too. I had to laugh at myself for making it such a huge decision! (New brand was Denham, tried and true are AG and Citizens of Humanity.)

[MaiseyDog]

I am right there with you. I have heavy legs and find skinny jean absolutely ridiculous. The fact that I have to turn down pants because they are too tight in the calf is just negativity that I don't need. I actually prefer a bootcut as I think they provide a better balance for me, but wanted to throw out an option that might work for you. I have had good luck with Silver Jeans http://www.silverjeans.com/extended/jeans/leg They sit will at the hip and have a good selection of plus size styles. You might like the Baby Bootcut ones. They aren't as wide a the regular bootcut but not completely straight. I do find that they run long and I have to get them hemmed, but I'm also 5'4" so not exactly surprising.

[wendibird22]

Lucky looks like they have several plus size styles that look really cute. I am really picky about jeans too but sometimes you have to just go for it.
I ventured out of my 2 preferred brands for the past 20 years recently too. I had to laugh at myself for making it such a huge decision! (New brand was Denham, tried and true are AG and Citizens of Humanity.)

I love Lucky Brand. I have boot cut (which aren't too flared) and straight leg, which to me are a true straight leg. I'm not plus size, but I do have a booty and heavier thighs and find the Sofia cut works on my body and sits higher at the waist, especially in the back.

[lizzywednesday]

Have you checked out NYDJ?

No; do they have plus-tall? If they don't, I think I'm screwed.

And what's their inseam?


I think you're missing a lot of options and maybe need to experiment. Could be that some of the styles you're dismissing could look good. :)
But, 2 thoughts. Old Navy and Lands End. And, no shooting them down yet. :). Go to Old Navy and just grab an armful of jeans. Sucks but they have so many cuts and lots of sizes.
Lands End or LLB might be good ideas as the rises will be less likely to be low. LE has some lower rise so just read the details carefully.
I lucked into a great pair of jeans at TJ Maxx. A random brand ( Artisan NY) but I could tell just eyeballing and touching that they'd be just right. So, worth browsing there too.
ETA- some mid rise trouser jeans http://www.landsend.com/products/womens-mid-rise-trouser-jeans/id_279262?sku_0=::89M
And I agree with the NYDJ idea.

Oh jeez, TJ Maxx is so beyond my level of patience, I can't even consider them right now. Especially when I feel like crap about myself already!

Those LE jeans are like what I'm looking for, but their Plus inseam is 32" and that's just not long enough for me to be comfortable. The Tall won't work based on the measurements in the size chart.

Old Navy doesn't stock Plus in-store near me; I have to order them. And, no, a 16 or 18 or 20 isn't the same as Plus.

I also haven't worn them in over 10 years because their manufacturing process doesn't seem to cut and sew everything consistently.

They are also really pushing their "Rockstar" cut and I can't do it. They don't sit at the waist. I need my pants to sit at the waist.


Lucky looks like they have several plus size styles that look really cute. I am really picky about jeans too but sometimes you have to just go for it.
I ventured out of my 2 preferred brands for the past 20 years recently too. I had to laugh at myself for making it such a huge decision! (New brand was Denham, tried and true are AG and Citizens of Humanity.)

I'll look, I guess.


I love Lucky Brand. I have boot cut (which aren't too flared) and straight leg, which to me are a true straight leg. I'm not plus size, but I do have a booty and heavier thighs and find the Sofia cut works on my body and sits higher at the waist, especially in the back.

I need the leg to be the same width the whole way down. Lane Bryant is calling their straight leg cut a "true" straight leg and I really disagree.

This whole comfort zone thing is really hard to break out of.

Thanks everyone for giving me other options.

[gatorsmom]

I hate jean and swimsuit shopping. I especially hate that brands change their jean cuts from year to year. I'm pear shaped and refuse to wear skinny jeans. A "jeans" specialist at Nordstrom once did everything she could to get me to try skinny jeans. And then I did. And she saw them on me, got quite a then she suggested something else. Thanks a lot, lady.... I have found that jeans labeled, "straight" cut or "slim" and sometimes "boyfriend" are much more forgiving. They aren't flares, not bootcut, not trouser, just taper slightly toward the body and my ample bottom has plenty of room (while tapering in at the waist).

I really like Ann Taylor Loft jeans. They have a nice curvy fit. However, I haven't been able to find my size in the last 2 years. They are almost always sold out everytime I shop and I've never had luck getting them online. They sell out even before they go on sale.

I've had good luck recently with White House Black Market. I'm currently wearing a curvy essential slim jeans. They are really comfortable and I can wear them with flats. It appears they have tall sizes too! They are incredibly soft and stretchy. I find that the sizes run slightly big.

Once you find something you like, buy 2 or 3 pairs. just my $.02. hth

[specialp]

Those LE jeans are like what I'm looking for, but their Plus inseam is 32" and that's just not long enough for me to be comfortable. The Tall won't work based on the measurements in the size chart.

.

What inseam do you need? Those LE jeans look like they have a large hem that they could be let out to lengthen if the fit was otherwise good.

[boolady]

Several brands make a style called "mini" or "micro" boot cut. I don't have time to link to brands right now, but I think that style might work for you if you don't want too much width at the bottom but don't want tapering, either.

[Katigre]

Look for the following cuts:
1. Bootcut variations (ex. Skinny boot cut, narrow boot cut, mini boot cut - any of those will have much less flare)
2. Trouser Leg jeans
3. Relaxed/Boyfriend jeans (these were trendy earlier this year so should still be around)

[lizzywednesday]

What inseam do you need? Those LE jeans look like they have a large hem that they could be let out to lengthen if the fit was otherwise good.

I prefer a 34" inseam.

I don't think there's enough fabric.

[Zansu]

Try Kut from the Kloth at Nordstrom. I need a 35-36" inseam, so nothing is ever lomg enough, but these come close. I like the boyfriend and the bootcut.

[lizzywednesday]

Try Kut from the Kloth at Nordstrom. I need a 35-36" inseam, so nothing is ever lomg enough, but these come close. I like the boyfriend and the bootcut.

There's a Nordstrom store nearby that carries this brand in Plus (which I need) so I can try them if I motivate myself to go out.

It'll take one heck of a pep-talk, though.

[lizzywednesday]

Several brands make a style called "mini" or "micro" boot cut. I don't have time to link to brands right now, but I think that style might work for you if you don't want too much width at the bottom but don't want tapering, either.

Thank you.

A lot of the folks who responded upthread have given me other brands to try, so no worries if you don't get a chance later.

[lizzywednesday]

I hate jean and swimsuit shopping. I especially hate that brands change their jean cuts from year to year. I'm pear shaped and refuse to wear skinny jeans. A "jeans" specialist at Nordstrom once did everything she could to get me to try skinny jeans. And then I did. And she saw them on me, got quite a then she suggested something else. Thanks a lot, lady.... I have found that jeans labeled, "straight" cut or "slim" and sometimes "boyfriend" are much more forgiving. They aren't flares, not bootcut, not trouser, just taper slightly toward the body and my ample bottom has plenty of room (while tapering in at the waist).

...

I roll my eyes at people who look at me, with my dark-wash denim that's the same width the whole length of my leg, and think I'd do fine in a skinny or tapered leg jean. My legs are heavy all the way from hip to ankle. Or, rather, "cankle." (Not that I don't come by them honestly - my mother and her mother both have the same kind of heaviness in their legs, though they have more trouble with varicose veins than I do.)

I can't get anything that tapers or has a slim leg past my knees. Even if I wear the right size.

Also, if it tapers, I look like I'm wearing old-school jodhpurs (http://www.amazon.com/1910s-1940s-Ladies-Breeches-Jodhpurs-Pattern/dp/B004X18O8C).

I'm getting close to buying a bunch of prairie skirts and saying to H3ll with pants!

[SnuggleBuggles]

No; do they have plus-tall? If they don't, I think I'm screwed.

And what's their inseam?



Oh jeez, TJ Maxx is so beyond my level of patience, I can't even consider them right now. Especially when I feel like crap about myself already!

Those LE jeans are like what I'm looking for, but their Plus inseam is 32" and that's just not long enough for me to be comfortable. The Tall won't work based on the measurements in the size chart.

Old Navy doesn't stock Plus in-store near me; I have to order them. And, no, a 16 or 18 or 20 isn't the same as Plus.

I also haven't worn them in over 10 years because their manufacturing process doesn't seem to cut and sew everything consistently.

They are also really pushing their "Rockstar" cut and I can't do it. They don't sit at the waist. I need my pants to sit at the waist.



I'll look, I guess.



I need the leg to be the same width the whole way down. Lane Bryant is calling their straight leg cut a "true" straight leg and I really disagree.

This whole comfort zone thing is really hard to break out of.

Thanks everyone for giving me other options.

Could you order a bunch from Old Navy and return unwanted to the store? It doesn't really matter if they are consistent as all you need is one pair that fits. It would be nice to stock up and know they will all work. Never works though. ETA- same with Nordstrom and any other brand. Grab a glass of wine and try things on from the comfort of home.

[Percycat]

It sounds like you are willing to order online. I have suggested Christpher Banks to you in the past, but I don't think the store is local to you. I have success with their jeans. They have three "fits" to account for body shape -- I personally wear the "moderately curvy cut", which is relaxed in the hips and thighs and sits at the waist; the "classic cut" is generous in the thighs and sits slightly above the waist. The jeans come in petite, average, and long -- the long has a inseam of 34 inches. One thing I particularly like about these jeans, that I wasn't sure I would like, is the flexible waist band --- the outside of the waist band is jean and looks just like any other jean, but the inside has a stretchy fabric ---- the result is that the jean fits my hips and my waist --- I never have a gap in my lower back because the jeans don't fit in the waist.

I suggest you chat with customer service to decide a couple sizes that might work for you, order to see what you like, and return the rest. Jeans are on sale right now for $30, so even if you have to pay more for shipping and returning, you might find something that works for you and will be able to shop in the convenience of your own home.

http://www.christopherandbanks.com/moderately-curvy-everyday-denim-average-zid9-50051707686/cat-9-catid-200179?var_id=9-50051707686&_t=pfm%3Dcategory

Good luck.

[lizzywednesday]

Could you order a bunch from Old Navy and return unwanted to the store? It doesn't really matter if they are consistent as all you need is one pair that fits. It would be nice to stock up and know they will all work. Never works though. ETA- same with Nordstrom and any other brand. Grab a glass of wine and try things on from the comfort of home.

You actually can't return Plus to the store; it says so in the fine print on the order slip. (Additionally, they charge a restock fee if you don't hit a free ship/fre returns promo.)

Not to mention they're pushing Rockstar (ew) and Boyfriend cuts, neither of which are what I want.

If Nordie's isn't running free shipping, I can't order from there, either. I'm also broke - the LB jeans were ordered using DH's credit card, and it's like pulling teeth sometimes to get him to crack open the wallet.

[SnuggleBuggles]

That sucks about not being able return plus sizes.
Not sure why it matters what they are pushing...plus, boyfriend cut might actually look good as the leg shape sounds like what you want.
I thought Nordstrom was always free shipping?
Wish you luck.

[lizzywednesday]

Percycat, that might be worth a shot.

Thanks again. I'm kinda broke right now, but DH loaned me his credit card for the imperfect jeans triage I did the other day.

[lizzywednesday]

That sucks about not being able return plus sizes.
Not sure why it matters what they are pushing...plus, boyfriend cut might actually look good as the leg shape sounds like what you want.
I thought Nordstrom was always free shipping?
Wish you luck.

They keep cuffing it. What is this, 1985? :wink2: Also, it's a low rise, which won't work for me. Muffin top plus feeling like my pants are slipping down my a$$ all day? <shudder>

I haven't ordered from Nordie's since I was pregnant; they're honestly way out of my price range most of the time. Well, no. All of the time.

[mikala]

You actually can't return Plus to the store; it says so in the fine print on the order slip. (Additionally, they charge a restock fee if you don't hit a free ship/fre returns promo.)

Not to mention they're pushing Rockstar (ew) and Boyfriend cuts, neither of which are what I want.

If Nordie's isn't running free shipping, I can't order from there, either. I'm also broke - the LB jeans were ordered using DH's credit card, and it's like pulling teeth sometimes to get him to crack open the wallet.
Hmm, the Old Navy return policy seems so strange to me. I've actually been ordering from Old Navy and Gap a lot over the past year because they have free shipping over a certain dollar amount and all of their brands have free returns by mail. I just double checked to make sure it hasn't changed.

http://m.oldnavy.gap.com/customerService/info.do?cid=82724&cs=return_policies

Nordstrom always has free shipping and returns so you don't have to wait for
a promo.

[lizzywednesday]

Hmm, the Old Navy return policy seems so strange to me. I've actually been ordering from Old Navy and Gap a lot over the past year because they have free shipping over a certain dollar amount and all of their brands have free returns by mail. I just double checked to make sure it hasn't changed.

http://m.oldnavy.gap.com/customerService/info.do?cid=82724&cs=return_policies

Nordstrom always has free shipping and returns so you don't have to wait for
a promo.

IDK about you, but I have been charged a (IDK, $7 or $10) restock fee with Gap companies in the recent past. I have not, however, been charged return shipping.

[SnuggleBuggles]

Nordstrom Rack.

Some of those ON cuts look good. I'd chat w them to see about in store returns. It might not be a blanket policy.

Never been charged restock.

[Zansu]

There's no fee to return Plus Size to Old Navy, but it can only be done via mail. But ON will not work for you, as you have experienced.

The Lucky Ginger is the best of the Lucky jeans for me, and I think we have the same proportions. I've tried ON, LE, EB, and every.single.brand that Nordstrom carries. Kut from the Kloth has worked the best, and Cookie may work. I've had zero success from NYDJ.

Nordstrom is free ship/free return, but if you're near a store, grab an Encore sales associate and make her work.

[cookiemonster80]

I looooove nordstrom's wit and wisdom boot cuts- they are really straight, super comfy, and have a hidden elastic waistband!! I've bought mine on sale
For $40 ish

[cookiemonster80]

I'm confused about Nordies shipping- it's ALWAYS free with free returns!!

[lizzywednesday]

I'm confused about Nordies shipping- it's ALWAYS free with free returns!!

I said upthread that I don't shop with them often, therefore I wasn't sure.

[gatorsmom]

The Lucky Ginger is the best of the Lucky jeans for me, and I think we have the same proportions. I've tried ON, LE, EB, and every.single.brand that Nordstrom carries. Kut from the Kloth has worked the best, and Cookie may work. I've had zero success from NYDJ.

Nordstrom is free ship/free return, but if you're near a store, grab an Encore sales associate and make her work.

i agree that Nordstrom has an excellent selection of jeans. I also have had great luck with Kut front the Kloth and Jag jeans. Those were more boot cut jeans at the time. And except for that one salesgirl that insisted I try slim jeans (until she saw me in them and backtracked), I've had amazing customer service there. A month ago I spent 2 hours trying on every bra Nordstroms had while the salesgirl ran around getting me new sizes and colors. They will store your preferences in their computer system too so if you see online that your favorites have gone on sale you can call them and order more.

[Kindra178]

What about Loft, Chico's or Banana Republic? My fav jeans right now are Second Nature Yoga jeans. So comfy, even in the skinny variety. BR has very accessible skinny and boyfriend cut jeans. Loft cuts are very generous. Loft is everywhere, so you won't be far.

Re: you comment about cuffing upthread, yes that's in again. The boyfriend style has wider cuffs, which may provide the greater balance you are looking for.

[lizzywednesday]

What about Loft, Chico's or Banana Republic? My fav jeans right now are Second Nature Yoga jeans. So comfy, even in the skinny variety. BR has very accessible skinny and boyfriend cut jeans. Loft cuts are very generous. Loft is everywhere, so you won't be far.

Re: you comment about cuffing upthread, yes that's in again. The boyfriend style has wider cuffs, which may provide the greater balance you are looking for.

Chico's has a lot of elastic waistbands, which I find uncomfortable. I'll look, and I will do my best to keep an open mind.

Banana doesn't carry Plus.

Loft has been suggested; I don't recall why I needed to rule them out. Probably inseam length.

I haven't cuffed my jeans since 1988.

[TwinFoxes]

Maybe you're right. Not everyone wears jeans. I have friends who don't wear jeans.

But, if you really want some, why not get boyfriend jeans and not cuff them? Not all of them are permanently cuffed.

Also, BR goes up to 16, and you can get tall.

I'm still not quite sure what silhouette you're looking for. Not skinny, not straight because those are 'tapered' in your experience, and not trouser or boyfriend. Or boot. Anyway, my entry into the sweepstakes is this pair in a tall 16, assuming the cuffs are not permanent.

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=70978&vid=1&pid=130879002

[carolinacool]

I don't like Lane Bryant's jeans. I find the washes to always look slightly off the trends, and like you, I find the silhouettes strange. The boot does look more like a mini flare, the straight tapers oddly, and the skinny is strange.

I actually like the plus jeans at Maurice's. Now, it's a mall store, it skews to a younger woman and you have to be carefully with some of the washes, which can veer young. But the core denim line fits me pretty well. It sits right at my belly button which I like, but I'm pretty short-waisted. And the styles look current and cut correctly. Today, I'm actually wearing some skinny jeans from there rolled up with Lucky booties. I feel pretty cute. lol

[carolinacool]

Double post

[Kindra178]

Maybe you're right. Not everyone wears jeans. I have friends who don't wear jeans.

But, if you really want some, why not get boyfriend jeans and not cuff them? Not all of them are permanently cuffed.

Also, BR goes up to 16, and you can get tall.

I'm still not quite sure what silhouette you're looking for. Not skinny, not straight because those are 'tapered' in your experience, and not trouser or boyfriend. Or boot. Anyway, my entry into the sweepstakes is this pair in a tall 16, assuming the cuffs are not permanent.

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=70978&vid=1&pid=130879002

Cute and great price. I may order! Boyfriend jeans are cut looser to have that "I am wearing my boyfriend's jeans" look.

LW, cuffing is back in. Even though cuffing has looked silly in the years since it was on trend in the 80s or whenever, it's on trend again. So yes, ten years ago, cuffing would have looked ridiculous. Now it's in. With the wider leg and wider bottom, plus the price, these BR ones may be be perfect for you.

[Minnifer]

Don't laugh, but I got sucked into watching Melissa McCarthy pitch her jeans (and other clothing) on HSN the other night and some of the styles looked really good! A quick google showed that they have some at Nordstroms too...

[twowhat?]

If you've already found a pair of a pair of flares/bootcuts that fit well from waist to knee and are long enough, then just take to a good tailor to re-do the seams so the leg is the same width from knee down. It sounds like that would be better for you than doing a whole lot of shopping that you hate.

Good luck!

[lizzywednesday]

If you've already found a pair of a pair of flares/bootcuts that fit well from waist to knee and are long enough, then just take to a good tailor to re-do the seams so the leg is the same width from knee down. It sounds like that would be better for you than doing a whole lot of shopping that you hate.

Good luck!

That would be perfect if I liked my jeans snug in the thigh; I prefer a more relaxed line through the entire leg. It's probably unflattering as all heck, but at least I don't feel self-conscious at Wegmans.

I am SO picky.

[baymom]

Are you open to trying men's jeans? I had a pair of men's Gap jean in college that I LOVED. They fit more or less like you are describing you like. Loose in the thighs and straight cut. I'll bet it'd open up a lot of options for you and may be much easier to get what you are looking for.

[lizzywednesday]

Are you open to trying men's jeans? I had a pair of men's Gap jean in college that I LOVED. They fit more or less like you are describing you like. Loose in the thighs and straight cut. I'll bet it'd open up a lot of options for you and may be much easier to get what you are looking for.

I actually wore men's jeans from the time I was 18 until I was about 24.

(I favored Levi's or Arizona.)

[AnnieW625]

Late to this post but I love Eddie Bauer's curvy jeans, I have both the boot cut and the straight leg ones. I ordered them in my regular size and low and behold they fit. I am 5'6" but I have really long legs and need a longer crotch as well and these work great. Prior to these I was oka with Gap 1969 jeans (I think that was the style), but I would have to get talls and have about 3" hemmed off the bottom. I love that I don't have to do that with the Eddie Bauer jeans, I believe their tall jeans were 34" too so that might work for you.

Unfortunately due to my huge hips I can't wear the bulk the the designer jeans out there until I lose about another 20 lbs and can wear a 32 size again (even though I should be a 10 in regular sized by then, even pre kids I had to size up:(). I hate that designer jeans run small. Every so often I find a pair of Lucky jeans that runs big, but the last pairs I bought were about 3 years ago so they are now knock around jeans.

I used to love Old Navy Sweetheart, but last year they added too much Lycra to them IMHO and I prefer an almost 100% cotton denim so they don't stretch out too much.

I found NYDJ to be incredibly unattractive on me, they screamed mom jeans on me and I am 20 yrs.+ away from mom jeans IMHO!

Here are links to the Eddie Bauer jeans.
http://www.eddiebauer.com/product/women-s-curvy-boot-cut-jeans---stayshape-reg-/21117132/_/A-ebSku_0110846074001008__21117132_catalog10002_en__ US?showProducts=111&backToCat=&previousPage=SRC&tab=&color=050
http://www.eddiebauer.com/product/women--39-s-stayshape-reg--straight-leg-jeans---curvy/21117357/_/A-ebSku_0115942050001006__21117357_catalog10002_en__ US?showProducts=111&backToCat=&previousPage=SRC&tab=&color=376

[khm]

Last time I went on a jean trying spree I ordered from Zappos. I ordered probably 12 pair, hoping for 1 or 2 that would work. Return shipping is free!

I kept notes of what brands/cuts were a NO, and what ones were a "maybe in a different size/cut/inseam". Helped me score a few more wins the next time I went through the whole ordeal!

[lizzywednesday]

Maybe you're right. Not everyone wears jeans. I have friends who don't wear jeans.

But, if you really want some, why not get boyfriend jeans and not cuff them? Not all of them are permanently cuffed.

Also, BR goes up to 16, and you can get tall.

I'm still not quite sure what silhouette you're looking for. Not skinny, not straight because those are 'tapered' in your experience, and not trouser or boyfriend. Or boot. Anyway, my entry into the sweepstakes is this pair in a tall 16, assuming the cuffs are not permanent.

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=70978&vid=1&pid=130879002

A size 16 and a 16W are not cut the same.

[lizzywednesday]

I don't like Lane Bryant's jeans. I find the washes to always look slightly off the trends, and like you, I find the silhouettes strange. The boot does look more like a mini flare, the straight tapers oddly, and the skinny is strange.

I actually like the plus jeans at Maurice's. Now, it's a mall store, it skews to a younger woman and you have to be carefully with some of the washes, which can veer young. But the core denim line fits me pretty well. It sits right at my belly button which I like, but I'm pretty short-waisted. And the styles look current and cut correctly. Today, I'm actually wearing some skinny jeans from there rolled up with Lucky booties. I feel pretty cute. lol

EXACTLY. I like dark-wash denim. Like midnight blue dark-wash. Regardless of what's "on trend."

When "whiskered" washes were a thing, I sucked it up and dealt.
When the "darker on the inner thigh" washes were also a thing, I ... looked like I'd wet my pants and wore old jeans until they changed to a more uniform wash.

They (Lane Bryant) just changed their jean cuts, so what used to be a relaxed-through-the-hip-and-thigh straight all the way down leg jean is now ... tapered. The (short) saleswoman tried to sell me on the "true straight leg" jean when I was in LB trying stuff on (ugh) and I told her straight-up that no, it's freaking tapered.

"Oh, I didn't have that problem." (Well, you also have slim legs and you are short. I ... do not and I am tall.)

I don't think we have Maurice's here.

[lizzywednesday]

Thanks, Annie, for the links.

Unfortunately, I am a true Plus size right now in bottoms and ordering a Tall would be a mistake because the length would be fine ... but the rest of the fit would not.

[tarnator]

I am hearing that old fashioned Levis might be back in. Sometimes there can be great deals on those. Even the men's. Worth a look?

[zukeypur]

I have no recommendations as I have a completely different body type, but I wanted to let you know I feel your pain. I tried on over 20 pairs of jeans yesterday at Nordstrom Rack and gave up. Today I'm wearing leggings. :/

[jse107]

Kut from the Kloth, as has been mentioned, has been pretty good for me. I need them short, but their cuts are consistent and they're not a bad deal at NR.

[lizzywednesday]

Kut from the Kloth, as has been mentioned, has been pretty good for me. I need them short, but their cuts are consistent and they're not a bad deal at NR.

We just got a Nordstrom Rack, so maybe it's worth a look-see.

I tend to find discount stores like TJ Maxx, Ross, etc., overwhelming and frustrating because there's so little there in my sizes by the time I get over to them!

[Zansu]

I just got these: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/kut-from-the-kloth-chrissy-stretch-flare-leg-jeans-breezy-plus-size/4023969?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=2375500&fashionColor=&resultback=300

They're long, soft, and have some stretch.