Hi, my name is Jean and I am a new contributor to The Totam’s style blog! One thing that you must know about me is that although my name is Jean, I absolutely HATE wearing jeans!! I’m a short girl and I don’t have the tiniest waistline, so denim and I really aren’t the best of friends. I don’t remember the last time I slipped on a pair of uncomfortable, stiff, tummy-pinching jeans. Thank goodness leggings have been a trend over the past few years and it doesn’t look like they are going anywhere anytime soon. Over the past few seasons, however, I have noticed a trends towards developing WEARABLE JEANS! - denim that has crazy two-way stretch (for extra comfort), denim leggings (the ease and comfort of leggings in lightweight, extra-stretchy denim), and secret slim-it-up features (to hide all those problem areas). All of this alternative denim technology has actually tempted me to give jeans another chance.

Here are a few pairs that have caught my eye:

Sretsis Acid Jeans

Hailing from Bangkok, we have the Agyness denim legging hybrid from the brand Sretsis (which is SISTERS spelled backwards!). The comfort of leggings in a worn-out acid-washed, ripped, 80’s-inspired look.

Want a more classic, clean look? Check out Adriano Goldschmeid’s version of the denim legging - the Tights. Notice the button closure is replaced by a slimming elastic waist band (that doesn’t gather). These pants are literally slipped on just like leggings! The stretch denim conforms to your legs to create a skinny silhouette and will fool anyone into thinking you were wearing a real pair of five-pocket jeans.

Adriano Goldschmeid's The Tights & Nobody's P 2621 Grinder Jean

If it’s not super tight and stretchy, the next best way to wear your jeans is big and baggy. Inspired by the blue-collar worker, this is not your typical boyfriend jean (that only looks good on J. Crew models). Take the boy-fit jeans from Nobody, an Australian label that takes true value in denim engineering, quality Japanese denim, and works to never construct a brand identity. I especially like the tough look of the P 2621 Grinder - there is something to be said about a woman who can pull off this manly, worn-in pant. Wear with feminine pride.

Warehouse's Denim Harem Jean

With denim looking so unique and so effortless, my leggings may need to take a backseat this season!!

For more of Jean Hsu’s Essential Luxuries, please visit www.jeanjhsu.com

Tags: 1980's, acid wash, Adriano Goldschmeid, boyfriend jeans, Denim, denim leggings, elastic waist jeans, harem denim, harem jeans, jeans, Nobody, R13, skinny jeans, Sretsis, stretch denim.