The 2009 “jean-to-turn-to” is the Boyfriend Jean. This is a very cute look— when done right. Unfortunately, some of the early-wearers of this trend haven’t been the best ambassadors. I’m not going to name names, but I will post pictures. ; )

Of course, there are justifiable worries when it comes to the boyfriend jean. For one, there’s a thin line between the laid back casual, just another chic Sunday morning and plain frumpy. So, how do you avoid crossing that line?

My girlfriends and I have been tackling this topic for the past two weeks. We even conducted field research at Bloomingdales’s, Nordstrom, and Forever 21 for this post.

With many different body types and brands up for observation, we’ve come to these almost-scientific conclusions:

• In general, this type of loose-fitting jean looks best on tall slender types. If you’re petite or have short legs, this trend might not be for you. If you really love it and are determined to achieve this look, try cuffing straight leg jeans instead and pairing them with heels.
• A uniform rule when wearing anything baggy – the other item of clothing cannot be baggy as well!  Boyfriend jeans look cute with just a plain white tank or V-neck shirt that is form fitting.  If you try to wear a baggy shirt as well, the womanly figure gets lost.

• The boyfriend jean looks best when the waist band is showing, so either tuck in your long shirt or wear something that doesn’t cover it. Belts look great with them too!

• Do not wear booties or sneakers with boyfriend jeans. Instead pair them with a pair of ballet flats, pumps, gladiator sandals, or flip-flops.

• The jeans are meant to sit on your hips, you’re not supposed to be swimming in them.

Some good brands to look for are: Current/Elliot, the original creators of the boyfriend jean, Prps, J Brand, and Forever21.

Current/Elliot’s The Boyfriend jean, $245 on Net-A-Porter.

Prps has good ripped boyfriend jeans, $324 on Shopbop.

J Brand has cute dark denim boyfriend jeans, $218, on Shopbop.

Forever 21’s Frayed Denim Capri are both affordable and cute, $22.80

So put away those Juicy suits and get yourself a pair of boyfriend jeans. They look great with tousled hair, a plain white tee and big sunglasses.  And the best part is, you don’t even need a boyfriend.

Your gal,

Jess