Dressed-Up Denim: Trouser Jeans to Wear Now & Into Fall
How is your August going? This month is usually a quiet one, so I like to take advantage of the calm to tackle various projects (online and off), re-assess my priorities, and plan for busier months ahead. One of the projects I’m so excited to share: a rebrand of my blog and newsletter! After 18 years, it felt like time for a refresh. So, meet “une femme x susan blakey”! The “x” simply marks the connection between the blog’s original spirit and my own evolving perspective. But my mission remains the same: to share ideas, tools, and a little inspiration to help you feel confident, authentic, and ready for whatever life brings.
(That wonderful logo designed by my friend Ivana Nohel @ivananohelscarves. You can see her gorgeous scarf designs HERE.)
A Style Refresh For A New Season
Why My Style Is Shifting
I think it’s normal for our style to evolve and shift over time. Our lifestyles may change, our bodies may change, and what we want to express with our style may also change. I’m not talking about chasing trends here, but accommodating physical and aesthetic shifts that can happen over time. And I’ve been taking my own style inventory, and noticing a subtle shift in what appeals to me now.
It seems I’m not the only one feeling a change in the air. I’ve been combing through the fall styles that are beginning to arrive, and for those of us who aren’t into Everything Oversized All The Time, I’m seeing reasons to feel encouraged. While there are still plenty of relaxed pieces, they’re being shown styled with more tailored or fitted ones for a more balanced look. There’s more…neatness.
My 3 Style Words: Embracing “Neat, Cool, Funky”
And this jibes nicely with my own style direction, and the 3 style words I’m leaning into now: neat, cool, funky. Take denim, for example. For fall, I’m liking dark washes with no (or very little) fading or distressing. There’s a polish and crispness to it that provides a counterpoint and balance to the more relaxed, casual, and quirky pieces in my wardrobe. And dark washes are easier to dress up.
Trouser Jeans: A Dressed-up Denim Option
I wanted to show you these new trouser jeans from J.Crew, because I think they’re really good! (Also: full-length, for those of you who have been asking to see longer styles.) They’re available in Classic, Petite, and Tall lengths. I’m wearing 28 Petite, and the fit is true-to-size.
Wear Now: (Late) Summer Polished Casual
My sizes: Shirt – Small, Jeans – 28 Petite
This outfit works now for cool evenings or air-conditioned interiors. The silk shirt is from a few seasons back, as are the sandals and jewelry. The jeans are a bit long for me to wear with flats, so I’ve styled them here with kitten heel sandals, and will probably have them hemmed. But otherwise, I love the wash and the fit!
Wear Later: Transitioning Into Fall
My sizes: Cardigan – 1/Small, Belt – S, Jeans – 28 Petite
When it’s cool enough to layer, a light jacket or a structured cardigan like this one adds polish and textural interest. (I purchased last year, but it’s still available, and in other colors as well.) I chose the animal print bag for a little pattern and punch.
The change of seasons is always a good opportunity to take a fresh look at our wardrobes. It doesn’t require a full overhaul; often just a few small updates can provide the reset we need to feel current and aligned with our personal style. Sometimes adding a new shape or color is all it takes to spark fresh outfit ideas. What about you, would you wear trouser jeans or try a similar style?
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I bought the J Crew trouser jeans two falls ago. They are by far my favorite jeans. When I don’t know what to wear I wear them. I plan to buy a second pair as a back up.
Love the look of your newly updated blog, very cool, just like you. I would love to hear your process in your discovery or uncovering of your current three words. Maybe one of your future posts could provide some insight. I go through a similar style/organization process in the summer when its too hot to enjoy the outdoors . I have also been working on making my home safer and more accommodating to my aging self. And I am working on buying only what I need and trying to stop this habit of buying something because I may need it some day. So many of my I may need it someday items have been donated, along with items from another bad habit of buying multiples. And over the past year my right foot has gotten wider so I am slowly updating the footwear section of my life. I finally got my first pair of Oxfords, I think they will fill the gap between jeans with sleek athletic shoes and boots. I can not thank you enough for all you have shared about curating style. Without you in my life I am afraid I would be buried under a mountain of clothes I don’t wear and don’t even like.
Thanks so much, Arlene! I’m so glad you’ve found it helpful. It can be tough to switch out of that “just in case” mindset.
Ditto to what Arlene wrote……post retirement transition is tough to change the “what if or just in case” ……..but at the same time fortunate to be able to go the process and yes thank you for your blog.
Love the new name congratulations, looking forward to the changes.
Thanks, Denise!
I’m not a big fan of jeans, especially when I travel. They are too heavy, too casual, and take up too much space. But, I really like the Jean trouser look. I had a pair similiar to that years ago that I wore often.
I’m curious what makes these jeans trouser jeans. In the past, my favorite trouser jeans had some kind of tailoring, maybe a button instead of a metal snap, no overt top-stitching, no watch pocket, a clean hem. To me, the J Crew trouser jeans are just another pair of wide leg jeans! I like them, but I’m flummoxed.
I think you’d have to ask the J.Crew marketing team. 😉 Maybe it’s the front crease?
Trouser jeans usually have on-seam pockets, tonal rather than contrast stitching, and trouser-style waistbands with hook-and-eye closures. They may have front pleats. By those criteria, I wouldn’t classify the J. Crew jeans as “trouser” style. A better example is these jeans from Uniqlo (which does *fantastic* denim at great prices!): https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/products/E479003-000/00?colorDisplayCode=69&sizeDisplayCode=006
*hook-and-bar, not hook and eye!
Love the new name and wordmark! *applause*
Thank you so much, Nancy! I’m delighted that you think so.
Susan- I just found dark wash on fading/whiskering trouser jeans in my alteratios pile. They’re from j jill and aren’t super high rise (I’m very low waisted) . I am going to love them now that they’re hemmed! Also, In mid October I’m vacationing in Napa. Which of your travel wardrobes will work then? We are going wine tasting in northern Sonoma County also and I don’t want to be sweaty or freezing! SusanR
Hi Susan, glad you have a pair that works for you! That area can still be quite warm in October, though tasting rooms and cellars are often quite chilly. I’d suggest lightweight layers, and bring a light cardigan or shawl to drape over indoors.
The logo is fantastic! I love dark jeans and they look great on you, but I am excited to get out my Ruti barrel jeans that I got too late last year to wear much, as well as the off-white tuxedo silk(?) shirt from JCrew that you also highlighted.
In the Midwest, we are finally inching back down into the low 80s. For the next 2 weeks, I take out my summer only clothes, put them on my bedroom chair, and only wear from that pile until after Labor day.
One of my color surprises is how that just off-white (not beige, more like eggshell) really looked better on me vs bright white.
Hi Susan, I’m commenting on your question to Susan about travel to Napa, Sonoma in mid-October. I live in the town of Sonoma, The temperatures can still be warm, but the evenings are always cool, no matter how hot the day. The most important thing is wear comfortable shoes. The terrain near the wineries and grape growing areas can be uneven and even just plain dirt. Northern CA is quite casual and people only dress up for special occasions or more formal restaurants and venues. Bring layers, hat, and a bag that won’t start to seem heavy after several hours. Enjoy your trip! It’s a place of scenic beauty and welcoming people.
I love your content! Yes I like a trouser jean, I worked at Saks for seven years and was always overdressed, so wearing jeans is a pleasure but here in southwest Florida doesn’t permit jeans till late October.
So happy to see trouser jeans back and available in talls! I wear this style well and while I no longer wear higher heels they will look great with my boots this fall and winter!
Hi Susan! Looking great! The JCrew website seems ‘jammed’ on the trouser jeans so I guess I’ll wait and try again later 😉 The jeans look great although I’m always leery of trying ‘high waisted’ pants. I wanted to tell you that I love your announcement from a few days ago–new logo, new approach– as your life and style and personhood evolve. I found that my trip to Paris and the Aegean left me wanting to be ‘more European’ in dress and attitude. I’m a Californian at heart but I loved being under the Parisian sway while I was there. Maybe it’s the appeal of a simpler and smaller lifestyle? Quality over quantity? I can’t walk to the grocery store currently but I could certainly simplify my life!
Hitting the refresh button must be in the air, I just picked up a pair of flare jeans from Quince and I am loving these Rinsed Wash ultra high-rise with the double-stack buttons, wow! Thanks for the link, Susan! Love the website name refresh and the new logo!
I really like the new blog name change. Well done.
I’m pretty much in favor of the tailored look all year long—even with my jeans, so I endorse this approach.
What I look most forward to all summer long is the viability of adding third piece (jacket, sweater, shawl, big scarf). For me the third piece is the simplest manifestation of dressing up.
I really like it. Sometimes one needs to reinvent themselves!!
I really like your new logo! It feels right for you;). I ordered the jeans this morning….thank you! I already have the ba&sh sweater in green. It seems your blog always is just what I need at the right time. Enjoy!
Love the new refreshed name and logo.
Thanks, Ginger!
These jeans look good on you. Wash them first before you hem them. I had to elongate jeans that were just the right length for wearing with flats. Then I washed them and they shrank a little bit. Or they must have been riding up in wear. It was annoying.
As for me, I have so many jeans, I cannot see myself buying another pair. But…you never know.
Love your green shirt.
Greetje
Can you tell me Susan who makes the green shirt? I love the color and cut.
Hi Judy, thanks! It’s ME+EM, from a few seasons back.
I have been in uniforms most of my working life as an RN and in the military for a total altogether of 43 years so switching to a civilian wardrobe has been challenging. I divided my clothing originally into work [hospital] or work[ military] and other [not a lot and not organized]. Now it is the four seasons with layers. I find J Crew petite clothing fits me after trial and error…also DG2 jeans for a shopping channel, and buying basics. The less is more concept works for me. I don’t feel deprived of options with scarves, a small wardrobe of current handbags, and simple jewelry that can work for almost all seasons. I am new to your blog and have missed out for years apparently! Thank you, Donnie
Hi Donnie, welcome!
The new logo and look are great — subtle but intentional. I am the same size as you and have been moving toward neatness as well — not a style word but more of an overarching theme even with my casual lifestyle. I am about to buy my first pair of loafers ever (!) and enjoy all the footwear you’ve been showing.
love the new graphics, Susan.
These jeans from Universal Standard are called weekend jeans and are my go to for trouser jeans. There’s elastic on the back waist, are relaxed through the legs/hips but not wide leg or baggy.
https://www.universalstandard.com/products/elastic-waist-weekend-jeans-dark-indigo