Hi Belle,

I found your blog a few months ago and it saved my life when I was interviewing for jobs.  My office allows us to wear jeans on Friday, but skinny jeans aren’t permitted (for women or men, THANK GOD).  You’ve talked about ‘trouser jeans’ in the past, and I’m not sure what those look like.  I don’t want to end up in bell bottoms so I hope you can point me in the right direction.  

With thanks, Ailee

Imagine ladies’ suit trousers made of denim, and that’s what trouser jeans should look like.  Here are some options:

NYDJ Isabella Jeans ($114)

With a wider leg opening, a dark, uniform wash, and a not-too-fitted cut, these jeans are the quintessential trouser jean.  The denim is of a lighter weight for winter or summer wear.  And the style is flattering and forgiving (because whose waistline doesn’t need a bit of forgiveness during the holidays?).  These jeans also come in petite, tall, and plus sizes.

In the over-$100 price range, I also like the AG Angel Bootcut Jean, which is a bootcut/trouser hybrid.  The 7 for all Mankind Dojo jeans are another good option, and they’re on sale for $85.  Lastly, give the the Joe’s Curvy Bootcut Jean a look.  A few friends with tough-to-fit figures had good luck with the Joe’s option.

Need something under-$100?  Gap’s Long & Lean jean and their Perfect Boot Jean are both good options (in tall and petite).  LOFT also has a modern trouser jean in a very dark wash. Banana Republic also makes a sleek denim trouser.  Plus-size?  Try these jeans from Eddie Bauer.