This weekend (8/9 – 8/12) Abercrombie is running a big promo with 25% off all jeans and 15% off everything else. On top of that, my code AFJEAN has been reactivated and stacks for an additional 15% off! Their jeans come in a huge range of sizes and lengths (including Extra Short!), and regular plus “curvy” fit.
You guys may have noticed that denim silhouettes are heavily trending towards looser, baggier cuts and lower rises. As an elder millennial I initially wanted to run in the opposite direction, but I have to say, there’s some in-between styles that touch on this look and still feel very flattering and age-appropriate! I wanted to revisit two trusty A&F jean styles that I’ve been talking about for years now, along with a newer on-trend cut I was pleasantly surprised by.
Below are a few of my A&F denim recs, arranged in the order from slimmer to looser fit:
1. ultra high rise Ankle Straight
You guys have seen this one many times before…it’s a classic slim straight cut, and is hands-down my most-worn A&F jean that I own in a few different washes. This style is here to stay, plus they’ve added a few new well-stocked colors!
Length I’m wearing: Short. I’m 5 feet tall and preferred the Short (inseam measures 24.5″ on mine) which works great for flats, sneakers, heels and loafers. The Extra Short was a little too cropped for me.
I’ve missed my J.Crew Emilie cardigans during the hot weather, and this more summer-friendly version fills that void! It has a slightly cropped, boxier fit that feels modern and isn’t too long on my torso. I saw that J.Crew came out with an updated Emilie cardigan with a looser fit and longer sleeves …. I hope this update doesn’t mean the original Emilie is gone for good!! If that’s the case, then this long sleeve A&F version will be one of the few remaining options for the original lady jacket look.
I’m living in button-ups lately and this one had a surprisingly nice fit for petites. Not too slim, not too loose, and a subtle oxford fabric texture.
2. 90s Relaxed
Another style I’ve had for a while now. Although the name is “relaxed,” these fit like a slightly wider straight jean to me in a thicker weight denim. They’re not as wide as the Madewell PVJ Wide Crop jean, nor as relaxed / slouchy fit as the Levi’s Ribcage, which I wear a ton with sneakers. Since the A&F 90s denim is a little thicker with structure, I like these jeans best with a low heel or low bootie instead of sneakers.
Length I’m wearing: Extra Short. Size 24 Extra short has a 10.5” rise and 27” inseam.
3. High rise Loose
Baggy and low is very “in” right now, and this is a nice in-between style that is loose and still high rise, for those who aren’t ready to part with that! I have to say, I love the juxtaposition of a more fitted top and loose, relaxed bottoms.
These are really comfy and do have that slouchier and more relaxed feel that works well with sneakers and flats. Compared to the Levi’s Ribcage, these are looser throughout the leg, with a regular high rise (Ribcage is ultra high) and a zipper fly instead of button. Compared to the two Abercrombie denim styles above, the waist and hips on the Loose jeans fit roomier throughout.
Length I’m wearing:
On the left: 24 Extra Short measures 13” across waist, 10.5” rise, 27” inseam
On the right: 24 Short measures 13” across waist, 10.75” rise, 28.75” inseam
I was torn on length so tried both options to find the best fit. The Extra Short would be more versatile for me since I rarely wear heels anymore, but the Short would be a great going out jeans paired with a fitted top.
