I’ve been pondering this question ever since ‘mom’ jeans started appearing in the shops a few years ago. Of course, mums come in all shapes, sizes and ages – but for me personally, being a mum means that my bum, legs and sticky-out tum will probably never be what they once were.
That’s ok most of the time, but I tend to avoid anything that might be a little, well, unflattering. And mom jeans have always fallen in that category. They’re short in the leg, high-waisted and slightly baggy on the thigh – and sometimes they’re even stonewashed. Weird combo, you might say. And, you’re right. They are exactly the kind of jeans my mum wore in the eighties and nineties.
For this reason (sorry, mum) I’ve always avoided them like the plague – oh, and the fact that they only seem to work on lithe 18 year-olds. But this spring, they’re still on-trend. People my age, who are actually mums, are wearing them. It’s been long enough now that even I can’t deny their existence any longer.
It’s time to see if this mum can pull off dressing like a 1980s mom.
I have chosen this pair from Nasty Gal (I know, my least likely place to shop, but they were on offer). First thoughts on trying them on: wow, I can do them up. Followed by: yay, my tummy doesn’t look too bad, although they make those child-bearing hips look quite solid… But on the whole, I like them – especially the dark colour and the unfinished hems. Plus, the tight, nipped-in waist feels feminine and flattering.
As I have a sticky-out tummy, so there’s no way I’d wear these jeans with a short, tight top on it’s own. In coat weather, this is balanced out with a longer jacket – making me feel taller and leaner. A loose blazer also helps keep things looking balanced. In warmer weather, it’ll be loose shirts and tees.
So, the verdict is: yes, this mum can wear them. But she does have reservations. They’re not the easiest shape to wear and it’s taken me a while to find a pair I like. If they make you feel great, wear them – if not, don’t be ashamed to swerve this trend entirely. But they’re worth a try, if only for the nostalgia fest.
I wear: Jeans, £25, Nasty Gal – I’m wearing a medium / Striped tee, £11.99, New Look
Black handbag (in first photo), £7 and Sunglasses, £2.50 are both recent buys in the Peacocks sale.
Blazer (H&M), Checked Coat (New Look), Boots (New Look), Red bag (Mango) are all past seasons.
They aren’t really my cup of tea. But you look really nice in them. Are you quite tall?
Thanks Sarah! I’m about 5 foot 4 – although my legs are rather short. I think these jeans look better with a bit of heel to avoid the stumpy legged look!
Your mom jeans look great on you. It is a trend I have been wondering about. I need some new jeans and might dip my toe into this fashion!
Thanks! I’ve also heard good things about the M&S ones!