Don’t make mistakes! Utility jacket | ATM t-shirt | Paige Laurel Canyon jeans | Chloe Woody tote | Sandals | Brinker & Eliza bracelet
Denim mistakes you could be making … but don’t need to 😉
A couple of months ago, my good friend Vicky who works at Nordstrom texted me and said, “Suse, the Mother denim rep is here and he’s so nice, you need to meet him!” I couldn’t believe it, since I had been trying to reach someone from Mother, and they weren’t getting back to me. Apparently, they have NO IDEA how many denim sales are made through So Susie!! Sadly, I missed him that day, but I did get an email and now we’ve had a very long phone call and several email exchanges.
The importance of product knowledge
I share this story because product knowledge is SO important, and it’s the number one reason I travel to LA for “trend shopping.” A few weeks ago, while at the Frame store on Melrose Ave, I was lucky enough to visit with the Nicole, the General Manager, who also gave me loads of information on Frame denim. And those inside scoops get passed on directly to you!
So … as I always say: every good outfit begins with a great pair of jeans. This is why it’s SO important to make sure you have several really well-fitting, current styles. I realize buying jeans can be tricky, and even more so online. It’s actually the number one topic I’m asked about here on So Susie! Questions range from “I can’t find a pair I like” to “I can’t wear high-waisted jeans” to “what’s the correct length?” … and so on. My Nordstrom co-workers and I used to joke that it was as bad as trying on swimsuits!! But yes, it can definitely be challenging.
Keep reading to find out a pro-tip that works every time, which jeans are trending for spring, and a few denim mistakes you could be making but don’t need to be. Styles include everything from white and écru denim to flattering wide-leg styles to the number one selling style — a slim straight leg. There’s also a bit at the end about skinnies … who knew they’re such a divisive topic! I hope you find this a useful guide to denim. 💙
Click here to see my latest Reels video on denim and click here to shop it!
Style board inspo
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14
Faded denim and simple pieces like the best-selling ATM t-shirt and a faux leather blazer always make the best outfits
Love this metallic $128 clutch, these gorgeous earrings and this splurge necklace — all so pretty
Pops of color like this Valentino scarf and green tote add flair to every outfit!
Denim mistakes you could be making … but don’t need to!
Image: me
#1 – Washing them to “shrink” them back to the right size. I often hear this, and the first thing I automatically think is that the size was wrong to begin with.
#2 – Not getting alterations. Nordstrom alters hundreds of jeans every single day, and there was rarely a customer I helped for whom we didn’t call a tailor. This is the biggest key to making sure your jeans fit properly. I wouldn’t t let my clients leave the dressing room without getting alterations 😉
#3 – Putting them in the dryer. This is a big no-no!! The heat breaks down the fibers (assuming there’s stretch in the fabric), and over time you’ll get puckering. There’s one exception and that’s with white denim. I recommend washing them inside out, then laying them flat to dry.
#4 – Not purchasing the correct size. Typically I see jeans that are too big because they’ve stretched out. Of course, it depends on the stretch in the fabric, but in the dressing room, we always explained that jeans stretch out about 1/2 size. I would always say purchase them tight, but not too tight!
#5 – Washing too frequently. Only wash your denim when you must. This is according to every premium denim brand out there. I tell my clients to try and NOT wash your jeans. One sales rep years ago suggested airing them out if they need a little freshening up!
Which ones to buy: the pro-tip you’ll want to know
So … what’s the pro-tip? Stick to the top sellers! If you stick to the top sellers, then you’re pretty much guaranteed to find a pair. Why? Because the top sellers fit most everyone well, they’re on trend, and they get great reviews. And, denim brands do a lot of research, and design their jeans accordingly.
Slim, straight leg jeans are the #1 style to own
The best ones: Frame Le High Straight, Paige Cindy, Mother Dazzler
Left: Blue top | Mother Dazzler | Schutz sandals | Middle: AGOLDE Riley (little tougher to wear) | Trench coat | Gucci sandals | Right: Mother Dazzler | Rails top | Vince wedge
Hands down, these fit almost everyone! It’s the next step up from a skinny. According to Ohi, the Mother Denim Rep, the fit on their best-selling denim is exactly the same from the waist to the knee. The only difference is the slightly wider leg opening. Curious about which shoes to wear? Everything!! Sneakers, boots, strappy sandals, flat sandals, sneakers, the list is endless because they all work.
Size details
Mother Mid-Rise Dazzler – Front rise: 9 3/4″ | Inseam: 27 1/2″ | Leg Opening: 13″
Paige Cindy – Front rise: 10 1/2″ | Inseam 28″ | Leg Opening: 14 1/4″
Frame Le High Straight – Front rise: 9.75″ | Inseam: 27″ | Leg Opening: 14.5″
Crop mini-boot jeans are the #2 style to own
The best ones imo: Mother Insider, Mother Hustler, Paige Claudine, Frame Mini Boot
Left: Faux leather blazer | Frame Mini Boot in écru | Frame blouse | Middle: J.Crew cardigan | Ulla Johnson blouse | Mother Insider | Right: Cinq a Sept blazer | Mother hustler | Halogen cami
The number one selling jeans at Frame are the Mini Boot styles that come in two lengths: ankle and full. They’re flattering on everyone, and they aren’t quite as high rise as the Mother Hustlers. The difference between the Mother Hustlers and Insiders is the rise and the leg opening. Not photographed are the newer Paige Claudines, which I love and just purchased a second pair this week in this faded blue color.
Size details
Frame Mini Boot – Front rise: 10″ | Inseam: 26.5″ | Leg opening: 17.5″
Mother Insider – Front rise: 10″ | Inseam: 26″ | Leg opening: 15″
Mother Hustler – Front rise: 11″ | Inseam: 27 1/2″ | Leg opening: 16″
Paige Claudine – Front rise: 11 1/2″ | Inseam: 28″ | Leg opening: 17″
Flare jeans are the new style everyone should add!
The best ones: Mother Weekender, Paige Laurel Canyon, Paige Genevieve and Frame Le High Flare
Left: Cinq A Sept jacket | ATM t-shirt | Frame le High jeans | Middle: Utility jacket | ATM t-shirt | Paige Laurel Canyon jeans | Right: Rails top | Mother Weekender | Stuart Weitzman boots
If I had to pick one flare jean that works for almost everyone, it would be the Mother Weekender. It was confirmed yesterday on my Nordstrom in-store visit: that’s what is selling. The Frame Le High Flare and both Paige styles are next. Of course, there are looser flare styles out there, but these are the ones I find easiest for most people to wear. And they’re SO flattering, and a nice switch-up from everything else!
Size details
Mother Weekender – Rise: 10 3/4″ | Inseam: 31″ | Leg opening: 20″
Frame Le High Flare – Rise: 10″ | Inseam: 34.5″ | Leg opening: 22″
Paige Laurel Canyon – Rise: 10.5″ rise | Inseam: 32″ | Leg opening: 19.5″
Paige Genevieve – Rise: 10″ | Inseam: 32″ | Leg opening: 24″
What’s trending for spring
Wider-leg crop styles! The best ones imo : Paige Annessa and Fidelity Malibu
Left: Fidelity Malibu | Right: Paige Anessa
This is the perfect style to add as we move into spring. They are definitely a little fashion forward, and not for everyone, but if you’re looking for a fun update, try a pair!
And now, the burning questions: are skinnies still in style?
Who knew skinny jeans could be so divisive! I didn’t until I posted this on Instagram, and wow did a load of comments roll in (many not that nice 😔). Oh well, if you’ve been following me for awhile, you know that I support everyone wearing whatever they want 🤍 However, if you met me in a dressing room right now, I’d suggest a nudge towards a slim, straight leg jean. I haven’t purchased a skinny in over three years, though from time to time I’ll wear mine with an oversized shirt and sneaker. To read more, check out my recent Who What Wear post, it may shed some light on the subject 😘
Thank you for reading! xx
