MATCHES STYLE DEBATE: BOYFRIEND VS SKINNY?

It is all about denim this week in The Style Report on matchesfashion.com. In a journey through this season’s denim they showcase the best of our edit in everything from fashion shoots to interviews.

In The Style Debate, Vogue’s fashion features director Sarah Harris argues in favour of skinny jeans against Elle’s senior fashion director Natalie Wansbrough-Jones, a self-confessed boyfriend jean wearer. I definately lean more towards the skinny but am definately going to give the boyfriend jean a go this summer as I’m still carrying a bit of baby weight!

So if like me you’re tempted but need some coaxing read the debate now….

Matches Style Debate

I LOVE JEANS LOVES……

I’ve  picked out my favorite boyfriend and skinny looks at Matches, which really draws a line between the two styles of jeans. The skinny in my mind gives a smarter clean feel where the boyfriend is so relaxed it gives the wearer the opportunity to continue the masculine feel with a jacket.

 

 Frame Denim Le Skinny de Jeanne mid-rise skinny jeans (137998) £193 J Brand Denim 1214 Aidan mid-rise boyfriend jeans (147510) £260

MEN’S ROOM: 7 WAYS TO WEAR A DENIM JACKET

The Denim Jacket, every-man’s must have wardrobe staple whatever your age or profession….J Crew show’s us 7 way’s to work the dark denim jacket into your working week wardrobe through to a chilled weekend style.

SHOP THE DENIM JACKET AT J.CREW

1: OUT FOR DINNER:

Work this double denim look by sporting a slim selvedge chambray utility shirt £81.50  under the forever favourite dark denim jacket £114.04 and layer under the Ludlow sportcoat in herringbone Italian linen £289.45 to give that sophisti-casual cool look.

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2: THE WEEKENDER:

A basic white Slim broken-in tee was £ 20.38 now £10.80 is a must-have when it comes to a layered denim look. Top with the Garrison fatigue jacket £139.74 over the dark denim jacket to give an urban edge to a military feel.

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3: SATURDAY SHOPPING:

The dark denim jacket at times can be the focus of your layered look, combine with the comfort of a Cashmere zip hoodie £ 311.91 and a classic Broken-in pocket tee in deep cove stripe was £37.43 now £32.85 to give that just popped out look.

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 4: MEN AT WORK:

Put the denim jacket to work with a Thomas Mason® for J.Crew slim shirt in bold stripe £ 112.29. Team with a Barbour® Sylkoil Bedale jacket £315.24 and finish with a Silk tie in papaya stripe £53.65.

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5: CITY SLICKER:

Use the dark denim jacket as a waistcoat under the Ludlow suit jacket with double vent in Italian wool £ 353.50. Opt for the Thomas Mason® for J.Crew spread-collar dress shirt was £112.29 now £ 83.17 and finish with a black Skinny knit tie £49.49 giving your boardroom style the ultimate street cred.

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6: RAINY DAZE:

Layer it up with this four layer look as keeping warm & dry is paramount to work this laid-back style. The Slim broken-in tee now £10.80 is your base layer, then the work-wear inspired homespun knitted Henley £91.49. The beloved dark denim jacket works as a shirt under a colourful Penfield™ Kasson hooded mountain parka £162.19. Loving the plaid and denim mix.

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7: QUILT IT UP:

This time our dark denim jacket is the filling between this Barbour® polarquilt waistcoat/zip-in liner £107.30 and Saint James® unisex Meridien II nautical tee combo. A great look if you’re looking to appear bigger on the chest area!

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THREE WAYS TO WEAR SKINNY JEANS FOR THE PARTY SEASON

Skinny jeans are still a current favourite and are perfect for festive party dressing.  What with freezing cold nights – looking fabulous but staying warm is no easy feat!  Taking one pair of skinny jeans, I show you three ways to adapt them for your Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The Jeans: J BRAND DENIM PATRIOT BLUE COATED MARIA HIGH RISE SKINNY JEANS, £250

These gorgeous coated jeans offer a more wearable alternative to leather. In a flattering high rise style, they’ll hold your tummy in and are a good investment continuing into spring summer 2013 when fabrics become more experimental with coated, high-sheen, iridescent and leather-look textures.

After work drinks: Hippy Chick meets Rock Chick with a sequin cami, biker jacket and platforms

This is an overall casual look with added attitude and glamour thanks to the sparkling top, studded jacket and glittering heels that tie in the colours perfectly.

Get the look: French Connection Sequin Cami Top, £72.  ASOS Studded Leather Look Biker, £70.  Silver platform sandals, £35

Dinner date or trendy party: Simple yet lavish and elegant with a tuxedo jacket and opulent gems

Teaming your skinnies with nothing but a  tuxedo jacket and plunging neckline. Decorate your decolletage with opulent jewelry or reams or pearls.  Wear with killer stilettos and that’s all you need for an understated yet confident look.

Get the look: BY MALENE BIRGER FELINAS TUXEDO JACKET, £325.  OSCAR DE LA RENTA 24-karat gold plated crystal necklace, £535

Go anywhere: with a dress and sparkling clutch

Throw on this go-with-anything-and-go-anywhere dress over your skinny jeans and you’ll look hot to trot for any occasion, from drinks with friends to lunch with the Boss or cocktails with girl friends.  The clutch adds a touch of festive sparkle and picks out the stunning azure shades in the dress, again taking you into spring too.

Get the look: JONATHAN SAUNDERS JERSEY LONG SLEEVE OMBRE PRINTED DRESS, £295.  JIMMY CHOO The Candy glitter-print acrylic clutch, £375.

FAIRISLE AND ANIMAL MAGIC: OUR TWO KNITWEAR TRENDS FOR HIM AND FOR HER

It’s hard to believe that the clocks go back this month; I’m still waiting for summer to begin.  It’s not all gloomy though – at least we have a new wardrobe to buy!  Chunky knits are back with two prominent trends to embrace – one for him and one for her.  So snuggle up and pair your denim with my pick of some of the best winter warmers out there…

For her: Animal Magic

A sense of fun has creeped into fashion with animal pictures, patterns and prints adorning knitwear.  From woodland creatures such as owls and foxes to critters and wild cats – the look is playful and modern.  Look out for extra details such as metallic thread, sequins and gems for a touch of glamour to an otherwise casual piece.

For the luxe end of knitwear, try this stunning SIMEON FARRAR MARL GREY WOLF PRINT JUMPER, £135.00 with a wolf silhouette decorating the neckline.  The grey marl keeps is casual whilst the detailing takes it up a notch so it looks great dressed up with a leather skirt too.

This Beige badger jumper, £30.00 from Dorothy Perkins and LEOPARD JUMPER, £37.00 from Miss Selfridge both look hot to trot teamed with Moto Skinny Jeans, £48.35 made from vegan leather.

The animal trend really makes a statement plus the black and white badger print design is also subtly embellished with small sequins and a black gem – ticking the box of embellishment too.

For Him: Fairisle

Fair Isle, traditionally a knitting technique originating from Shetland, has had a fashion make-over and returns with a vengeance this season.  No longer is this pattern repudiated to unwanted Christmas jumpers, oh no – it’s now one to don with pride!

This soft-to-the-touch OLIVER SPENCER NAVY FAIRISLE KNIT JUMPER, £145.00 is well cut with ribbed hem and sleeves for a figure-hugging fit.

For more autumnal tones of camel, chocolate and nude, the GANT V Neck Fairisle Jumper, £115.00 is my top choice.

Fairisle knits don’t just stop at jumpers, look out for blazers and cardigan-coats too.  If they’re finished with a toggle fastening, you’ll be bang on trend as seen with this SNOWYO - Fairilse shawl neck knit, £95.

Fairisle is easy to dress up or down.  Team your knit with these aggressive-wash, boot cut HERTFORD G BOOT CUT JEANS IN KOLO NON WASH (BLUE), reduced to £27.00 (bottom right).  Beautifully cut with a pale, creased wash, they epitomise this seasons toughened trend beautifully.  Or for a slicker look that will keep you comfortable but still impress on a date, team your fairisle with these 1969 skinny fit jeans (resin rinse wash), £42.95.  They’re not super cigarette leg-squeezing tight – they’re just skinny enough to keep you current.


URBAN OUTFITTERS: LAUNCH THE JEANIUOS DENIM GUIDE & HOW DO YOU WEAR YOURS?

It’s denim week at Urban Outfitters as they launch their JeaniUOs Denim Guide of all things denim. UO asked ilovejeans.com the question “How do you wear Yours” so we picked three very different pairs of jeans and voilà here’s our picks all available now at Urban Outfitters.

SHOP THE URBAN OUTFITTER'S DENIM GUIDE

HOW DO YOU WEAR YOURS?

1:

We have gone a bit 50′s skater girl below. Love the BDG Half Coated Ankle Cigarette Jeans £50.00. We teamed it with Bitching & Junkfood Brandy Chambray Stud Dress £90.00, for a splash of colour Vivienne Westwood Snake Wristband £102.00 and a pair of covertable Vans SK8-Hi Leopard Trainers £55.00.

2:

Colour block is key here as the Tripp NYC Pink Neon Skinny Jeans £70.00 does all the talking, so keep it simple. Team with Antipodium Sporting Chance Pullover £120.00, a pair of 80′s inspired Maria Francesca Pepe X UO Purple Earrings £21.00 and finish with Cut-Out Mega Wedge Shoes Was £55.00 Now £20.00.

3:

If you’re a regular on the style blog you’ll know I love tie-dye! With this look were going for a festival DJ vibe. Tripp NYC Tie-Dye Pastel Skinny Jeans £75.00, teamed with this pretty Vaudeville & Burlesque Lace Sleeve Dress £85.00, easy to wear F-Troupe Purple Lace-Up Shoes £20.00 and don’t forget the must-have Urbanears Plattan Headphones £50.00.

Do you like our looks? Let us know or even better send us yours and we will publish the best 3!