The holiday season is beyond busy. Between the holiday gift shopping, the school breaks, the out of town relatives, the cooking, cleaning and every day errands, we hardly have time to think – let alone figure out complete outfits! This year, make it easy on yourself with one solid staple of the season: black pants.
Black pants – now that sounds vague. They can range anywhere from leggings to dress pants, but we don’t just mean any old black pant. What’s really on trend this winter is the ultimate black “skinny jean.” Winter fashions usually focus on coats and boots to bring the chic to your outfit, but the black skinny jean can become your holiday go-to for transitioning not only from day to night, but from errands to parties as well.
Quality is key in choosing the perfect black skinny, as well as the “fit.” Unfortunately, quality costs money, but this isn’t just a splurge – it’s a timeless investment and a versatile neutral for your wardrobe. You don’t want to compromise the perfect “fit” for a cheaper brand. Some examples of good quality and moderately priced jeans brands we suggest are Calvin Klein, J. Crew and Sevens. Don’t be afraid to ask the sales stylists for help finding the perfect pant or to take the time to get it professionally fitted to your unique frame.
This isn’t your regular bootcut style jean. You want the pant leg to stay tight all the way down from calf to ankle for the sleek slim fit you’re going for (don’t be afraid of the “slim fit,” we can all wear it – we promise!). You don’t want any slouch at the ankle – it should be a clean break between the bottom of the pant and the top of your shoe.
Wearing a fitted bottom means you should go looser on the top. Opt for blousy tops to balance out the slimness of the jeans. For a more casual look, pair them with longer tunics. Tunics are ideal for skinny jeans, as they look great on any shape and as an added bonus, they also cover the back view if that’s not your favorite “side.”
It might be a “jean,” but unlike regular blue jeans, there’s an element of elegance to the black skinny jean. The fit and the style make them appropriate for dressier events like holiday parties, work events or fancy date nights out. You can easily mix and match tops, jackets (fitted leather is our favorite!) and accessories to match them for any occasion.
Speaking of accessories, think outside the black box – your feet can be a surprising pop of color to contrast the neutral of the pant. Not only can brightly colored flats (for day) and pumps (for night) make a bold statement, but the ankle length of the pant draws emphasis to the shoes.
The black skinny jean is a sophisticated and stylish choice that can last you through the whole winter, whether it be paired with bright flats and a T-shirt for errands or red pumps and a slim leather jacket for a night out, you can’t go wrong with spending time and money finding the perfect black skinny jean.
Text by Colleen McGrew and Britni Petersen
