Just Say No . . . to Mom Jeans

Stop the press!  Alert the media!  Singer (and actress?) Jessica Simpson's wearing Mom Jeans. 

Where was I late January 2009, when Jessica's fashion faux pas made headline news?  Did you hear about it?  Do you recall where you were when this earth-shattering news hit the airwaves?  Probably not, huh.  Well, I finally heard about it a year and three months post incident, when my cousin brought the story to my attention.  Now, my cousin and I are both grandmothers and relatively young considering the title we hold, and we'd like to think we are somewhat hip, so the term Mom Jeans really ticked us off.

"Write an article about jeans...Grandma Jeans," she said.  "And include some tips on how to select the perfect pair."  Gosh darn it! (Grandma-speak) I'll do it, I thought, and I'm going to prove to the world (or maybe just the three people who read my blog) that both moms and grandmas alike can be sexy jean-wearing women...Grandma fashionistas!

So here are a few tips from an amateur stylist, and I've also included a few do's and dont's pictures.

"The jeans that broke the Camel's back." 

Jessica Simpson (not a mom) in her high-waist jeans.  

She could have pulled the look off had she left the chunky

belt at home and gone for a dark-wash jean instead. 

Look at Jennifer Lopez, a real life mom.

She's got curves just like Jessica, but she looks
fantastic in her high-waist, dark-wash jeans.
 

 Katie Holmes, mom...and one of the skinniest women
in Hollywood. But you can't tell!  Ladies, a lighter 

shade of denim on your thighs or buttocks, makes that
portion of your body look bigger. If you're sans 

"booty," then go for it, otherwise, stay with a 

solid denim or, at most, a slight fade of color.  As
for the cuffs, they subtract from her height and the

chunky belt is frumpy.  Pair the belt with skinny jeans 

or a low-waist jean, and you've got yourself a winner!

Katie Holmes looking elegant and sophisticated

in her dark-wash J Brand jeans.  Amazing choice!

I know Fergie's look is tempting, Ladies, but skip

the trends and the Bling.  Even if you're petite, shop in 

the women's section in a nice department store or boutique.

Forget junior's and Forever 21.

Sarah Palin (Mom and Grandma) looks great in her dark-wash
jeans, with a slight hint of faded color.  Classic cut, low, 

but not too low of a waist.  

She looks comfortable and down to earth.  I like it!

If I believed in the term Mom Jeans, this picture of 

Bette Midler, who is a mom, would fit the bill.  Her 

jeans are way too baggy up front, and I just don't like the 

light-wash jeans paired with the dark brown sweater.  Also, 

although the waistline is hidden, I bet it stops at her navel or right 

above it.  A high-waist, baggy jean is often the cause of 

a "front-end" pooch.  Dare to go for a lower waistline, Ladies!

And finally, my favorite jeans, AG Jeans, worn by Oprah 

(not a mom) during a segment about finding the perfect jeans.  

Oprah has lots of curves and she looks fantastic.  Wide leg, 

low waist, and even the lighter color wash works.

  

My best advice:  Next time you venture out shopping, looking for that perfect pair of jeans, try an upscale store that offers client consultation by a stylist.  State your price range, and don't be shy.  Jeans can range anywhere from $50 to $250 and up.  Don't fall in love with that $250 pair if you can't afford them.  Also, take some magazine or internet pictures with you if you have a desired look, and make sure you try on the jeans with the right shoe. With just a little time and money invested, I bet you'll walk out of that store with the perfect pair of jeans!