Skinny jeans had a good, long run. They were easy, familiar and for many of us a default. But if your style is evolving, if you are evolving – it might be time to loosen your grip (and your hemline).

Moving beyond your favorite skinny jeans doesn’t mean abandoning structure or polish. It means learning how to choose denim that works with your proportions, supports your lifestyle and reflects who you’re becoming. And it all starts with two foundational details most women skip: knowing your perfect inseam and your denim fabrication “stretch” preference.

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Step One: Find Your Perfect Inseam (Ankle vs. Full Length)

Before we talk silhouettes, volume or trends, we have to talk length. Knowing your ideal inseam instantly makes shopping online and in-store more efficient and far less frustrating.

The Two Inseams You Should Know

Ankle Length Inseam
This is the length that hits right at (or just above) your ankle bone. It’s polished, modern and incredibly versatile year-round.

• For me, this is 27″ inseam
• Ideal for flats, loafers, sneakers, and showing a bit of ankle
• A great option for everyday wear and classic silhouettes

Full Length Inseam
This length skims the top of your foot or falls just shy of the floor.

• For me, this is 29″ – 30″ inseam (even at 5’3!)
• Creates a longer, leaner line
• Perfect for styles with more volume or a slight flare

How to Measure Your Inseam (At Home)

You don’t need a tailor, just a tape measure and a pair of pants you already love.

1. Put on shoes similar to what you wear daily.
2. Take a pair of jeans with a length you love.
3. Measure from the crotch seam straight down to the hem.
4. Note that number and write it down.

Do this for both your favorite ankle-length pair and a full-length pair.

Knowing these numbers before you shop means:

• Fewer returns
• Faster decision-making
• More confidence trying new silhouettes

It’s one of the simplest ways to elevate your wardrobe without buying more.

Know Your Denim Preference: Stretch Matters

Length isn’t the only thing that affects how denim looks and feels. Fabric matters, especially as silhouettes get wider.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

• High Stretch: Soft, forgiving, comfortable. Great if you prioritize ease and movement.
• Semi-Stretch: My personal sweet spot. Holds shape but still feels wearable all day.
• No Stretch (Rigid Denim): Structured and fashion-forward, but less forgiving.

As volume increases in the leg, structure becomes more noticeable, so knowing what you prefer helps you choose jeans you’ll actually wear.

Elevated Jean Styles (My J.Crew Favorites) with Volume

Let’s talk silhouettes that feel modern, flattering and intentional – without feeling like a costume.

Slim Wide (My Favorite Silhouette)

This is the easiest transition away from skinny jeans and one of my most-worn pairs from J.Crew.

• A slim, classic leg line through the hip and thigh
• Gentle width through the leg
• Clean ankle-length finish

Why I love it: it offers structure and ease. It works year-round, pairs beautifully with everything from knits to blazers, and feels timeless – not trendy.

Charley Kick-Out Crop (Tall Length, 30″ Inseam)

This J.Crew style is a perfect example of how knowing your inseam changes everything.

I chose this style in a tall, which gives me a 30″ inseam – a true full length on my 5’3 frame and just slightly longer than my preferred 27″ ankle length.

• Subtle kick-out at the hem
• Elongating and modern
• Especially flattering with a bit of volume up top

This style proves that height labels matter less than numbers.

The Slim Jean (A Smart Skinny Alternative)

Another J.Crew staple and the best bridge away from a true skinny jean. It’s also the one I’m wearing pictured in this blog post.

• Not skin-tight
• Clean and streamlined
• Best paired with more voluminous tops

I love having a pair like this because sometimes the outfit needs the pant to stay in the background, especially when you’re playing with proportion on top.

Tailoring Tip: Fix the Back Gap

If you’ve ever loved a pair of jeans except for the gapping in the back, this is your sign: take them to your local tailor.

A simple waist adjustment is one of the most worthwhile tailoring investments you can make.

• It dramatically improves comfort and fit
• Your jeans instantly feel custom
• You’ll reach for them far more often

Ill-fitting denim doesn’t get worn. Period.

This small investment is absolutely worth it, especially for jeans you plan to live in.

Why Letting Go Matters

Style isn’t just about what’s trending, it’s about alignment.

Holding onto pieces that no longer serve you (even if they once did) can keep your style and your confidence stuck. Making room for new silhouettes is a visual and fresh shift forward.

When you shed what’s no longer working, you create space for:

• Better fit
• More intention
• A wardrobe that reflects who you are becoming, not who you were

You don’t need to overhaul everything. Start with one pair of jeans that fits your inseam, suits your fabric preference and nudges you forward.

That’s how style evolves friends – one thoughtful choice at a time!

-Natalie, xo

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