Trend Tester Series: Tuxedo Stripe Jeans

I’m back at it today with my first day back at college as well as the third and final installment of my Trend Tester Series. If you’ve missed it, I’ve been using this series as an excuse to pick a popular trend and test it out for y’all so you don’t have to. Then after styling the item a few times, I “grade” it based on affordability, style, utility, and lasting impression. Today’s topic is tuxedo stripe jeans (for lack of a better name). You know, that kind of denim with the single stripe down the side? Yah, that one.

Click the links below to check out the first two installments of the Trend Tester Series, where I test out sparkly and pom pom shoe clips as well as a super stylish pom pom circle bag. Are you noticing a pom pom theme??

Trend Tester Series: The Circle Bag

Trend Tester Series: Shoe Clips

In high school, my small, private alma mater enforced a strict dress code. Students were not allowed to where blue jeans—strictly blue ones. Gaudy neon green ones were totally acceptable, by all means, but for whatever reason a clean-cut pair of classic denim was forbidden. (Don’t ask me to explain it—I don’t understand myself.) As such, I’ve never really owned more than one pair of jeans and the pair I did have was rather ill-fitting (as you may have noticed as a recurring theme in my New Year’s Eve post Big Life Moments and Little Outfit Details: A Timeline).

Now that I can wear jeans on the daily, and with all the super stylish and unique denim trends right now (I’m talking frayed hems, tuxedo stripes, fringe hems, and color-blocking at the ankle), I’m really enjoying getting to explore this new-to-me aspect of fashion. These stripe jeans were the first step! I purchased them on Black Friday at the store Bohme, and then my mom promptly wrapped them up as a Christmas present. I’ve never shopped at this boutique before, but they had tons of on-trend clothing perfect for stylish teens and young adults. The prices are decently affordable (though probably not on a college budget), but by shopping the sales I was able to score a few goodies.

I wore these jeans three days in a row over Christmas break…no shame. They’re super comfortable, they fit great, and I love the unique details of the frayed hem and the navy stripes down the side. So without further ado, here’s my evaluation for the trend:

I’ve decided this particular pair of tuxedo stripe jeans passes my criteria, but even though I love them, it was a close call.

• Affordability: I didn’t find that this trendy style of jeans was any more expensive than the usual pair—but unfortunately, jeans are just kind of expensive as it is. As I mentioned, I snagged this particular pair on Black Friday for $40, but Bohme’s other denim is in the $60-$80 range, which is too expensive for me. Relatively speaking, however, that seems like the general price range for good denim. Lots of my friends swear by American Eagle’s pants, which are the same level of expensiveness. Other places to look for this trendy style at a discounted price are stores like Nordstrom Rack or TJ Maxx.
• Style: I love the pair I found, but I think you have to be careful with the tuxedo stripe trend. I’ve seen a lot of people wearing this kind of pant and I’ve found that generally, the thinner the tuxedo stripe, the better. The thick ones can create a funny illusion that actually makes you look wider than you are (ain’t nobody want that). Some of them also have the stripe stitched on as an additional piece of fabric; this can make you appear slightly wider as well. Fortunately, my jeans are just dyed on the sides so it doesn’t add any extra thickness.
• Utility: Jeans are jeans, so as long as you have a great-fitting pair that is comfy, you’re basically good to go. I felt a little concerned at first that I might not have enough items to style with these jeans, but I quickly realized they go with a lot more than you would think. The stripe just adds an extra element to really take your outfit to the next level—I felt like such a street-style blogger in these photos! The final thing to consider with this particular pair of jeans is the hem. I’ve only styled the pants with these blush quilted sneakers so far, but I think they’d look best with flats. Booties or boots tend to clash both with the stripes down the side and the hemline.
• Lasting Impression: Thankfully, jeans will never go out of style, but I do think the tuxedo stripe will. I’ve never been one to adhere closely to trends—I find it rather impractical to shop frequently and get rid of clothes as soon as they go out of style. Because of that, you’ll be seeing these jeans long after the trend dies, even if it “dates” my style. Just something to consider.

Even though I absolutely LOVE my pair of jeans, I can see why other people might find them difficult to style or too trendy—that’s why I gave the trend a hesitant “Pass”. But I’d love to know what you think of the tuxedo stripe look. Do you love it or is it not for you? Let me know in the comments!

Miles of smiles,

Grace

Pink Sweater: JCPenney, $18 // Tuxedo Stripe Jeans: Bohme, $40, debut on the blog // Blush Quilt Sneakers: Steve Madden via DSW, $60 // White Beanie: JCPenney, $15 // Tortoise Sunglasses: Loft, $30, debut on the blog // Box Purse: Envy Boutique in Tacoma