The Friday Five: 5 Ways to Style Black Jeans

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I wear a lot of black. As in, I wear black just about every single day. And on the days that I don’t wear black, I wear white. Black and white. White and black. This is my basic uniform. While some of you colour-loving readers might think I live a boring fashion life, I would completely disagree. I jazz things up with textures, layers, and accessories.

You know I’ve been working with L.L.Bean this year, and I was thrilled to try out their signature skinny jeans. After I received them, I wore them for three days straight, which basically sums up how I feel about them. I love them. They sit a little higher on the waist, they have plenty of stretch (but do not stretch out), they have a slim leg, and the back pockets are perfectly placed. They have washed well so far (I hang them to dry), and they keep their shape. Needless to say, I have no complaints at all. If you’re in between sizes according to the L.L.Bean sizing chart, I would go for the larger size as these are a skinny fit, and you don’t want them to be totally uncomfortably tight.

White-Cabana-LLBean-jeans

I’m wearing*: L.L.Bean signature skinny jeans c/o, ruffle trim sweater, boots (similar)

Considering how often I wear black jeans (and I imagine you might, too), I thought I’d share five ways to style a sharp pair of black jeans.

First: The Classics: black jeans paired with a classic white shirt

black-jeans-white-shirt

white shirt, belt, shoes, crossbody bag, necklace, earrings

Second: Casual Confidence: black jeans paired with classic Converse and a hoodie

black-jeans-casual-converse

Converse, hoodie, tote, tank top, watch, earrings, sunglasses, wallet

Third: Feminine Perfection: black jeans paired with lace and sparkle

black-jeans-lace-feminine

top, shoes, clutch, cuff, earrings

Four: Getting Down to Business: black jeans paired with turtleneck, blazer, and Chelsea booties

black-jeans-turtleneck-blazer

purse, booties, turtleneck, blazer, earrings, scarf, bracelet

Five: Rock and Roll: black jeans paired with stripes and leather

black-jeans-rock-n-roll

shoes, leather jacket, ruffle back tee, clutch, earrings, bangle

What are your favourite pairings for your black jeans?

Have a great weekend, everyone!

*I took my coat off for 1 minute for this jump (brrr!). Thanks for the snapping the jumping photo, SY!
Thanks again, L.L.Bean, for sending over the signature skinny jeans. Read my previous L.L.Bean posts.
All opinions are my own.

 

Fashion: My L.L.Bean Outfit Plans

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I’m thrilled to be working with L.L.Bean again this month. After my I’m-such-a-happy-customer, and my-wellies-are-working-out-great experience with L.L.Bean a couple of months ago, we have decided to work together again.

Now, let me be honest with you. L.L.Bean has been a go-to spot for luggage (I own this,  love it, and have traveled with it a lot) and luggage accessories (packers like these have come in very handy over many years), but I haven’t spent too much time looking beyond their luggage section. I was under the impression that the merchandise was too outdoorsy or rugged or preppy for me, if that makes any sense. I don’t canoe. I don’t snowshoe. I don’t live in Maine. You know what I mean?

But, when I was preparing my wellie review posts (here and here), I dove deeper into the website, and I realized that L.L.Bean does have quite a bit to offer a young*, hip**, fashion-conscious, non-canoeing gal such as myself. As I did more research (I’m all about doing a lot of research), I learned, from random face-to-face discussions to online Twitter conversations to fellow bloggers’ posts, that L.L.Bean has quite the following, and people really do seem to value the brand and the quality of its products. As such, I was happy to hit the drawing board to put together some more L.L.Bean outfits that would suit my lifestyle.

Outfit 1: Weekend Errands

This first black and white look is comfortable for running errands and polished enough to join a friend for lunch. The tailored jogger pants (if there is such a thing) are still on trend, and the watch and customizable tote are classic L.L.Bean.

LLbean-White-Cabana-style-2

jacket, boots, watch, pants, top, cardigan, tote

Outfit 2: Activity Time

I love every piece that I used in this black and white outfit. This will take you to and from the gym with maybe a pop-in to the grocery store in between. The puffy coat is not too puffy, and I’ve been a long-time fan of Superga sneakers, so it’s nice to see them offered at L.L.Bean. The sweatshirt is perfect for long winter walks.LLbean-White-Cabana-style-3

sweatshirt, backpack, coat, gloves, sunglasses, travel mug, pants, sneakers

Outfit 3: Casual Luxury Friday

While casual luxury may be seen as a contradiction, it perfectly describes this third black and white outfit. While at first glance, this look is casual because of the jeans, it is also luxurious. The sweater is cashmere, the gloves are leather, and the booties are from Corso Como. The outfit could easily take you (or take me!) from the office to dinner on a casual Friday.

LLbean-White-Cabana-style-1

coat, sweater, jeans, gloves, belt, clutch, boots

What do you think of the outfits? Are you surprised these pieces are from L.L.Bean, or is this what you have come to expect from the brand?

Finally, to end this post on a super (super, super, super) sweet note, let’s have a look at my sweet (sweet, sweet, sweet) nephew up on the massive Bean boot at the L.L.Bean headquarters in Maine a few years ago.

White-Cabana-LLBean-HQ

While I haven’t been to the L.L.Bean HQ in Freeport, Maine, my sister and her family have. My nephews have seen the giant boot before me! While they don’t quite fit the rugged outdoorsy mold (we are part of the same family, remember?), they’re definitely an L.L.Bean family, and they’re the people who got me hooked on the luggage in the first place many years ago! Also, they own a canoe. Go figure.

* Of course I’m young! I’d rather not think any other way.
** Of course I’m hip, too. I’m not sure my university students would agree with me though.