Stylizing an American classic

By Patricia MacMillan l Photos courtesy of Jill Card and Patricia MacMillan

For nearly a decade, the skinny jean, beloved by countless women for its distinctive silhouette has reigned supreme. But the style’s time in the sun has, at long last, set.

It’s been a rather seismic development for Jill Card and her customers. Card is the owner of apparel retailer Jeans & a Cute Top Shop, which boasts locations downtown St. Charles and Wheaton.

“It took some time to figure out how to style skinny jeans for the women who come into my store,” said Card, who caters to shoppers in their mid-thirties to sixties. “Fast forward and we’ve got everyone into skinny jeans. Now I’ve got women coming in, who are like, ‘I’m not giving up my skinnies.’”

But, she counters, those women who are embracing on-trend styles are finding the newer cuts and hemlines to be absolutely flattering.

“We’ve got these cropped flares and cropped straight leg jeans that look good no matter your height,” said Card, who primarily carries the denim brand, Liverpool. “The nice part is that they’re four-season jeans. You don’t have to save them for summer and wear them only with sandals. They’re great with a bootie or a sneaker, too.”

Sarah Whitt of Batavia-based House of 423 knows her denim inside and out.

“It’s my number one seller and I do a ton of research,” said the store owner.

She finds a lot of shoppers are gravitating to a highrise pant with a slim, straight cut.

“It’s not tight around your ankles, it’s getting you out there a little bit,” she said. “A slim fit boot cut is also really flattering, especially if you’re curvy because of the slight width at the bottom.”

For her part, Whitt does not shy away from a bold look, wearing light wash flares with an emerald colored cap sleeve sweater from her own house brand.

“A wide leg is also a flattering option for every body type,” she said. “They hold you in and you can dress them up or down.”

Both fashion gurus agree their clientele isn’t seeking significant distressing or holes in their jeans, but are instead drawn to elevated, though still playful, details.

“I sell pairs with a high-low on the bottom,” said Card, who added that the design is also known as a shark bite. “Picture a boot cut and then it’s as if a shark took a bite right out of the front of the jeans. It’s cute plus it lengthens the leg.”

Another pair provides some unexpected visual interest with a braided side seam.

Whitt said pants in jewel tones have proven to be a hit with her customers. Pink and fuchsia-colored jeans have been particularly strong sellers.

But, as with any polished look, it’s all about what you pair with the latest style. Whitt makes it a point to guide women on creating a sense of proportion and balance with their ensembles.

Tucking in a shirt or rolling up sleeves can have a surprisingly big impact. And there’s one little piece of advice Whitt imparts that’s as classic as the blue jean itself.

“It’s always good to have a little bit of skin showing.”