Will Skinny Jeans Suit Me?

Skinny jeans have been a mainstay of women's fashion for nearly a decade, but they're still more of a novelty for men. So while the ultra-fashion conscious might wear jeans every day, the average man is more circumspect.

They're not as frightening as them might seem, however. Jeans can do great things for your figure, and their versatility means they can be easily dressed up or down. Not sure if skinny jeans will suit you? Read on to find out how jeans could be your fashion saviour.

Advantages of wearing skinny jeans

If you're used to wearing baggy or boot-cut trousers and jeans, jeans can be a revelation. Unlike most women, the majority of men don't stop to think about the size and shape of their legs so seeing them tightly framed by jeans is a wake-up call. If you're a petite man, jeans may have the effect of making your legs appear longer, adding the illusion of height to your physique. And for tall and slim men, most jeans highlight slender attributes without over-emphasizing them.

Of course, not all men will suit super skin-tight skinny jeans. If you've got a slightly larger frame, you might be better off looking for slim-cut jeans. These have the same trimming effect of skinny jeans but without their figure-hugging tendencies. On the other hand, if you love skinny jeans and want to go even tighter, men's leggings - or 'meggings' - might be worth a try. But be warned, these are unforgivingly tight so you'll need a lot of confidence to pull them off.

Tips on wearing skinny jeans for men

Jeans look their best with a baggy t-shirt or loose vest. Don't be tempted to pair them with tight-fitting upper body wear as this over-emphasises the figure-hugging look. For a casual weekend outfit, pair denim the jeans with a graphic tee and a denim jacket, or with a plain t-shirt and loose-fitting cardigan. If you're considering wearing jeans to the office, consider your work dress-code first. If your work requires smart or smart-casual attire, jeans may be a little too informal. Slim cut jeans, however, suit a smart-casual dress code and offer a similar finished outcome.

Shoes are very important when you're wearing skinny jeans too, just as important as Women's clutch bags on a fancy night out. Look for ankle-high trainers or doc martens to complement their slim taper. For instance, white Converse All-Stars would look great with denim skinny jeans, a plain t-shirt and a cardigan. Or, for something a bit smarter, pair corduroy jeans with ankle boots, a collared shirt and a v-neck jumper. And for the really adventurous, jeans look great with classic cowboy boots and a crisp white shirt. A Stetson, however, is optional.

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