Trading Cocktail Dresses for Denim

The Evolution of My Style: Trading Cocktail Dresses for Denim

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As I’ve flitted between coasts, my style has evolved with my age and location. During my New York days working in magazines, I abided by a dresses-only policy. In casual California, I was in running clothes more often than not. Now that I’m back living in a rural area of Tennessee, I work from home usually in a romper then change into something more casual when meeting friends out for dinner or attending a work event.

Wearing Wrangler Denim

There’s nothing fancy about Tennessee, and I like that about it. I’ve simply molded my own aesthetic to fit that of my home state.

Wearing Wrangler Denim

As many of you know, until recently jeans—or pants of any kind, really—have not been a part of my staple wardrobe. The reasons are twofold: 1) previous jobs have heavily consisted of event reporting and covering fancy parties that often required attire that was a bit dressier and 2) I’ve always had the hardest time finding pants that fit.

Wearing Wrangler Denim

I’d say I’m of average size for a 30-something woman, but of very muscular build—15 years of playing soccer did nothing to slim my thighs, rather it built them up, and a decade of running, doing yoga and group fitness has only kept my muscle tone intact.

Wearing Wrangler Denim

I’d rather be healthy than skinny and not; however, wearing dresses and rompers has been my way around having to find pants that actually fit.

Wearing Wrangler Denim

But lately, as summer nears, I’ve been drawn to cute tanks and flowy tops and I need something with which to pair those. Wrangler sent me a few items from their new 1970s-inspired 70th anniversary release, and I’ll admit: At first, I was skeptical. For one, isn’t this the denim line of farm hands and cowboys and, also, is there any way they’ll actually fit my body type?

Trading Cocktail Dresses for Denim: Wrangler's 70th Anniversary Line

Lo and behold, not only did they fit like a glove, but they’re also impossibly cute, too.

Trading Cocktail Dresses for Denim: Wrangler's 70th Anniversary Line
Trading Cocktail Dresses for Denim: Wrangler's 70th Anniversary Line

Trading Cocktail Dresses for Denim: Wrangler's 70th Anniversary Line

No one was more than surprised than me, as Wrangler jeans are sized by waist and inseam, not the standard 6, 8 or even 10, depending on the brand, that I might normally order. It was a total gamble as to what size I’d wear, but I consulted their size chart, and it was spot on.

Trading Cocktail Dresses for Denim: Wrangler's 70th Anniversary Line

I tried out the High Rise Skinny and also the Stone n Glory Straight and made sure they were a good fit for all my extracurricular activities.

Trading Cocktail Dresses for Denim: Wrangler's 70th Anniversary Line

I initially thought I’d prefer the skinny jean, as that’s what I usually gravitate toward as they tuck neatly under boots, but the straight cut also allowed me to pair them with a pair of summer wedges, of which I have many.

Trading Cocktail Dresses for Denim: Wrangler's 70th Anniversary Line

With the skinny, I wore a cute pair of sandals I’d been dying to break out but had yet to find the right outfit for. And bonus, both pairs are high-rise, so I can actually sit down while wearing them without giving the people behind me a show! It’s the little things in life, guys.

Trading Cocktail Dresses for Denim: Wrangler's 70th Anniversary Line

Trading Cocktail Dresses for Denim: Wrangler's 70th Anniversary Line
Trading Cocktail Dresses for Denim: Wrangler's 70th Anniversary Line

Trading Cocktail Dresses for Denim: Wrangler's 70th Anniversary Line

The collection also includes several retro Tees that are perfect to throw over my bathing suit during the summer months of lake living. Since cutting bangs two years ago, I’ve always thought I looked like I could have been plucked straight from the 70s with my unruly, unkempt waves and my penchant for going days without washing my hair.

Trading Cocktail Dresses for Denim: Wrangler's 70th Anniversary Line

Plus, I’ve always been draw to color—my blog and Instagram probably tell you that much—and I adore the rainbow palette of the Wrangler 70th anniversary release.

Trading Cocktail Dresses for Denim: Wrangler's 70th Anniversary Line

And to top it all off, I got myself a new jean jacket, one thing that has always been an important part of my wardrobe no matter the phase of life I’m in, so I can still don my summer dresses but have something to warm me up when the temperatures cool off at night.

Trading Cocktail Dresses for Denim: Wrangler's 70th Anniversary Line

Trading Cocktail Dresses for Denim: Wrangler's 70th Anniversary Line
Trading Cocktail Dresses for Denim: Wrangler's 70th Anniversary Line

How would you describe your own personal style: Are you a jeans-loving girl (or dude)?

Trading Cocktail Dresses for Denim: Wrangler's 70th Anniversary Line

Trading Cocktail Dresses for Denim: Wrangler's 70th Anniversary Line
Trading Cocktail Dresses for Denim: Wrangler's 70th Anniversary Line

Trading Cocktail Dresses for Denim: Wrangler's 70th Anniversary Line

Trading Cocktail Dresses for Denim: Wrangler's 70th Anniversary Line


 

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Trading Cocktail Dresses for Denim: Wrangler's 70th Anniversary Line
Trading Cocktail Dresses for Denim: Wrangler's 70th Anniversary Line
Trading Cocktail Dresses for Denim: Wrangler's 70th Anniversary Line
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COMMENTS
  • May 25, 2017
    SJH

    OMG! Your handstand in jeans and wedges is everything!!

  • May 25, 2017

    I love a good skinny jean and right now am loving white jeans- although you really have the find a good thick pair that aren’t see through. Long tunics are the way to go on top (for me) so, like you, I’m not giving anyone a show from behind. 🙂

    • May 27, 2017

      You look so cute in white skinnies! I’ll work my way up to that 😉

  • May 25, 2017

    HOLY SH*T you in PANTS! Wow! That’s a vision. The shoot looks like a lot of fun and Scott did take GREAT photos!

    • June 6, 2017

      Right?!? It’s an anomaly! Actually, I don’t own any tops for jeans so after taking these photos I went out and bought several so I’ll have an excuse to wear them more 😉

  • May 25, 2017

    Ok, these are darling. I actually LOVE the waistband + inseam sizing, I always struggle finding jeans that are long enough for me! Hooray for pants that fit!

    xox

    • June 6, 2017

      I had no idea what my waist or inseam sizing would be so I totally just guessed! And they fit like a glove, too (whew). =)

  • May 26, 2017

    And they look great on you! I’m a similar muscular build, always have been, even when I was tiny UK size 8, big thighs, big calves. I can only wear flares or VERY boot cut to accommdate said calves. I wear jeans every day, they ARE my travel wardrobe, and as they’re so hard to find I can only stock up when we’re in the UK. Anyway, you look great and you’ve actually inspired me to try and dress up a bit more. To me that’s a very dressed up look you’re rocking there.

    • May 29, 2017

      Mine is even trickier—skinny calves, big ol’ muscular thighs (the product of 15 years of soccer, I fear). But hey, cheers to fit girls, right?! Thank you for the sweet words, Alyson!

  • May 26, 2017

    Jeans look beautiful on you. I’m a total jeans girl – I would love to be a dress girl but every time I’m wearing one I wish I would be wearing jeans again. I started wearing the very high rise ones, but I’m struggling with those. I have an apple figure and I’m not used to wearing jeans up to my belly button. I feel slightly constricted which is not the way I like to feel in my favourite jeans – maybe I’ll get used to it though 🙂

    • May 29, 2017

      Thank you, Dominique! Now I just need to find more tops to go with them 😉

  • May 26, 2017

    Absolutely LOVE the images in this post! A nice change to see you in jeans — you look great! So glad boot cut is making a comeback 😉

    • May 29, 2017

      Thank you! I hate being in front of the camera (as evidenced by the fact that I have a whole gallery of you, none of which I’m in ha!) but I think Scott did a great job =)

  • May 28, 2017
    Laura

    You look great and so relaxed!! It’s funny, from the photos I’ve seen of you it looks like we have a VERY similar figure, I suspect we probably wear the same sizes. I have about 5 pairs of jeans I love and fit me great. Skinnies are ok but I prefer a slightly looser fit in the leg and I’m so delighted that is coming back in fashion. I’m really a jeans girl at heart, and wear them with casual tees, plaid shirts, and also floaty blouses that dress them up. But I’m desperately trying to fill out my wardrobe of dresses. We’re obviously coming at this dressing-your-body-type thing from opposite approaches!! Whatever though, you’re workin’ it!

    • May 29, 2017

      YES, GIRL! Prior to these, the Gap 1969 were the only ones that ever fit me—back when I lived in SF, I did a random gig doing a “real person” modeling shoot for Gap and they gave me a ton. Well, I think they must have changed how they make them as their new stuff does not fit me anymore. Happy to discover these as I haven’t worn jeans in a couple years now. I have pretty thin calves/ankles so skinny jeans fit me well as then I can tuck them in boots, but it’s those damn thighs that get me every time!

  • May 31, 2017

    Gorgeous photos!

    I met one of the PR guys marketing the Wrangler 70th anniversary clothing, at Berlin Fashion Week. The clothes were pretty inspiring, especially the T-shirts!

    I love you doing the handstand and those sunglasses are very “Here comes the Sun” “California Sunshine”, etc. Pure retro cool!

    How would I describe my own personal style? Hmm. As a young girl with 3 brothers. Very boyish! As a professional – Smart suits and heels. As a lifestyle travel blogger – All dresses, cute handbags, pop-socks, and boots!

    p.s. I like “well-made” jeans like Levi’s, Hilfiger, etc. I don’t like the Wrangler jeans for myself, but I bought a couple of pairs for my son who likes them very much!

    • June 6, 2017

      Oh, how fun! They’re actually in Nashville tonight but I’m not gonna get to go (the plight of having a job lol). And you’re the sweetest! I love your description of yourself. I’d basically sum you up in four words: ALL-AROUND BAD ASS.

  • June 6, 2017

    Is Ella fist bumping you?! Love it. I have a love hate relationship with jeans because I never feel like I can find jeans that will accommodate all the curves. Love both styles on you! Will have to check these out.

    • June 6, 2017

      Exactly my problem, my friend! Which is why I so rarely wear them. And yes, Ella LOVES a good fist bump. =)

  • June 28, 2017

    Hello Kristin, I am always dying to wear clothing related to denim. You are looking so gorgeous in all these outfits. You have shared such a useful blog. thanks for sharing your blog with us. Keep posting!

    • June 28, 2017

      You’re so sweet, Shirley! Thanks for the nice words =)

  • August 2, 2017

    I’m a jean-loving girl especially skinny jeans! I just found them so comfortable and even though I’m not that slim still I prefer them than most jeans. You look great by the way! Nice set of photos. Hoping to see more of your blog adventures/lifestyles in the future!

    • August 3, 2017

      Thank you, Kathleen! My problem has always been that I find most jeans are just made for skinny girls, and I’ve always been athletic/curvy. Glad to see times are finally changing!

  • September 8, 2017

    I read this article its a great post. You look gorgeous in these jeans. And I’m also crazy to wear jeans.

  • September 22, 2017

    Ok…
    1) you look great in both!
    2) this article made me chuckle as my hubby and I were just discussing his travel wardrobe. He is dead set against ever wearing Teva or Crocs even though! They may not be the most fashionable but the work in the right conditions! He’s determined to carry his HEAVY military boots to use for hiking… lol I doubt that will last long

  • December 14, 2021
    Delta

    I’m a jean-loving girl especially skinny jeans! I just found them so comfortable and even though I’m not that slim still I prefer them than most jeans. You look great by the way! Nice set of photos. Hoping to see more of your blog adventures/lifestyles in the future!

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