fashion: Jeans: I'm skinny, but can I wear the skinny?

Andrew I'm not sure if you mean your skinny jeans, as in the style "skinny jeans" or if you just mean, the jeans you wore the last time you were skinny, but I'll answer it as it pertains to both situations.

As trendy as skinny jeans have been for the past few years, unfortunately it's a small percentage of people who can actually pull them off. And sometimes it has nothing to do with weight, but more with body shape and proportions. Its even trickier I think with men. In general, the only guys who really look good in skinny jeans are those teeny tiny punk rocker looking guys with the spiked belts. If you're a guy and you're not rail thin, I seriously wouldn't even go there.

Honestly if you want new jeans that are going to just look good and be comfortable and show off your new slimmer physique, I would stay away from trends and try to just go classic. Strait leg or boot cut are the best for men, and go with one of the three classic washes - which are original blue jean, slightly faded (which look great with a sport coat and nice shoes), or a dark wash - black or dark denim, which are my personal favorites.

Another thing that is really important in buying jeans that are going to make you look great is getting the right fit. This can be frustrating, especially if you are changing size, but be patient and just keep trying on different brands and sizes until you get the right one. The good news about this is. once you find a brand that works for you, just write down the measurements and what cut you liked, as well as that particular brand, and then buying jeans in the future will go much faster. Make sure the legs, crotch and waist area are not too tight. There is nothing more unflattering than a guy with jeans too tight that aren't meant to be tight. Even if you keep them away from the dryer, your jeans are going to shrink. It's a good idea to get them a little longer than your perfect inseam length.

And finally, if your original question pertained to skinny jeans as, the jeans you wore the last time you were physically much smaller - well if they are still a little snug, I'd personally say just toss em and celebrate your recent weight loss achievement and just not look back at those stonewashed wranglers from 1994 with such love. But if you are truly in love with these jeans, and can't wait to be able to slip them right on again, just hang em back up until they fit you properly - don't force it if you're not ready. Your time will come.

Please send me your fashion dilemmas, questions, concerns by either commenting here, or emailing me at kellylynnetinsley@gmail.com!