Barrel vs. Bootcut Jeans❣️
Plus, why you should be a walking contradiction 🗞️
Lwany from Petite Fashion Weekly™
April 15, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes
Dear Shortie,
If you’re reading this, you’re a real one! I’m feeling especially grateful for your readership as I intentionally downshift my presence on social media (for just a lil’ longer).
As I’ve been diving into personal style books, I keep coming across this idea of choosing an aesthetic—preppy, boho, classic—like you’re picking items from a buffet. Sure, that’s one way to approach it, but I imagine it’s about as satisfying as eating at a buffet.
Our style should reflect our inner self, and since we’re all multidimensional, complex individuals, it’s more of a spectrum than a rigid label. As a girly girl who’s into tech, one day I’m all about soft, romantic details; the next, I’m experimenting with a Y2K whale tail, lol.
I live in a special place where I’m practically equidistant from Los Angeles, Ojai, and Santa Barbara. It’s fun to tweak my outfits to match the vibe of my destination—LA brings out my trendiest, most risqué side, while Santa Barbara calls for my feminine, classic self.
The seemingly superficial contradictions make for a style as unique as we are! The stereotypical aesthetics (preppy, boho, classic, etc.) and the three-word method can be helpful, but to truly capture the full you, I’d argue you need a whole spectrum!
Sincerely short,
Lwany
P.S. Which seemingly contradictory aesthetics show up in your outfits?❣️
Being able to embrace contradictions is a sign of intelligence.
SHORT QUESTION
CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK
Q: …There are so many styles [of jeans] out there, but I’m firmly in the high-rise, wide-leg camp and feel totally paralyzed when branching out.
If you aren’t on board with these trends, which styles do you think are the most favorable at the moment?
— Andrea
A: Last week, I shared what I found to be the key for Shorties to pull off low-rise jeans. This week, let’s talk about barrel-leg and bootcut jeans.
Like low-rise jeans, I don’t think the barrel-leg silhouette favors shorter frames. The inward curve visually works against elongation rather than enhancing it.
Don’t get me wrong—I find the shape of barrel-leg jeans interesting, but I have zero desire to try them out. It’s like a piece of art in a museum—I can appreciate it, but I don’t need to own it.
That said, I stand by what I mentioned last week: just because something isn’t inherently flattering on Shorties doesn’t mean it’s off-limits. If you’re drawn to the style, go for it!
The same principles of balance and proportion that make wide-leg jeans work can be applied to styling barrel jeans. Here’s a simple formula: little top, big pants. Pair them with something fitted, cropped, or slightly skin-bearing. For outerwear, stick to hip-length or shorter jackets; any flat footwear is perfect!
As for bootcut jeans, I consider them a staple—universally flattering and timeless. I’ve yet to see someone not look good in a pair of flares, and bootcut jeans are essentially the most subtle, wearable version. I’m just glad they’re getting the recognition they deserve! Here are some of my favorite petite-friendly bootcut jeans for your consideration.
Next week, I’ll dive into my current favorite denim styles!
Mid-Rise Bootcut
Short Inseams
$90
Available in Curve Love
High-Rise Boot
Petite Sizes
$158 $70
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