The Baggy Jean That Just Might Change Your Mind About the Trend

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Here at T&C, we pride ourselves on our discerning eye for quality. With Tried & True, our editors will give you an inside look at the pieces they simply cannot live without.

When the '90s style baggy jean came roaring back into style right around 2021, I can't say I was entirely on board. I tried. I really did. But most styles would drown me, or worse, seeing as I am now a professional woman in her early 30's, would make me look a little bit too casual. Dare I say it, sloppy. I like the idea of slouch, but there needs to be a little something in order for me to feel comfortable wearing a style out in public. (That's probably why I love barrel leg jeans, but that's another story for another day.) In any case, I was firmly against wide leg, baggy jeans until late last year when I came across the Citizens of Humanity Ayla Baggy Cuffed Crop.

Now let me say up front, I initially made my acquaintance with the style in the Bravo wash, which is a deep indigo and I opted to go with a pair two sizes down from my normal 26 because I wanted them to sit higher at the waist. Without a doubt, these sleek, rigid jeans, with the untacked cuff were my most worn of the winter: easy to pair with sweaters and button ups, and oh so flattering to the frame. And of course, I loved that I could adjust the cuff based on my heel height, and even forgo it all together. Something I noticed in particular was that the deep indigo Ayla worn for a closer fit made me look quite tall, without so much volume that it overwhelmed my frame.

Once temperatures started to warm up, I decided that not only did I need another pair in a light wash for spring, but I would opt to wear them as modeled, a little looser, with a relaxed fit around the natural waist. For this, I still sized down to a 25, but have found that the relaxed silhouette has this really elegant air to it— I think because of the cuffs. It's just that little detail that elevates the jeans to be more stylized. I love to wear the freshwater colorway with cropped sweaters and kitten heels, or an un-tucked button downs and flat espadrilles— either way the effect is elegant, not unpolished. And wearing a slightly more relaxed fit is comfortable, very comfortable. That's not to be scoffed at.

Something else that I really love? Citizens of Humanity's commitment to sustainability and practices like regenerative cotton farming to shift the industry towards a gentler impact on our planet.

All in all, the Ayla is a home run for me as I am averse to wide-leg baggy jeans no more.

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