This season, warmth prevails with the disappearance of distressed and hole-ridden denim and a return to traditional jean styles.
With a variety of styles for everyone's shape and a focus on darker washes, this season's jeans are classy and a girl's most important accessory.
Whatever the style, however, fit needs to be kept closely in mind because it's the biggest factor in choosing a pair of blue jeans.
"If you spend $200 on jeans, an extra $5 or $10 for alterations to make them look perfect is worth it," said Amanda Chandler (senior-supply chain and information systems), an employee of Mr. Charles, 228 E. College Ave.
"Girls will try on 30 pairs and be in the store for two hours, and that's the only way to find the perfect pair," Chandler said. "Every company and every style is going to fit differently even though they may look the same."
Skinny Jeans
The skinny jean craze that arrived a little more than a year ago is still persisting this season, and it doesn't look like it's leaving anytime soon. But this ultra-tight, tapered leg cut isn't for all shapes and sizes, or the faint of heart.
"You either fit it or you don't. But it's what you want to wear when you go out," said Toya Herd, co-manager at Express in the Nittany Mall.
Express' recently re-launched X2 denim line, which includes the Zelda, an ultra low-rise skinny priced at $59.50.
"They're popular because they look cute with heels to go out in," Herd said.
Rich and Skinny, a skinny jean-oriented name in denim that is carried by Mr. Charles, takes the skinny look a step further.
"The Rich and Skinny is steering away from blue denim," Chandler said. "They have fashion-forward patterns but with the comfort of everyday jeans."
Katie Dawson (freshman-division of undergraduate studies), an employee at Metro, 320 E. College Ave, said the store is filled with skinny jeans, including brand names like Buffalo and more recently, Cheap Monday.
"[Cheap Monday jeans] are really skinny, they're almost 80s," Dawson said.
High-Waisted
This cut is new to the scene and has continued to garner a hesitant response from shoppers, clothing store employees said.
"It's hard if you have a short torso and it cuts you off," said Mariel Sylvis (senior-marketing), an employee at Connections, 130 S. Allen St. "Girls try them on all the time. You just have to get used to them."
Chandler said although the high waist may look "scary" and may initially feel awkward, its comfort makes it worth it in the long run.
"People should embrace the high waist not only because it's fashionable, but because it's comfortable," Chandler said. "You don't have to go to dinner and worry about flashing everyone when you sit down."
Wide-Leg Trouser
This season, the wide-leg trouser has resurfaced in dressy trousers as well as denim.
"There's a huge request for wide-leg as far as the fashion industry goes," Herd said. "They're fitted in the butt but they're comfortable."
She added that back pockets flatter any girl's backside and look great.
Chandler said the wide-leg trousers are most suitable for pear-shaped girls.
"It flatters them because it creates a straight leg from thigh to floor," she said.
Metro carries the Free People wide-leg trouser jeans, which Dawson said sold out in a week. Buffalo jeans are also carrying a few styles of wide-leg trousers.
Sylvis said Connections carries the Silver denim line; it has designed a trouser jean and the jeans are reasonably priced ($60 and up). 1921, a slightly more expensive line, also carries this style of pant ($100 and up).
Boot Cut
The never-fading classic has again popped this fall season. Easy to dress up or dress down, this reappearing style can be worn by all.
"Boot cut is what it is. It's a straight through the leg fit and it's a great run to the supermarket jean, but it can be dressed up," Herd said.
Chandler said the boot cut is Mr. Charles' best-selling style of denim.
"People are buying jeans to go out more than they are to go to class," Chandler said. "They're wearing leggings and sweats to class, so they want nice jeans to go out in."
