In my mind, I’m average height. In reality, I’m shorter than average. My delusions extended to rationalizations like: “They” just make jeans so long because they want to accommodate the occasional leggy amazon, and “they” should! With skinny jeans and straight leg jeans, it’s never really been that much of a problem, however, when it comes to bell bottoms and flared jeans, all the sudden it became clear, they should make jeans especially for us under 5’4″.
Why petite jeans? With bell bottoms, the start of the flare is so important. Most flares, I noticed were starting at the top of my calf, when hemmed, the desired part of the jean: the flare, would often be cut off for the hem. I could never get a good pair of bell bottoms with the regular fits.
The Denim:
Recently, I ordered the 7 For All Mankind Lexie Petite Bell Bottom. It was the first pair of 7′s I’ve purchased in a long time, but some of their jeans have more minimal branding on the back, the Lexie, has a small tag lining the pocket. That alone made me want to revisit one of my favorite denim brands again. I love the California Coast wash, it’s a darker wash with juuuust the right amount of distressing to give them a sense of wear. Normally, I would swear by the crispest indigos, but lately I’ve been feeling like it’s good to have a little depth to them as well. The Lexie’s really achieve that.
As far as the fit goes, I remember why I love the 7′s so much. They were my favorite denim for a long, long time… and these jeans with their 9″ rise, are quite possibly the softest, most comfortable, and best fitted jean I’ve ever worn. With these, there wasn’t a “break them in” or stiffness, the didn’t stretch out and they’re ultra lush.
How to Wear Them:
With bell bottoms my natural instinct is to go 70′s style. Like here, I’m actually wearing a tie front top from the 70′s. Adding contemporary touches like an oversized round Number 6 sunglasses by Karen Walker, a multi-colored structured satchel, and a pair of espadrille wedges. My inclination with dramatic pieces like bell bottoms is to go with classic pieces, a button down top, with a statement blazer (once fall hits) or really, anything would go, it’s kind of hard to mess up when you’ve got a great fitting pair of jeans. Horray for petites! The short people have been heard.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I love this look, Jennine! I will def have to check out these jeans. I’ve been longing for bell bottoms for ages, but like you I’m pretty petite and my legs are esp short for my height.
Also, I’m totally obsessed with your bag. I clicked through to Shopbop, but I’m not sure it’s available there? Would love to know who it’s by!
You look great and you bring up an important point I never thought of before. You can’t really hem a big flare like on bell bottoms. Its too bad you can’t take out the material on the top.
You look amazing! Love the combination, the fit of the jeans, the flare and like you said, it’s not easy to find a pair of jeans when you are “average” (petite)
LOVE these on you. I’m waiting a bit more into end of August to pick of the Citizen of Humanity Angie Super Flares for Petites. I found these to be a bit too “stretchy”…I like my denim to hold my butt in more. Ha.
You look fantastic!
You look fabulous in these jeans and I am loving that bag!!!
I’ve been thinking about adding a pair of flares to my collection and these would be perfect.
Awesome! I’m 5’4″ and for once I’d like to get a pair of flares/wide legs that don’t require a seamstress to hack 3-5 inches off the bottom.
I love the bell bottom look but my short stature has typically made me go for skinny jeans or boot leg. I will definitely consider 7 jeans now that I know they have bell bottoms for petites!
Hi! You do look fab! I’ve always been into flares because I’m 5ft 2in and the flare balances out my top half! It makes sense doesn’t it! They always look great with heels too! Long live the flare…
Very excited to check these out. I’m 5’4″ and recently returned a pair of 7FAM bell bottoms because hemming them would have altered the silhouette. I had no idea 7FAM made petite bell bottoms, thanks for the review!
I was just looking at these and compiling a list of “fall must haves” well that I must have, lol. I’m so glad you did such a detailed post because I really want these jeans. They look fantastic on you. One question: I’m normally a size 27 in 7FAM; were those jeans true to size for you? Also, how stretchy was the denim? Please let me know when you get a chance. Thank you.
TheQueenofHearts