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goods
April 17, 2014

12 Easy Pairs of Relaxed Denim for Spring

By rebecca ramsey

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A recent topic that has the Cut office divided: Are skinny jeans on their way out? The slim silhouette — made popular by male rock stars, Hedi Slimane, and Kate Moss — has arguably hit a tipping point. But no matter where you stand on skinny jeans, the ‘90s are undeniably back, and with them a relaxed, non-stretch denim silhouette (to wear with your white sneakers or pool slides).

Scott Morrison, founder and designer of 3x1, explains: “There’s something extremely sexy about a woman who wears non-skinny jeans. In my lifetime, the classic definition of a ‘gorgeous girl in jeans’ was Brooke Shields, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, and Christy Turlington; all of [whom] wore classic 100 percent cotton or comfort-stretch denims in the ‘90s and most of 2000s. Straight legs, flares, and boyfriend jeans made from non-superstretch denims are all a bit looser than the modern skinny because they have to be, in order to fit correctly.”  

Skinny-jean zealots will surely bemoan the demise of their second skin, but a loosened-up style of jean can actually be perfect for the warmer months. Click through the slideshow below to see 12 pairs of relaxed denim for spring, from “cool-mom” jeans to “girlfriend” silhouettes.

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1 / 12 Photos
This wash looks like something that Brenda Walsh may have worn. 
According to Scott Morrison, founder of 3x1, the "Hopper Boyfriend Jean epitomizes that bygone era of sexy, looser fitting straight-leg jeans, wh... According to Scott Morrison, founder of 3x1, the "Hopper Boyfriend Jean epitomizes that bygone era of sexy, looser fitting straight-leg jeans, which flatter and accentuate, rather than simply reveal.”
Order true to size or size up for a slouchier fit. The idea is that these styles are supposed to look relaxed. 
For something untapered, Topshop's new Girlfriend Jeans have a straight leg that cuts just above the ankle. 
Zara's "girlfriend"-jean style would look great paired with flowy white blouses — a new summer uniform, perhaps.
Perfectly bleached around the knee and hips, this pair makes us think of the Pepsi commercial starring Cindy Crawford that epitomized the sexy early '... Perfectly bleached around the knee and hips, this pair makes us think of the Pepsi commercial starring Cindy Crawford that epitomized the sexy early '90s.
This pair of non-stretch denim will ensure that the silhouette remains relaxed. Wear with your slide sandals. 
Frame's La Garcon offers a slimmed-down boyfriend style. For those who need to ween off the skinny slowly: You should maybe start here.
The perfectly symmetric rips truly make this a mom jean, but a cool-mom jean.
“It’s a great alternative silhouette to the skinny; if worn properly, it screams effortless sophistication,” says Ali Fatourechi, founder and creative... “It’s a great alternative silhouette to the skinny; if worn properly, it screams effortless sophistication,” says Ali Fatourechi, founder and creative director of Genetic.
This is how Swedish minimalists do distressed style: slightly so. 
We caught a sneak peek of J. Brand's new Johnny jean (available in June) and found out it's a good one. Straight and perfectly slouchy, these can be w... We caught a sneak peek of J. Brand's new Johnny jean (available in June) and found out it's a good one. Straight and perfectly slouchy, these can be worn with a flat sandal or a heel and will look great with both. 
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