Stylish with Substance

A month ago, MomFinds.com created some buzz over the embroidery inside the band of Old Navy girls’-sized skinny jeans that reads, “super skinny”. The blogger wondered if the pant type is appropriate for young girls. Her interesting question led me to some evolving thought.

By now we should all realize that skinny jeans are poorly named. Long gone are the days of the tiny-calfed, non-elastic skinny pant. Skinny jeans are for everybody! It’s just that on some they flaunt sexy curves rather than a lack of calf.

In fact, I believe that in order to minimize the waist, but not distract from sexy, womanly thighs, skinny jeans are far more flattering than boot cut. I also think that may be why the boot-cut shape is “out”. In came curves (and I do not just mean a few extra pounds, I mean c.u.r.v.e.s.) and out went a flare. (For the record, I still love a wide-leg pant and see them as more professional for office wear.)

While women of any size can arguably rock the heck out of this hot, tight style, little girls also look more darling in the slim-cut clothing. See, every human who looks better with tiny ankles and feet (read: not men really), just look great in the fitted style. (Then of course it’s made better with a chunk-free shoe, again, on a female.) It works equally well on the curvy and the skinny, even on young ladies who definitely aren’t trying to conceal that there’s a lack of hip. It just works.

Should girls even wear skinny jeans? Answer: Look at how sloppy the boot-cuts and flares look!

Some are wondering if these children could look as sweet, but just wear this same pant by another name – any other name (I kid) would do.

Even though the consensus from blogs readers, like those of the Huffington Post, was mostly positive for the skinny jean and even mostly for its name, I think MomFinds’ question brings good wonderment regarding the hope for fashion to better treat its wearers. I am all for helping the esteem of girls, teens and women (and men!), however I don’t see this as just a child or teen issue.

Many women still struggle with weight and body esteem. There are women who don’t even have concerns about “being fat” until they are adults or middle-aged (I’m one). These women might find themselves lesser-equipped to deal with a larger body and how it makes them feel.

I’m not saying we’re right to equate the word “skinny” with snobby model cliques (in fact, I think “skinny” is what you make it mean, even if it’s one inch lost), but it can happen. So perhaps if, and only if, change should be made – it should be made across the board.

The only changes I don’t want are the removing of the elasticity and a re-booming of flared legs. No, thanks, I love my slender ankles, showing off my hips and I love my skinny!

I wanted to highlight this angry response by someone apparently upset that I am trying to bring awareness and help, where this is none I see - none, for  the poor "Sensitive" words follow. Read if you can.