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Tuesday, January 4, 2022

A Petite Person’s Guide To The Best Jeans For Short Legs

As a person who stands at 5’3″, I understand firsthand the struggle of finding a solid pair of jeans that doesn’t need further alteration besides the usual cuff. While I’ve personally become very comfortable with buying regular-length denim and slicing the bottoms with a pair of fabric shears, I get that not everyone is into the frayed hem look. Additionally, not everyone has the budget or time to take their pants to a tailor who can preserve the original hem on their jeans.

You’ll always meet fashion people who swear by a certain style of jeans or only wear jeans from a particular brand, but even when you compare and contrast denim with other short-legged folks, the search for “The Perfect Pair” feels like a never-ending game of trial-and-error — after all, what works for one body type won’t necessarily work for another. (Though we always love to fantasize about a Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants moment.)

So, ahead — at the recommendation of fellow short colleagues, friends, and shop reviewers — I pulled together a list of the best jeans for petite women. This isn’t a perfect or complete list by any means, but we did aim to cover brands that offer denim styles in an array of washes, fits, stretch levels, and silhouettes that are specifically suited for those who are 5’4″ and under. These jeans are also designed to be worn straight off the racks with no tailoring needed.

But, before you embark on your denim search, I highly suggest you first find your inseam and keep it handy in your Notes app — this number will be immensely helpful when looking at the size and fit details of a product. To determine your inseam, grab your favorite pair of (non-drop crotch) pants and measure the distance between the crotch and bottom hem. For a true petite style, this likely won’t be any longer than 27″ (most short folks I know have inseams in the 23″–26″ range). With this number, you’ll have the power to find jeans that’ll actually fit your bottom half; add an inch for a longer length or remove an inch for a high-water look. And be sure to flex the classic trick of searching for “cropped” or “ankle” length jeans at any retailer that offers those filters — y’know, the jeans that are cropped on taller folks but are full-length on petites. Consider this an easy hack to quickly sort the short stuff.

Everlane

Everlane The ’90s Cheeky Jean, $98
Everlane takes its jeans selection seriously — it even boasts a whole denim guide and fit quiz. While you can’t conduct a general search for petite jeans on the Everlane site, you can still find some pairs offered in an “Ankle” length (26.5″ inseam), like this ’90s Cheeky Jean, which the Refinery29 Shopping team has reviewed and loved. Length-wise, the petites highly approve of this Everlane bestseller.

Shop Everlane

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Skinny Jeans, $89
A&F specializes in size-inclusive denim, with styles available in sizes 23–37 in short, regular, and long lengths. (You can read more about the brand’s much-adored denim rebrand in our review here.) For petites, this is great news. For instance, this TikTok fave comes in both “Short” (25.5″) and “Extra Short” (23.5″). Writes one 5’1″ reviewer, “The material is durable and thick but has a little bit of stretch to it which is my perfect combo. It’s enough to make you feel sucked in but stretchy enough to not have that rigid, stiff feel. Extra short is my perfect length and shows the perfect amount of my ankle so it works great with booties and boots that go a little higher up on the leg.”

Shop Abercrombie & Fitch

Madewell

The Petite Curvy Perfect Vintage Jean: Ripped Edition, ~~$135.00~~ $98.50
If you didn’t know that Madewell has a whole Petite Perfect Vintage Jean collection (offering every kind of wash color imaginable), you do now. These best-selling petite-fit jeans come highly recommended by Refinery29’s beauty and wellness writer, Karina Hoshikawa, who raves about the perfect 25.5″ inseams and lived-in vintage feel.

Shop Madewell

J.Crew

J.Crew Petite High-Rise ’90s Classic Straight Carpenter Jean, ~~$138~~ $48.99
J.Crew has a huge denim selection and an impressive filtering system where under the “Size & Fit” category, you can select “Petite,” or you can search by “Length” and select “Cropped” or “Ankle.” These very cute, very on-sale carpenter jeans come in a petite inseam of 25″.

Shop J.Crew

Levi’s

Levi’s High Rise Cropped Flare Women’s Jeans, $69.50
It’s safe to say that Levi’s is a tried-and-true heritage denim brand with rabid fans (hi, I am one of those people who pretty much wears vintage Levi’s exclusively). So, it’s no surprise that Levi’s also takes stock of its petite offerings, with styles filterable by length (the shortest inseam being 25″). These cropped flares are a customer fave, ranking 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Shop Levi’s

Lee

Lee Relaxed Fit Straight Leg Jean, ~~$48~~ $34.90
Lee, another heritage denim brand, also offers petite inseams — but you’ll find that these petite lengths are slightly longer at 28″, which is ideal for those with longer legs or for people who want to wear full-length jeans with, say, heeled booties. Plus, as a few reviewers have pointed out, it’s difficult finding rigid denim jeans in plus sizes, and this classic style had a celebrated comeback. Writes one reviewer: “The 100% cotton construction is excellent! They are very comfortable. It is difficult to find plus sized jeans that are 100% cotton that also fit very well. I am so happy I was able to find them. Lee, thank you for bringing back these 100% cotton jeans.”

Shop Lee

Shopbop

AGOLDE Riley High Rise Straight Crop Jeans, $188
While Shopbop is a clothing retailer and not a denim brand, it still makes this list because of its detailed sizing measurements and easy-to-use denim filter: Under the “Clothing” category, you can sort its massive denim collection by “Cropped Jeans” or “Ankle Jeans.” One of Shopbop’s most popular denim brands is AGOLDE, and this cropped jean has a very specific 25.25″ inseam that petites love. “I’m 5’1, 34b, 123lbs (hips/butt) and a true size 27 in all the other denim I own,” writes one reviewer. “I think people need to realize, that Rise and Inseam will re-adjust your waist sizing so I’m thankful Shopbop lists both of those because they matter for petite girls like me […] Also, being 5’1 the inseam of 25.25 fits me like an actual pant (not cropped). Love the quality of this style and wash, you won’t be disappointed if you get your sizing right. Trust me!”

Shop Shopbop

RE/DONE

RE/DONE Ultra High Rise Stove Pipe, $265
RE/DONE is a denim brand that reworks and refurbishes vintage Levi’s into silhouettes that are better suited for now-modern body types. It means you can expect lots of ’70s-inspired rigid denim jeans on the site. This pair, with a 27″ inseam, comes recommended by R29 Affiliate Strategist Kate Spencer who has a particular affinity for high rises, a looser leg, and zero stretch.

Shop RE/DONE

rag & bone

rag & bone Rosa Mid-Rise Boyfriend, $225
One solid maker of premium American denim is rag & bone, which mostly releases skinny-to-baggy jeans with straight-ish legs in varying rises. There are plenty of “Ankle” and “Cropped” styles to be found in the brand’s jeans department, with a petite-friendly length of a 27″ inseam.

Shop rag & bone

Frame

Frame Le Crop Mini Boot Paton, $238
Unlike rag & bone, which tends to favor rigid denim, Frame is a premium brand that doesn’t shy from “super stretch denim” (this one’s for all you jeggings fans). This best-selling pair has a 26.5″ inseam and an adorable kick flare that can accommodate anything from sneakers to cowboy boots.

Shop Frame

Gap

Gap Sky High Rise Cheeky Straight Jeans, $79.95
Don’t sleep on Gap jeans — they’re better than ever. Plus, you can filter your search by “Length” (select “ankle”) for easy browsing. You also have your choice of selecting Regular, Petite, or Tall on individual product pages. This slightly destroyed jean comes in a gloriously petite inseam of 24.5″. Writes one reviewer, “Perfect length. Hits above the ankle which is so hard to find.”

Shop Gap

Old Navy

Old Navy High-Waisted Slouchy Straight Cropped Distressed Jeans, ~~$49.99~~ $35
Just like its “older sister” brand, Gap, Old Navy offers a similarly easy-to-use sorting system, which you can do so by “Length” (select “Ankle” and “Cropped”). This petite style has a 24″ inseam, which allows even the most petite of gals to experience some level of cropped-ness. Says one pint-sized customer, “I love these jeans because they are the perfect length for my short legs. I’m 4’11 so finding jeans that end right at my ankle is such a challenge.”

Shop Old Navy

Banana Republic

Banana Republic Petite High-Rise Boot Cropped Jean, $109
It’s easy to get lost in Banana Republic’s “The Denim Shop” because there are tons of styles available in all washes and shapes, from skinnies to flares. (For the petite goods, head over to the “Size” category and you have either the option of searching by “Petite” or by “Short”.) Once you start poking around, you’ll plenty of sleek styles such as these cropped jeans with a 25″ inseam.

Shop Banana Republic

Reformation

Reformation Cynthia High Rise Straight Cropped Jeans, ~~$128~~ $76.80
Reformation isn’t known for denim, but the brand’s “Petites” section is definitely worth a browse if you’re into trend-forward, going-out styles — without fail, there’s always at least one or two pairs of jeans waiting to be scooped up by those looking for a 27″ inseam.

Shop Reformation

AYR

AYR The Pop, $225
It’s quite rare for a denim brand to offer two petite lengths (let alone one), but AYR is all about providing options. Customers have their pick of a 25″ or 27″ inseam, which may contribute to this jean’s sell-out power. Currently ranking a 4.6 out of 5 stars from 679 reviews, petite denim lovers are saying things like, “These are the most comfortable jeans I’ve ever tried on, and I have tried soooo many designer brands. […] I am 5’2” and 112lbs and I got a size 26 with the shorter inseam which is perfect. I am usually wearing leggings on the weekend but so happy that I have a pair of jeans that is just as comfortable!”

Shop AYR

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Saturday, January 1, 2022

7 Engagement Ring Trends That Will Be Big In 2022, According to Experts

Pairing the notion of a fashion trend with something as long-lasting as an engagement ring can seem counterintuitive — the latter is equated with timelessness while the former is usually thought of as fleeting. But in reality, everyone’s personal taste varies and what’s classic to one individual is out-of-date for another, which is why brushing up on the most anticipated engagement ring trends of 2022 feels like a worthy undertaking if you’re currently shopping around.

“There’s always a reaction to every action, so we expect engagement rings trends to continue to evolve as a new generation comes of engagement age,” says Shelley Brown, The Knot’s Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor.

According to Brown, personalization will continue to rank high when it comes to selecting a ring. “Couples want to invest in pieces that speak to their love and personal taste, which is manifesting in a few different ways,” she says. “Shape and setting are still the most important ring features, while [carat] size has actually become less important.” Though Brown says that diamonds remain the most popular stone, and round the most popular cut, there are less-expected design details that will garner attention — such as yellow gold settings, oval cuts, and lab-grown stones — this year.

As for how to go about landing on a final decision? Catbird Chief Creative Officer Leigh Plessner says it’s all about the research. “Start taking screenshots of what catches your eye and put them in a folder,” she says. “It’s always helpful to see a collection of things you like to identify patterns and connections, like a little visual spider web.”

Ahead, seven expert-predicted engagement ring trends for 2022.

Oval-Cut Engagement Rings

Oval-cut diamonds lost little momentum last year and are expected to continue growing in popularity well into 2022. “We saw a rise in oval cuts with 2 percent in 2015 to 19 percent in 2021,” Brown says. The Clear Cut’s Founder and CEO Olivia Landau echos this sentiment, but with a small caveat. “People still love ovals — and so do I! — but I think that they will be set a bit differently,” she says, referring to non-solitaire and east-west settings.

Bezel Set Engagement Rings

Landau foresees bezel settings as a noteworthy engagement ring trend this year. Also referred to as “rubover,” this type of setting can be identified by an encasing of metal that slightly overlaps the edge of the stone rather than the more ubiquitous prong setting. It’s a technique that dates back centuries but translates to a modern context extremely well thanks to its minimalist, chunky aesthetic. Also, it’s a good choice if you work with your hands a lot or tend to be rougher with jewelry because it holds the gemstone more securely in place.

Three-Stone Engagement Rings

Among the more talked about rings of 2021 was Paris Hilton and her three-stone emerald-cut diamond; a cultural moment that is likely to influence a bride or two when picking out their own style this year. “Her ring was timeless and stunning,” Landau says. “I foresee three-stone rings as a top engagement ring trend in 2022 because they are unique and great conversation starters.” Embrace the flexibility this style has to offer and pick your favorite diamond cuts and colors to make one unique ring.

Yellow Diamond Engagement Rings

If a colorless center stone has never appealed to you but you still like the idea of a diamond moment, you’re ahead of the trend. “Fancy yellow diamonds weren’t popular for about a decade, but now we are seeing a lot more requests for them,” Landau shares. “They are perfect for someone looking for something more unique [style] and a good value.”

Toi Et Moi Engagement Rings

Among the more romantic engagement ring trends is Toi et Moi (French for “you and me”). The style is characterized by two complementary gemstones, often with a coil silhouette, and dates back to the 1796 marriage of Napoleon and Josephine. The symbolism of two gemstones coming together as one is well-suited for the sentimental couple, and it’s another engagement ring trend that Landau predicts will remain a popular choice in 2022.

Ethical Engagement Rings

The desire to purchase more ethically has trickled into engagement ring buying, and many consumers are finding lab-grown diamonds (also known as synthetic and man-made diamonds) to be the answer. “An eco-conscious mindset is rising among couples, with 34 percent finding it increasingly less important that the ring’s stone be a natural stone, with Gen Z (28 percent) finding it less important than Millennials (35 percent),” Brown shares. “Dedication to sustainability is certainly up, as nearly one in four engagement rings in 2021 featured a center stone that was man-made.”

Plessner is also seeing “significant” interest in recycled diamonds, or reclaimed diamonds — previously-mined stones, from an existing piece of jewelry, repurposed for another.

Non-Diamond Engagement Rings

Some are foregoing diamonds altogether. “We are seeing more brides select non-diamond gemstones,” says Brown. She says that moissanite — a cheaper, more brilliant gemstone similar in look to a diamond — is the top pick. The second most popular non-diamond gemstone? The sapphire.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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20 Outfits To Start Your 2022 Off Right

Ever stand in front of your jam-packed closet, staring at more than enough clothing options, and think: I have nothing to wear? Same. But perhaps the issue isn’t that you’re out of viable outfit choices. You just need a fresh dose of inspiration to help you see your wardrobe in a new way. That’s where Outfit Dump comes in. On the first of the month, every month, we supply you with enough ideas to fuel your style until the next drop comes along.

January can be a daunting month, and with the pandemic hitting us with déjà vu, it can be hard to feel a sense of renewal — especially when it comes to getting dressed. But, you’ve made it. You’re here. And that’s worth celebrating.

The new year is the perfect opportunity to take stock of your wardrobe and see what’s worth keeping, donating, or even giving a second life to. Maybe you picked up some pieces during the holiday sale season and need to figure out how to style them, or maybe you’re looking to downsize your collection. Whatever it is, allow us to provide you with all the fit-inspo you’ll need to start your year off right.

From winter-ready denim looks to new ways to wear a corset to getting on the après ski trend, ahead are 20 looks to keep you on top of your personal style resolutions.

Sometimes the puffer is the fit.

A tie to keep it profesh for those Zoom lectures and glasses so they can’t tell you’re asleep.

Your underboob may be cold but at least your head won’t be.

Denim skirt over jeans is the winter pairing we needed.

Corsets go with anything.

We mean it, anything.

No idea what to wear? Put on a statement coat.

The subtle flex of matching your wallabees to your fit and bedroom decor.

Cozy it up with some UGG x TELFAR.

Evening wear but make it fuzzy sock-esque.

The perfect balance for those West Coast winters.

Errands but elevated.

Just because it’s dreary outside, doesn’t mean your fit has to be.

Puffer stylin' with your boo.

Now this serves ice queen vibes.

Baby and dog in teddy suits not included.

Did someone say date night in?

Shearling varsity jacket? We’re in.

Ready to hit the slopes or the city.

A case for more Bottega green.

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These Will Be The Biggest Fashion Trends Of 2022 — Shop Them Now

As seasons get more confusing (what’s the deal with balmy 65+ degree winter days?!) and COVID variants continue to emerge, the start to the new year feels ominous, thus stamping the biggest 2022 fashion trends, seen on the runways in September, with a sizeable question mark. Though reverting to a 24/7 sweatpants existence feels disheartening, it’s likely the only manner of dress you’ll be embracing right now as offices have closed and we're working from home once again. But it’s not all doom and gloom for the rest of the year. While soft clothes are, indeed, a piece of the 2022 style puzzle, they’re not the only items on deck.

Nostalgia is the name of the game.

With Y2K fashion peaking higher than ever, this new year has plenty of fun trends in store for the next reemergence wave. Spotlight-stealing attire with a joyous mood is taking over, from vivid colors and prints to bold silhouettes like bubble dresses, volume tops, cutouts galore, and ultra-low rises on pants and skirts. Accessories are in on the fun, too. Think: chunky-AF platforms, rainbow-bright bags, and a more-is-more jewelry aesthetic combining beads, pearls, and rhinestone-decked baubles. Oh, and if your New Year’s resolution is to adopt a new signature color, you better make it purple — it’s the 2022 hue in all tints, from Pantone’s Very Peri color of the year to saturated violet and lavender shades.

Ahead, a deeper dive into the fashion trends we’re predicting will be big in 2022. Naturally, with an edit to shop.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.