"Funky jeans." That's what I used to call them my freshman year of high school when I convinced my darling father to buy me a gorgeous embroidered pair from Lucky Brand. I wish I still had them today — to be honest, I'm not sure where they've gone but they had a good life. They were fun and different and if we're being real, they made me feel like I was a part of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants , documenting my every adventure onto denim. Although if that had been true, I guess my pants would have had the word "mono" sewn onto their left pocket since that's what was riddling 14-year-old-me, and that's not exactly cute.
What I'm getting at here is that sometimes jeans can just be basic jeans, but every now and then a pair of them will offer the chance to mix it up and be a little unconventional. Shimmying off your usual boring slim fit trousers and pulling on a pair of dope-ass denim that makes people's heads turn is never not a good idea. So I triple dog dare you to try some funky jeans and tell me they don't put you in a good mood. Here’s a compilation of examples that are sure to inspire you — whether you want to pull a DIY and make some yourself or plain old order a pair. I’m going to go with the latter because I’m wildly inept. Enjoy!
1. Paint-Splattered Boyfriend
Jessica Alba was caught in these cool paint-splatted jeans just this past weekend. And if I know anything at all, it's that if Jessica Alba is wearing something, I am jumping on that bandwagon. The Rialto Jean Project is very cool in that it not only presents us with hand painted and one-of-a-kind jeans, but it also comes in the form of an eco-friendly and philanthropic denim brand.
Rialto Jean Project, Boyfriend, $245, rialtojeanproject.com
2. Gaucho Jeans
GAUCHOS MAN! Those were the days. Actually, I feel like there were only a couple of days where people actually wore gauchos because they always realized how ridiculous-looking they are. But I'm all for them and I think you should be, too. The denim version of gauchos totally works in my opinion. Pair them with a cozy knit sweater and a chunky heal and you're good to go.
High Rise Chambray Gaucho, $128, freepeople.com
3. Patchwork
These beauts are so damn cool. One of Man Repeller's personal picks, each patch has a different design that will surely make it interesting when trying to match your top to them — but that's the fun of it, no?
Patchwork Cropped Boyfriend, $240, theoutnet.com
4. Embroidery
These beachy bohemian-style flares sort of look like they're part of a 70s costume and I love that. Why not whip them out on casual Friday at the office and own 'em?
Dominica Printed Flare, $128, freepeople.com
5. Stripes
They say that vertical stripes are flattering, but flattering is a stupid word. Stripes, however, are not stupid. I recommend you wear this pair on your first day of university to let people know you're not messing around.
Indigo Stripe Flare, $128, freepeople.com
6. Trouser Jean
These trill trouser jeans are best worn when you're watching Netflix and nothing else is right in the world, except for your computer screen and them.
BDG Mid-rise Baggy Trouser Jean, $79, urbanoutfitters.com
7. Floral Embellishments
I don't know about y'all, but these babies give me hope that spring is just around the corner and we're going to live through this polar vortex! We're going to, right?!
Pool 28 x Urban Renewal Shangri-la Jean, $275, urbanoutfitters.com
8. Denim Jogger
I'm not sure why these are called joggers because I would never go jogging in them, but they still look quite nice, don't they? Let's not jog in these together, shall we?
BDG Jogger Jean, $79, urbanoutfitters.com
9. Knee Patches
These hunnies are brought to you by Christopher Kane and they are made in Italy. The detailed patchwork on the knee gives them a sweet childlike feel but at the same time they're ultra cool.
Guipure lace-appliquéd boyfriend jeans, $1745, net-a-porter.com
Images: rialtojeanproject.com; Courtesy Brands
