Denim with a sophisticated silhouette

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GALLERY OPENING Raven Tailoreds washed-out white trouser jean looks crisp and dressed up paired with a button-down blouse from Alice Roi and a slick Dondup blazer with a tuxedo detail - another hot trend for spring. And theres nothing quite as graphic as black and white. By adding bold accessories like patent leather and animal prints, also very now, you can achieve an artsy but elegant look. Echos animal print scarf, Belle by Sigerson Morrisons red patent leather shoes, Madley necklace (worn as a bracelet) and a yellow Goldenbleu bag. (Genaro Molina / LAT)

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TROPICAL GETAWAY With a more relaxed leg, these lightweight denim trousers by Level 99 jeans are perfect for warm weather, especially paired with a citrus-splashed halter top by Roxy. A wispy lime scarf from Madewell adds a whimsical accent without weighing you down. Throw it around your neck or through the handles of your beach bag. Trina Turk bag, Missoni towel, Moss Mills necklaces, Pono bracelets, Odyssey sunglasses, Roxy sandals. (Genaro Molina / LAT)

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SUNDAY MATINEE AT ARCLIGHT Denim trousers with a more relaxed wash like these from Paige Premium Denim will make even a lazy Sunday chic. A gray hoodie with playful stripes from Converse by John Varvatos and bright accessories keep things casual and fun. Echo scarf, Madewell belt, Nixon watch, Andrea Brueckner bag, Odyssey sunglasses. Sir Alistair Rai tank top, Converse by John Varvatos sneakers. (Genaro Molina / LAT)

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MEETING IN THE OFFICE True Religion trouser jeans pass for proper business attire when paired with a classic trench coat in a springtime metallic tan from Julie Haus. Offset the casualness of the jeans with a dressy top underneath, like this dusty pink blouse from Geren Ford. The feminine hue brings a little cheer to serious neutrals, taking you from a day in the office to an after-work cocktail. Geren Ford belt, Mulberry bag, Aldo shoes, Nixon watch, Lulu Frost earrings and necklace. (Genaro Molina / LAT)

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LATE-NIGHT DRINKS AT PARC Goldsigns more exaggerated wide-leg trouser jeans make a serious fashion statement. Wear them with a smoking hot fedora from San Diego Hat Co. to channel the garçon look of Katharine Hepburn. A flirty lace camisole from Corey-Lynn Calter under a more structured vest such as this one from Kova & T keeps this menswear-inspired ensemble sexy. BCBG bag, Aldo shoes, Lulu Frost bracelet and necklaces. (Genaro Molina / LAT)

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SHOPPING ON MELROSE The railroad stripes on Deeners trouser jeans are a trend themselves and have the added benefit of elongating the leg and emphasizing the lean shape of the pants. A rich brown cropped leather jacket from Mike & Chris and sexy yellow silk halter from Ya Ya take this outfit from shopping to dinner at Sushi Roku, and flat leather sandals from Belle by Sigerson Morrison will keep your feet from giving out. Lauren Merkin bag, Moss Mills necklace and belt, Pono bracelet. (Genaro Molina / LAT)

By Melissa Magsaysay

May 6, 2007 12 AM PT

Times Staff Writer

SO long, skinny. After years of navel-grazing low-rises, followed by the totally unforgiving stick-straight silhouette, there’s a new shape in denim: the trouser jean.

Designers such as Stella McCartney, Dolce & Gabbana and premium denim labels Raven Tailored and Goldsign are at last offering jeans with a higher waist and a looser fit.

Wearing the shape may seem daunting, but it’s easier than you think. Trouser jeans should fit snugly (but not too snugly) in the backside, have a bit of drape in the leg and be hemmed to the tops of your shoes.

They’re plenty versatile too. By switching up your accessories or adding a menswear touch, they can take you almost anywhere, from the office to drinks with friends.

Click on the photo gallery to see how.

SHOPPING GUIDE

Here is where to find the jeans and accessories:

Tropical getaway
Floral print halter top from Roxy, $42 at Quiksilver, Santa Monica.

Cuffed trouser jeans from Level 99, $110 at Intuition, Los Angeles.

Gold metal Mustang sunglasses from Odyssey, $110-$120 at Lisa Kline, Los Angeles.

Lime green Lockharte scarf from Madewell, $38 at Madewell, Century City, Los Angeles.

Beaded raffia New Jubilee bag, $335 from Trina Turk at Trina Turk Boutique, Los Angeles.

Leopard print Ipanema towel from Missoni, $195 at Planet Blue, Malibu and Venice.

Leather flip-flops from $44 at Quiksilver, Santa Monica.

Sunday matinee
Gray sleeveless striped hoodie from Converse by John Varvatos, $195 at Fred Segal Trend, Santa Monica.

Faded wash denim trousers from Paige Premium Denim, $198 at Paige Premium Denim Boutique, Los Angeles.

Red metal Mustang sunglasses from Odyssey, $110-$120 at Lisa Kline, Los Angeles.

Color block Vintage Cubism scarf from Echo, $48 at https://www.echodesign.com .

Yellow canvas belt from Madewell, $18 at Madewell, Century City, Los Angeles.

Poppy colored Marais Messenger Bag with chain strap from Andrea Brueckner, $450 at https://www.andreabrueckner.com .

Black eyelet sneakers from Converse by John Varvatos, $95 at Sportie LA, Los Angeles.

Gallery opening
Floral top from Alice Roi, $400 at https://www.aliceroi.com .

Black tuxedo jacket from Dondup, $650 at Theodore, Beverly Hills.

White trouser jeans from Raven Tailored Denim, $220 at Ron Herman, Los Angeles.

Leopard print ocelot bow from Echo, $48 at https://www.echodesign.com .

Canary yellow leather Katie clutch from Goldenbleu, $358 at https://www.goldenbleu.com .

Red patent leather sandals from Belle by Sigerson Morisson, $290 at Sigerson Morrison, Los Angeles.

Late-night drinks at Parc
Black and white checkered Janie vest from Kova & T, $255 at Habits, Newport Beach.

Ivory lace camisole from Corey Lynn Calter, $120 at https://www.coreylynncalter.com .

Dark rinse wide-leg trouser jeans from Goldsign, $180 at Barney’s New York, Jill Roberts and Kitson, Los Angeles.

White banded fedora from San Diego Hat Company, $114 at https://www.sandiegohat.com .

Small Plaza number necklaces, $275, antique pocket knife necklace, $600, and Victorian Cut Steel Cuff, $500-$600, all from Lulu Frost at Kaviar and Kind.

Bronze metal mesh bag from BCBG, $138 at BCBG stores nationwide.

Black platform shoes with cork sole from Aldo, $99 at Aldo stores nationwide.

Meeting at the office

Tan trench coat from Julie Haus, $513 at https://www.juliehaus.com .

Pink blouse from Geren Ford, $273 at Madison, Los Angeles.

Brown leather belt from Geren Ford, $230 at Diavolina, Los Angeles.

Dark denim trousers from True Religion, $196 at True Religion store, Los Angeles.

Large number necklace by Lulu Frost, $330 at Kaviar and Kind, Los Angeles.

Antique blond leather Belgrave bag by Mulberry, $1,195, at Mulberry, Melrose Place.

Crème heels from Aldo, $110, at Aldo stores nationwide.

Shopping on Melrose
Brown cropped leather jacket from Mike and Chris, $810, at Barneys New York, Beverly Hills.

Striped wide-leg denim trousers from Deener, $211, at the Loft, Burlingame.

Belt with fish buckle from Moss Mills, $93 at https://www.mossmills.com .

Red bangle from Pono, $275 at Bloomingdales, Los Angeles.

Brown leather sandals by Belle, $220.00 at Sigerson Morrison, Los Angeles.

Denim with a sophisticated silhouette

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