Some of my favorite purchases start out with the phrase: “Well, these look stupid.” I uttered those words before trying the infamous Nike Palazzo Pants i.e.: “The Original Stupid Pants.” These Good Waist Palazzo Jeans by Good American were no exception.
How I’m Stying Good American Palazzo Jeans, My Fav Flare Denim
These Good American flared jeans are stupid…in a stupidly wonderful “why didn’t I try these sooner” kind of way. I probably wouldn’t have tried them if it wasn’t for the TME team try-on. (Nothing like a “well everyone’s doing it, excuse!” Many a tattoo has started the same way for me.) I originally ordered them in a lighter wash but exchanged for the darker wash because I felt I would get more use out of them.
These jeans are high-waisted with the perfect amount of stretch (I carry my weight on my stomach ,so the stretch is crucial), the denim is super-soft (made from recycled cotton fibers), and the flare provides a ’70s vibe without being too out there.
How Good American Good Waist Palazzo Jeans Fit
These are not your “flat-shoe-and-go” kind of jeans. It’s heels, wedges, or be prepared to clean the floor with your pant hem. I’m 5’7″ when I stand up straight and–as you can see in the pictures above–I need at least a 2.5-3in. heel to make these work (the inseam is 34”). My secret? Wedges or flatforms. They provide the height without the fear of breaking an ankle. I’m like a wobbly newborn colt in stilettos. Until health insurance is better in America, I’m not rocking stilettos, not for that potential ER bill.
I purchased these Good Waist Palazzo Jeans in a size 12. I probably could have made my typical size 10 work, to be honest. These do stretch out a bit at the waist. I’m short-waisted (somewhat of an inverted triangle shape,) which is why I gravitated towards the 12. After wearing them for a bit, I’d say they are more TTS and will probably get my size 12s taken in at the waist. They fit nicely through the thigh (not too tight) and then obviously flare out. Also, they give a fabulous butt lift.
11 Ways To Wear Good American Palazzo Jeans
My only concern when it came to the Good Waist Palazzo Jeans by Good American was, “How am I going to style them?” I rarely buy an item of clothing if I can’t envision a ton of different ways to wear it. It wasn’t coming together in my mind. So I gave myself a mission. Find at least 6 ways to style these and you can keep them. I found nearly a dozen and I probably could have kept going if I didn’t need to pick up my kids from school (don’t they know mommy has important things to do like take selfies?!). Here are some styles from casual, boho, ’70s-inspired, layered for cooler weather, and beyond.
1|Flare Jeans + A Basic Button Down
Top | Jeans | Necklace | Wedges (similar)
I’m making myself the unofficial spokesperson for the Madewell Central Drapey Shirt. I love it so much. Lightweight for spring/summer, slouchy fit, can be worn tucked in, out, or tied at the waist like I’m wearing it here with the Good Waist Palazzo Jeans. It’s a staple for any closet. I’ve found that the best way to create more of a waist is to define it by either tucking in your shirt, wearing a cropped shirt, etc. with high-waisted pants. Anyway, I like the Madewell Central Drapey Shirt, knotted, with flares, simple wedges (similar), and my Madewell Convertible Paperclip Necklace. It’s California casual (yes, I’m in Texas, but a girl can dream).
Fit: The shirt is TTS (I’m wearing a Large).
2|Flare Jeans + A Classic Cropped Cardigan
Cardigan | Jeans | Wedges (similar)
I ordered this Ribbed Puff Sleeve Cardigan to make a set with the matching Ribbed Pull-On Midi Skirt from LOFT. I love the overall look of the set for going into the office, but I don’t go into an office, so I decided to just keep the cardigan and pair it with the jeans. I am FEELING this look. It says “I may be the school secretary, but I get DOWN at karaoke on the weekends.” I kept on my wedges (this similar pair would work, too), but it would also look super cute with chunky heel boots like these from Steve Madden in the fall.
Fit: Some reviews said this ribbed cardigan runs small, but I found it TTS (I’m wearing a Large).
3| Flare Jeans + Bold Animal Print
Blouse | Jeans | Wedges (similar 1 | similar 2)
Don’t tempt a Jersey girl with animal print; it is very much a neutral where I’m from. This Balloon-Sleeve Button-up Top in Painted Leopard from Madewell is lightweight and ideal for spring. I didn’t like how it looked fully buttoned, so I tied it at the waist to give more definition. Clearly, I am feeling earthy browns at the moment as this is not the last top in the brown family you’ll see.
Fit: The blouse is TTS (I am wearing a Large).
4| Flare Jeans + Sexy Camisole
Camisole | Jeans | Wedges (similar 1 | similar 2)
Zadig & Voltaire Christy Kaleidoscope Print Camisole Tops are just lovely. I get the hype. It’s 100% viscose and the lace is sexy. Let’s just call it like it is; the Zadig & Voltaire Cami’s are sexy. This pairing feels very boho and summer of free love. Am I going to a Janis Joplin concert in ’69 or about to hop in my minivan for a responsible ride to the Tom Thumb in 2021? You decide.
Fit: The camisole is TTS (I am wearing a Large).
5| Flare Jeans + Light Fall Blouse
Blouse | Jeans | Booties (updated version) | Bag
I ordered this Striped Clip Blouse from The Loft because the color caught my eye. I don’t love it but it’s a nice simple blouse that could work in early spring or fall. I decided to play with neutral tones by adding my Clare V. Midi Sac Grommet Bag and these old booties I’ve had forever from Madewell (updated version).
Fit: The Striped Clip Blouse is TTS (I am wearing a Large).
6| Flare Jeans + A Funky Striped Tee
Tee | Jeans | Booties (updated version)
I’m on a quest for the perfect striped tee. This Striped New Crew Tee from The Loft is close, but it’s a little boxy. It might be the size (should have tried a Medium as well). I adore the rainbow stripes though. It feels modern, but has a bit of a ’70s vibe that just works with the Good Waist Palazzo Jeans.
Fit: The tee shirt is a little big on me (I’m wearing a Large). I would consider sizing down.
7| Flare Jeans + A Fun Flowy Top
Remember that Square-Neck Pleat-Sleeve top I tried on in my Madewell Spring Haul Blog that I compared to a Bridgerton costume piece? Ok, well the Patchwork Square-Neck Top from Madewell is like its cooler, modern cousin who is a senior in High School and sneaks out the window on Friday nights with a 12 pack of Natty Light. It has the elements I liked in the “Bridgerton” top; square neck, billowy sleeves, but it doesn’t swallow me up. The cotton gauze material is also essential for southern summers (or global warming, take your pick).
Fit: The top is TTS (I’m wearing a Large).
8| Flare Jeans + A Detailed ’70s Shirt
I was dying to do a “That ’70s Show” vibe and I feel like Donna would have rocked this Daisy Embroidered Courier Back-Button Shirt. It is totally groovy, albeit boxy. You either want to tuck it in or wear it with skinny jeans. I paired it with my Chelsea Crew Date Night Delight Platform Heel from ModCloth (love a chunky heel) to complete the look.
Fit: The Daisy Embroidered Shirt is TTS (I’m wearing a Large). The Chelsea Crew Date Night Heels are TTS (I’m wearing an 8).
9| Flare Jeans + A Cozy Cashmere Sweater
I feel like your first cashmere is like your first love. You never forget it. I scored this Vince Funnel Neck Boiled Cashmere Sweater (also at Bloomingdale’s) on sale and…oh my, (cue music) I have never known a love like this before. It’s like rolling around with fluffy sheep. It’s like wearing deliciously soft pats of Irish butter. Ok, these analogies are gross, but you feel me right? This is totally going to be my late fall look (with boots though). Yes, it’s almost summer, but I plan ahead. This might be my favorite look of the bunch, topped off with my Floppy Wool + Leather Hat (under $30 score).
Fit: The Vince cashmere sweater is TTS (I’m wearing a Large).
10| Flare Jeans + A Simple Tee
As I’ve written about before, my favorite causal tee is this Daily Ritual Slouchy Top, but the Organic Cotton Icon Tee from Everlane is giving it a run for its money. It has the same slouchy feel and mock-neck, but it’s made of 100% Organic Cotton. Instead of tucking it in, I decided to give it a side-knot. If you have a hard time doing a side-knot, use one of these elastics to create the look. I typically just poach them from my girls’ bathroom.
Fit: The Organic Cotton Icon Tee is TTS (I’m wearing a Large). If you want a more fitted look, consider sizing down.
11| Flare Jeans + A Fancy Cropped Blouse
Abercrombie’s 3/4 Sleeve V-Neck Blouse gives me some of the ’70s feels, but with a modern twist on account of the painted dots. Plus, you know me and mint. Mint evvverryyything, especially ice cream, but it must be green otherwise it does not taste the same, you cannot convince me otherwise. Anyway, I’m getting off track. This top is pretty versatile and it works well with flares, the Curve Love High-Rise Mom Jeans we tried as a team a few months ago, really any jean that requires a fitted, cropped top.
Fit: The blouse is TTS (Large). I will say that it is a tighter fit. If you’re between sizes, I would size up.
The Good American Good Waist Palazzo Jeans definitely passed the 1/2 dozen outfits test. As I said at the beginning, don’t judge a book by its cover or an item of clothing just because it looks “stupid” online. It might end up being the one.
x, Meredith
i bought these jeans because of you beauties! haven’t gotten to wear them yet because i’m a pilates instructor and i live in leggings (hellooooo Laura thanks for the Beyond Yoga space dye rabbit hole..). and for what it’s worth (or not) i think your size in your brain might possibly be one larger than your size in your body…can’t wait to break out these jeans this weekend 😉
Definitely let me know what you think of them! I find that the first year post baby (I’m still in that realm) is always tricky as your body is adjusting and settling again. I’d rather buy things a little bigger because I can always get them taken in. Sometimes with jeans it’s hard to tell what will relax in fit or not! 🙂
I love this denim on all of you actually. Universally flattering. They look so cool on you.
Aw thank you!
Good outfit ideas! Thanks for sharing!
Anytime!
For sure! And i love the jeans! To be totally honest, I’m not into the TME beloved super-distressed look; for me the clean jeans are much more versatile (and i’m a lot older than you girls. On me, the ripped look is for sure “trying too hard” to look younger, lol). I love how clean these are and i can’t wait to wear them all weekend!
There’s definitely a time and a place for distressing. I like to have one or two “clean” pairs in my rotation 🙂
You have styled the jeans so well here!!
Thank you! I appreciate that 🙂
You had me at “cotton gauze”. Keep those hot weather recommendations coming!
girlllll I got you 🙂