I wholeheartedly embraced the skinny-jean trend and was in no hurry to give it up. But after spying seventies-inspired wide-leg denim trickling into stores, I started to warm to a looser silhouette. Wider-leg jeans are more forgiving than tapered pants, so I can easily hide any holiday weight gain. The first pair I spotted: Level 99 wide-legs at Anthropologie ($118). The thin, soft fabric came in just two washes—faded, pale denim and very dark blue. Sadly, the hem fell really short of my ankles, making the jeans look more boxy than flattering. 375 W. Broadway, nr. Broome St.; 212-343-7070.