No I haven't started any threads on jeans in the past though it's possible I've wandered by and commented on one. While I agree with you that under normal circumstances I would absolutely take these back, as I said in this case it's not possible without creating a lot of fuss that would create tension and drama. Rather than post a big long ramble about our family dynamics etc just take my word for it that if possible I would burn these jeans in the yard rather than wear them in public. I would never wear leggings either, that's the same as going in public in your pajamas or winter underwear as far as I'm concerned. (And creates the same peg leg, sno-cone look as the jeans do :( ) This particular family member often gives clothing as a gift, I've gotten tons of it from her over the years. Occasionally it's not too bad, other times, like the green plaid monstrosity I mentioned above and these jeans, it's really bad. She means well I think, being an older lady she has limited shopping options and I think it's the easiest thing for her to get her hands on, so we all take it with a smile as best we can. She's also known for giving the hideous Christmas type sweaters to people, usually the men of the family, which has caused some discomfort on their part, and laughter for the ladies.

I guess the least painful solution to this is to wear the jeans to her house some time, hopefully when we're not taking her out somewhere, so that I can get it over with. Then some one who likes these things can pick them up at my local Goodwill!

ETA: We've tried many times to convince her that gift cards are the best way to go, but she insists that it is not a gift then, because there is no personalization to it.

Larger won't help, the legs will still be tapered. Besides, they do fit in the waist, so larger would mean I'd be pulling the hideous things up all night which wouldn't make it any more fun.

And I still can't even tell if the things are black, or dark blue. I took them outside in the sun yesterday, and in the sun they seem to have a very deep blue color. Inside they look black. So, I'm unsure. A poster above suggested that I wear tall boots with them, which seems to be a good idea because that might hide some of the tapered look. But the only pair of tall boots I own are a medium brown color. Does it matter if the jeans are dark blue or black, with the brown boots? It seems odd to me, I don't usually wear brown shoes with black pants.

I think it's possible to not like a gift without having to put the gift down completely or the people who like skinny jeans. I like (love) leggings too, you must be wearing then wrong or in some small town where people don't know how to wear them right.

Absolutely possible to wear dark pants with light shoes as long as they contrast. U wouldn't wear black pants with dark brown boots for example because it looks like you're trying to match but missed the mark. If your wear light colored boots it looks deliberately and very fashionable. Pair it with a creamy white tunic and some chunky blue jewelry.

Skinny pants were made for someone your height. I bet you look killer on them.

I ONLY wear leggings or skinny jeans with knee high high heeled boots (I'm short)!

Here is an image for the super dark jean with brown boots. It looks good. The contrast is important (like wannabeskinny said).
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dNixzjphkY...0/chambray.jpg

I don't think it's rocket science to wear pants, of any sort. But I don't personally consider leggings to be pants. It's like walking around in just pantyhose or something, they are too clingy. Even when people pair them with the tunic sweaters I don't like it. Its just not for me. Just because I think they are hideous doesn't mean I don't know how to wear them. In my case, my only interest is in hiding them as much as possible, wearing them to appease her, and then being done with the whole thing. ;)

My boots are a bit darker than that, but I think they are obvious enough that no one would think I meant them to match.

I like leggings too. Skinny jeans though not so much. If they make them in a size 16-18 I'm not aware of them and they probably shouldn't if they do.

When I wear leggings I wear knee length things: tunics, mini dresses or super long sweaters. I found some awesome knee high boots that are going to work great with my cable knit leggings (and tights).

OP, since you already know how to wear those things and have made up your mind as to what you are going to do about it, how can we help you any further as requested in your topic line? Lots of folks have dutifully and helpfully tried....

Going off topic

Old Navy carries them and I suggest trying on the "Rockstar" skinny jeans. I absolutely love them and rarely wear them with longer tops either (usually tanks with cardigans). They make my butt look amazing and make me feel fabulous.

Leggings are not pants, correct. It might not be rocket science, but to those of us who have fashion sense and love to explore trends there is a definite know-how, especially being overweight (me) and wanting to pull off some trends that are geared towards thinner people. There's nothing wrong with walking around in pantyhose either as long as you know how to wear them. I just find it strange to use such strong language as "hate" and "hideous" because that's a little insulting quite frankly, and very judgemental. It's so odd to look at what a woman is wearing and direct those kinds of thoughts to her. I can't relate to it because I reserve "hate" for very few and important issues, not clothing or other people's taste in clothes lol. Personally I don't like ballet flats, I can't get passed the feeling like I'm 12yrs old when I wear them, but other women seem to pull them off and love them and wear them and it's fine. They don't assault me.

I can probably wear anything for a couple of hours, you'll be ok because your whole sense of self does not reside in one outfit I hope. Just own it and I bet you'll get some compliments too.

Picture perfect, that's exactly how to pull it off. Perfect outfit for brunch and then shopping lol!

WBS, It's clothing, not world peace. If I hate a look, I hate a look. Why is that problematic for you? I didn't say that I hate people who WEAR the look. I think these things ARE hideous. Perhaps you don't, that's fine, but what you wear or how you feel about it isn't my decision and vice versa. I merely asked for some ideas here of how to get through having to wear these things. I took it under advisement, and as I said before I have a plan for getting it over with now, so thanks to those who were helpful.

For curvaceous beauties like me I highly recommend checking out the skinnies at Coldwater Creek. They're super comfy and well made and fit large sizes.