Gone are the one-type-fits-all blue jeans your mother wore. Today’s savvy, fashion-minded woman knows she can look her best in her favorite denim apparel. In fact, most women have a collection of jeans for a variety of purposes – from dressy to sporty and everything in between.
The key to looking your best is to start with a pair of jeans that fit and flatter your body type. Be prepared to try on a wide variety of styles and sizes in front of a three-way mirror. For an extra layer of insurance, bring a friend who is brutally honest.
Jeans Styles
Most body types look good in boot-cut jeans. The slight flare at the bottom offsets and camouflages figure flaws such as a thick waistline. Select a pair that is snug but not tight at the waist and hips. They need to gradually widen toward the hem.
Skinny and slim jeans work best on women with trim figures. They fit close to the hips and thighs and taper to narrow leg openings. Avoid wearing skinny jeans if you have a thick waistline or large hips, or you’ll risk looking like a double-scoop ice cream cone.
Straight-leg jeans are cut straight from the thighs to the hem. They tend to be trim and fit snugly in the waist and hips without being tight. Most figure types can wear straight-leg jeans. This is the most classic cut of jeans.
Carpenter jeans typically have larger pockets, and they rest slightly below the waistline. The fit through the hips and thighs is more relaxed than the other styles. They are considered more casual than straight-leg or boot-cut jeans.
Flared and bell-bottom jeans tend to come and go in fashion. They are generally snug in the hips, thighs, and knees and have a dramatic flare to the hemline.
Cropped jeans are ideal for taller women. They tend to make shorter women appear wider and shorter than they already are. If you want to show some leg without appearing shorter, opt for the Bermuda shorts length.
Colors
Traditionally, jeans come in various shades of blue, from super faded sky-blue to deep, dark indigo. Blue denim is always on trend. Dark denim is also the most flattering on all body types. Long, dark denim jeans worn with heels will give you the most slenderizing silhouette.
This season’s trend is to have a wardrobe filled with candy-colored jeans. Show off your fun sense of style as you kick around in turquoise, coral, lemon yellow, cherry red, and all shades of green denim. If you have hips or a tummy you’re trying to disguise, only wear colored jeans with a tunic top, or you’ll call attention to your problem areas.
A variety of washes and dye techniques – from stone washed to acid washed – add more options to showcase your personal style in denim wear. Ombre with a subtle graduation of color, camouflage, and color-tipped hems on jeans are on-trend this season. Multi-colored denim looks best on slim figures.
What to Wear With Jeans
Select tops, shoes, and accessories to achieve the look you want. Strive for balance and proportion to look fashionable, long and lean.
Here are some tried and true add-ons:
- Platforms, wedges and high heels to add length
- Tunic top to cover and disguise a thick midsection
- Blazer worn with a collared short or T-shirt for a classic, tailored look for jeans-day at work
- Sparkling sequined top and high-fashion shoes for a night out on the town
Before buying jeans, try them on and look at yourself in the fitting room three-way mirror. Check the fit based on comfort and how you look from the front, side and back.
Debby Mayne - Debby Mayne is a published author of more than 30 novels and novellas and former fashion writer for the Home Shopping Network.
