As a wardrobe consultant, I get asked a lot of questions…all the time…no matter where I go or what I am doing. And (honestly), I love it! One of the most common questions I get is about jeans – how do you find a perfect pair? Here are 5 things to help you find the perfect denim:
1. The Rise – look where the waistband sits. Medium or low rise means that jean is going to sit between your hipbone and belly button. Also, look in the crotch area. If it looks like you have too much fabric in that area, the rise isn't good for you.
2. Look for a contoured waist on a boot cut style – or one that is slightly higher in the back as it is in the front. The boot cut is one that will typically look good on every body shape.
3. Fit – make sure your jeans fit you. If they hurt – they are not the right size. If you have to lie down on the bed to get them zipped, not the right size. For those of us who have a belly, or hold weight in our midsection (and most women do), that waist band should hit you right at your belly area. If the waist band hits above that ‘area’, you will appear heavier, and so will a jean that hits you below the ‘area’. The biggest mistake is thinking a lower rise jean will make you look thinner. This is simply not true. The lower rise will create a muffin-top effect that is not flattering, and makes you appear heavy.
4. Inner leg seam– if the seam is centered – it will give you a very classic look. If the seam is moved forward slightly, it will offer a slimmer looking fit; likewise, if it is moved back, you will see a slightly more relaxed fit, and can add unwanted visual bulk to your leg.
5. Dark Wash. Skip the distressing, fancy washes, and light colors. The best jean will have a dark solid wash.
How do YOU pick the perfect pair of jeans? Tell us in the comments!
Kathy Friend is a wardrobe coach and personal shopper. She can help you with your specific fashion question on her blog at www.FashionAnswers.blogspot.com – or visit her website at www.KathyFriend.com
Photo by blurryee on Flickr
Loading ...
I always make sure to do the "squat test" to ensure that nothing I inherited from my dad's side of the family is peeking out of my pants!!
I haven't figured that one out yet. I am a plus size with short legs. Usually I have to get Petite. However, my waist is smaller than the rest of me. My biggest problem area are my thighs. Jeans are always tight across my inner thighs.