I recently read an article stating flare and bootcut jeans are best suited for pear and hourglass shapes, whereas skinny jeans can be worn by anyone. The same article went on to say that hourglass, apple, and athletic shapes will rock a straight leg with style and grace. Be that as it may, I love flare jeans, I struggle with skinnies, and in my humble opinion, straight leg jeans are the most difficult jean silhouette to style.
Truth is, no one person can tell you what jeans to go out and buy for YOU. The fact is, you can wear any style of jean you like, once you know how to style the silhouette for your body type.
1. SKINNY JEANS
Before I discovered the “Stunner” jean, a classic high-rise skinny style jean from Mother Denim, this so-called “universal-fit” silhouette was a big miss for me. I mention this, as I believe one of the key components in finding your dream pair of jeans, is unearthing the perfect make and model. Once you find a brand that fits your unique shape, it will usually work for you across the board.
Styling Tips:
- Keep trying, until you find your perfect fit and rise.
- Skinny jeans are the perfect accompaniment to loose, oversized tops and sweaters.
- Fitted tops work as well, but balance out the proportion with a 3rd piece like a blazer, jacket, duster, or cardigan.
- Depending on the look you’re trying to achieve, skinny jeans pair well with booties, heels, mules, loafers, and sneakers.
2. FLARE JEANS
They make your legs look longer and add curves to your shape, yet styling flare or bootcut jeans can be intimidating for some of us, and we just stay away from the style.
Styling TIps:
- No floods, please. In order to make your legs look longer, the hem must graze the ground – think Rachel Zoe!
- To maximize the elongating effect of this style, I suggest pairing your jeans with heels. If you want to wear flats, go with skinny, crop baby boot or straight leg jeans.
- It’s all about balance! Think full bottom = fitted on top. Fitted bottom = full on top.
- The idea of the flare jean is to elongate and add curves to your shape. Keep this silhouette in mind, when you are working with how to style your bottom.
FIND THE BEST FLARE JEANS FOR YOUR BODY TYPE (CLICK HERE)
3. HIGH WAISTED JEANS
Styling Tips:
- Top tucked in or 1/2 tucked. The idea here is to show off your waist.
- Wear your top cropped, right a the belt.
- Longer jackets allow for proportion play. Short jackets can work, but keep your top tucked in.
- A baby flare 70’s cut will give you legs for days.
- Avoid boxy jackets and tops. You are trying to SHOW OFF your waist, not make it look wider.
- Avoid the mom jean look by getting the size and cut right for your body type.
HOW TO FIND THE BEST HIGH WAISTED JEANS FOR YOUR BODY TYPE (CLICK HERE).
4. BOYFRIEND JEANS
Like flares, there are varying degrees of this fit. For a dressier look, pair with a blazer and heels, and choose a more slim cut overall. For a casual chic look, pair with a fitted ribbed turtleneck and statement belt.
Styling Tips:
- Look for a perfect fit at your waist and hips.
- Too baggy for your taste? Try a “girlfriend” jean for a more classic fit – tighter and higher on the hip, with a tapered slim straight leg. (Available at The GAP | HERE)
- DO cuff you BF jeans to a flattering length – about 3 inches above your ankle after they’ve been rolled.
- Begin your styling with a fitted top, then select your 3rd piece.
- To style with a flowy blouse, consider a 1/2 tuck in the front and back – leaving the sides out. Option to 1/2 tuck in the front works as well. Play around with the styling until you get a look you love.
5. JEANS WITH A DRESS
Styling Tips:
- Keep your jean fitted and cropped at the ankle – allowing some skin to show.
- You could also try a flare jean, but then I would go sleeveless on top.
- Avoid bulk at the waist by wearing pull-on jeans or jeggings.
- For the dress, I like a shirt dress, better yet, one with a belt so you keep your waistline within the look.
- Keep accessories simple, there is already a lot going on with this look.
HOW TO WEAR A DRESS OVER YOUR JEANS (CLICK HERE)
CELEBRATE YOUR UNIQUE STYLE AND SHAPE
In this archived post, we 40+ style bloggers say “yes” to wearing jeans! In this collaborative post, we talk about our favorite jean silhouette and share tips on how we shop and style our jeans for each of our unique body types.
HOW TO STYLE DENIM OVER 40 (CLICK HERE)
LET’S CHAT!
Take the time to get this one right. Whether it’s a boyfriend, bootcut, straight leg, skinny, high waist, pull-on, crop or flare – pick a pair you feel your best self in. A great pair of jeans can take you anywhere – day or night.
What’s your favorite jean for your body type? Do you own multiple styles of denim, or do you stick with one style and brand?
Drop us a line down below, we’d love to hear!
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