The Perfect Pair

Jeans are one of the most versatile and adaptable items in a girl’s wardrobe, but how do you find your perfect match? Choosing a pair that is right for your body shape – and not necessarily the latest fashion – will establish balance and correct proportion that is key to achieving the most flattering look. Short legs need to look longer, fat tummies flatter and big bums smaller, whilst slim waists and shapely legs need to be shown off!

Pay attention to the rise, cut, fit and wash of your jeans. For example, hipsters elongate the body and make a bigger bottom appear smaller whilst low risers broaden slim hips but may also produce the ‘muffin top’ effect. Decide what you want to hide or show and then choose a style accordingly!

If you are big on top, slim fit or skinny legged jeans – even if you have lovely slim legs – will make you look top-heavy whilst attracting unwanted attention to hips and thighs for pear shapes. The solution in both cases may be to wear boot cuts – a flattering style for most women. The slight flare draws the eye from thicker waists and wider hips and helps achieve a balanced look.

Don’t be tempted to wear jeans that are too small to ‘pull you in’. Clothing that is too tight generally makes you look fatter. Find a pair that fits you correctly at your largest point and then make the necessary adjustments elsewhere.

If a tubby tummy is a problem for you, avoid tucks, pleats and button-up flies to keep the front of the jeans as flat as possible. A higher waistline can also help to keep everything tucked neatly away!

Dark colours create a slimming effect so avoid paler or lighter washed out shades around problem areas. If your legs are heavy at the top, jeans that fade below the knee will draw attention away from your thighs.

If tall and slender is what you are after, wear jeans with a narrower cut and make sure they are long enough to almost cover your shoes. Capri cuts are definitely out for smaller women as they shorten the leg.

Finally, pay attention to pockets, stitching and other embellishments. Pockets positioned wide apart will make your bottom look bigger, as will flaps and fancy stitching. Wherever there is detail, there will be attention, so only wear it if you want to flaunt it!

Use the information here as a guide about what to avoid or look for, but don’t get too bogged down. There is no substitute for actually going to the shop and trying on! The key is to accentuate your assets and then wear your jeans with confidence!