Wearing the most flattering denim jeans for your body shape can take a size or two off your appearance, so it’s worth the effort to find the perfect pair. Here are some pointers on how to get the right style for you.
Every wardrobe needs at least one pair of great denim jeans. But you have to make sure they’re the right pair for your shape — that they hug you in the right spots and highlight your assets while minimizing the areas of your body you’re less confident about.
Not sure what works for you? You can benefit greatly from going to a boutique that specializes in denim. The sales staff there will be able to size up your shape and suggest cuts and brands that will suit you best. But just so you’re not starting from square one here are some quick pointers for each body type.
Your shape matters
If you have full hips and thighs
You have hips and thighs that are ampler than the rest of your body (and you likely have more junk in the trunk too), so the most flattering cut will be flared, such as a boot-cut leg or a simple flare such as these ones from Old Navy. These will fit closely along your curves but billow out from the knee to help balance your shape.
If you have a curvy shape
Your defined waist gives an hourglass shape to your body. What will flatter you most is a high-waisted jean (try this style from American Apparel, for example). The high waist will emphasize this teeny part of your physique, creating a flattering (and sexy) silhouette. Look for jeans with a rise of at least 9 inches.
If your body type is straight
There isn’t much difference in size between your waist and your hips, resulting in a more straight appearance, so your goal is to add curves. The best way to do this is with body-hugging pieces, such as skinny jeans (the ones from J Brand will fit you well). Jeans that skim your contours will help create the appearance of more curves, as the fabric will be snug against your body, emphasizing what curves you do possess.
Spring denim trends
Although having a pair of tried-and-true jeans you can wear easily from day to day is a must in one’s wardrobe, incorporating some of the season’s trendy denim is a simple way to keep your wardrobe looking current. Tons of affordable, trendy options can be found in such budget-friendly stores as Walmart, Smart Set and Old Navy. Here are some key looks to consider this season:
Coloured denim
Yes, the coloured denim you bought last summer will still be wearable this spring and summer. Pair them with a pretty blouse or a bold blazer for an eye-catching ensemble that looks pulled together enough for workplaces with a more relaxed dress code, or reserve the look — worn with a pair of sandals and a fun patterned T-shirt — for brunch or evenings out with your friends. Green (Pantone’s colour of the year) is a good colour to invest in now. We’re loving this citrus green pair from Gap.
Dark denim
Deep indigo-coloured denim (like these from 7 for All Mankind) is big for spring, and (bonus!) it’s a figure-flattering shade.
Patterned denim
From camouflage and polka dots to florals and stripes, fun, patterned denim makes getting dressed even easier. All you need is a plain T-shirt or shirt to go with it, or you can play with patterns and pull on a top in a complementary pattern. Wear one with a similar colour within the pattern to tie the two looks together.
Pair denim with denim
Yes, what is sometimes called the Canadian tuxedo is in! Don’t shy away from a denim top with your denim bottoms anymore. Keep the look cohesive by pairing pieces that are fairly close in shade (a shirt that’s one or two shades lighter than your jeans, for example).
More on fashion and style
Trend alert: Tunics
How to dress for your body shape
Choosing a blazer for your body type
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