Jeans are a great universal addition to any wardrobe. You may have one favorite pair that you wear every weekend, or you may have 20+ pairs stockpiled in your closet. Whichever kind of denim girl you are, remember that you are a denim girl! The dark wash denim jean is the most flattering of any wash on all figures. The solid dark color elongates the leg, making you look more long and lean.
While dark wash denim is a miracle in its own ways, you have to make sure that you're getting the right pair of jeans for your body. Here are some things to look out for:
Check out three popular styles of denim jeans - skinny, flared, and boot cut - and start shopping!
- Dress them up. Add a blazer, necklace, nice cami or blouse, and neutral shoes. Perfect for a "casual friday" at work or a lunch party.
- Dress them down. Wear with a graphic t-shirt and cardigan. Accessorize with a scarf or layer another vest for the fall season. Slip on your favorite Converse shoes and you're ready to go out to the grocery store or to a movie with friends.
While dark wash denim is a miracle in its own ways, you have to make sure that you're getting the right pair of jeans for your body. Here are some things to look out for:
- Avoid light wash on thighs. Some dark wash jeans have a light wash on the front and back of thighs that draws attention to that area. The contrast also has a "magnifying" effect. So if your thighs aren't something you want to showcase in particular, stay away from the light wash patches!
- Think about back pockets. Many women have a misconstrued idea that pockets make their backside look huge. They're not totally wrong, but they're definitely not 100% right. Pockets with flaps and buttons are going to draw the most attention and create the most volume, making the backside look the biggest. Open pockets with no flap and limited detail are ideal for many women. They give the butt some shape while not drawing too much attention. Some jeans have fake back pockets. Why? We're still wondering - but whoever invented them deserves a special place in my heart right in between the guy who created the shape of a Pringles can and the guy who directed the dancing women wearing all white in tampon commercials. Anyway, I'd personally avoid the fake pockets. They're more annoying than anything. What are fake pockets are better than, though? No pockets. If a pair of jean has no trace of a back pocket, step. away. from. the. rack. You're better than that. Overall, you should like the way your backside looks in a pair of jeans. To ensure this happens, ALWAYS try on jeans before purchasing them.
- Do they fit right? This is the other important thing that contributes to the importance of trying on before purchasing. Gapping at the crotch? Too big. Stretching over the thigh and crotch area? Too tight. When you take off the jeans and have the seam imprinted into the side of your leg, they're also too tight. Walk around for a few minutes in the jeans. Are they falling down? Are they gapping at the crotch or above the butt in back? These are all things to consider. There is a pair of jeans out there that fits you. And if you don't have the patience to find them, that's what tailors are for.
- Never buy a pair of jeans without shoes in mind. Skinny jeans are going to give you a lot of leeway. Wear whatever shoes make you feel stylish and confident. Wearing boots? Tuck in the skinny jeans and add a boot sock to accessorize. Boot cut styles offer some wiggle room. depending on the width of the leg, you can tuck in the ankle to a boot or you can fit it over the boot. "Boot cut" is very subjective to the designer too, so I can't offer specific advice. However, you should never see the entire heel of your pump shoe under your boot cut. This goes for flared jeans too. Personally, I think flared jeans are the hardest style to pair with shoes. Heels can't be too high, and the fit suggests a colder season - nearly nixing the option to wear open-toed shoes.
- Watch out for jeggings. If your dark wash jean is $15, you might want to check what the material is. More than 10% spandex? You're most likely looking at a jegging. They look like jeans, but don't have nearly the sophistication and quality of real denim. They just don't look the same. Unless you're still in high school, I'd try and avoid the jegging for most occasions.
Check out three popular styles of denim jeans - skinny, flared, and boot cut - and start shopping!
skinny
Jessica Simpson "Kiss Me" Super Skinny Jeans $59.00 |
flare
Twin-Set Denim Jeans $56.00 |
boot cut
Michael Kors Boot Cut Jeans in Stellar $99.50 | Citizens of Humanity Jeans - Emanuelle Slim Petite Boot Cut $174 |
There are more fits of jeans. If you're an hourglass like me - (between sizes 6 and 12) - take a look at my favorite brands for our body type in particular!