How Do You Select the Right Jeans For You?

By Diane Parente, Professional Image and Wardrobe Consultant

Jeans have become an essential staple for women of all ages and sizes; however, the unlimited choices available often make it difficult to select the right pair. You have a variety of leg widths, colors, back pocket shapes, waistband fit, and decorations.

Once you understand the impression you make when wearing these different types of jeans, you will become a savvy shopper.

Bootcut Jeans

You are feminine and not afraid to show your curves. This is a figure-flattering style for most women, accentuating their waist and balancing the hips with a slight flare from the calf to the hemline. In a black washed color, this style can be dressed up or down with a black leather or suede jacket, snazzy belt, fitted shirt, and high-heeled pumps. Dress down by wearing a turtleneck or V-neck sweater with a pair of boots.

Baggy, Home-Girl Jeans

You choose to wear bagging jeans when you have gained weight and don’t want anyone to notice. “Don’t look at me; I feel fat.” If you decide to wear the baggy jeans, you should wear a more fitted top tucked inside the waistband. Baggy jeans are best worn when you garden, wash the car, or clean out the garage. Otherwise, do not wear this look in public, please!

Tapered Down to the Ankle

You are hip and fashion-forward. You love the Italian and French looks. Dress up your appearance by wearing high heels, paired with an off-the-shoulder, dark top that is fitted snuggly around the hips with silver drop earrings. Dress down the jeans with a comfy, long sweater and high-heeled, tall boots worn over the jeans, or select a pair of animal- print flats and toss a shawl around the shoulders.

Those who work in retail or the arts prefer this look, as do women who go clubbing, but don’t want to wear a dress. These slim-cut jeans require a slender figure, or you can wear a body shaper underneath that will take off 10-20 pounds around the hips.

Stonewashed Faded Jeans

This high school and college student’s uniform is very practical and goes with everything. You are a conformist and want to blend in with the crowd. Soccer moms, when not wearing their athletic gear, are wearing stonewashed, faded jeans ? like their daughters.

To dress up this casual look, remove your flip-flops or tennis shoes and slip into a boot. Tuck a white shirt into the waistband, top with a black blazer, and accessorize with a studded belt and loop earrings.

Distressed, Ripped Jeans

Nearly all pop entertainers sport the rock-star look. They want to say, “Hey, I’m one of you guys, not some pretentious person.” “I’m wealthy, but I don’t want to show it.” The only people who can wear ripped jeans effectively are the very young; an adult dressed like this looks like she should be playing a guitar.

Colored Jeans

You are from Florida and living in a retirement community. This style should not be worn by anyone who wants to look more youthful and stylish. If you already own a pair of colorful jeans, take them to someone who does alterations and have them made into cropped pants. This will give you a more contemporary look. Wear with a fun T-shirt and sandals and off you go for a day of shopping and lunch with friends in the suburbs, not the city. Cities are sophisticated and people wear more neutral colors there.
Bell Bottom/Wide-Leg Jeans

You are a nonconformist and enjoy going to thrift and consignment stores to find vintage clothing. You like to stand out and be noticed for your individuality. For the layperson that wants to try something new, pair bell bottoms with a fitted white, scoop neck T-shirt tucked into the waistband and topped with a bolero jacket and short, flat boots.

Low-Rise Skinny Jeans

You work out seven days a week and enjoy showing off your body. You want to attract male attention, and you do. This is for slender and fit bodies only; otherwise you will look ridiculous with extra flesh draping over the waistband. Wear a long top either tucked in or worn on the outside to avoid showing your thong underwear. Not a pretty sight!

Boyfriend Jeans

Biking, hiking, and mountain climbing are for you. You love jeans and want to wear them all the time; however, the warmer weather keeps you from doing so unless you wear rolled-up boyfriend jeans. You are active and dislike fussing with clothes, so you live in jeans worn with a variety of tops.

Mom Jeans

You are communicating the big “M” word ? “I am matronly.” Give those mom jeans an edge by wearing a pair of metallic, Euro, lace-up tennis shoes and topping them with a good looking, semi-fitted, crisp shirt worn on the outside of the pants to cover up the baggy backside. Lift the collar and roll the shirt cuffs. Make sure you have a great hairstyle to complement your face. This will keep attention on your upper body.

White Jeans

You are an elegant woman who wears everything perfectly pressed and clean.

You amaze your friends because you can wear white and never get a spot on the jeans. Your home is the same, with everything neat and tidy like a house that has been staged and is ready to sell. For a dressier look, wear an asymmetrical black top and black, buckled flats. Accessorize with dangly earrings and silver bracelets. For a more casual look, wear a colorful top in yellow or orange, throw over a light denim jacket, and finish with flip-flops or sandals.

Final Tips to make sure your have a great pair of jeans to complement your figure.

1. Fabric: Select fabric with enough Lycra to give you comfort and prevent bagging at the knees and backside.
2. Color: The darker the color, the dressier the jeans.
3. Pockets: Make sure the backside pockets hit the middle or slightly lower; avoid pockets that hit the upper thigh. If your pockets are too low, they will make your derriere look droopy and flat. This is where a three-way mirror is essential.
4. Waistline: The best waistband sits slightly lower than your natural waist. If you have excess weight around your belly, the flesh will spill over, creating an unattractive look known as the Muffin Top.
5. Pant width: Wider widths will balance wide hips.

By Diane Parente, Professional Image and Wardrobe Consultant