Denim is universally loved and with good reason - it is the perfect core item to build any outfit around; durable, versatile and effortlessly stylish. When it comes to denim, there are loads of options in style, cut and wash so it can be tricky to determine which denim direction is right for you. This simple break down will help you arrive at destination denim as quickly and easily as possible.
Cut
The best cut jeans for you will work to balance and flatter your shape. Understanding your Body Shape will lead you in the right direction - some body shapes look incredible in a skinny leg jean, others work well in a straight leg and some look amazing in a boyfriend jean. From here, it can become a more detailed process to work out the finer details such as rise, length, pocket detail etc.
Skinny - every shape!
Skinny jeans work for every different body shape, this universally flattering style is a fail proof choice.
Straight - Column, Petite, Apple.
A straight leg jean works best on a petite or boyish shape as the style needs to drop over the body without catching anywhere for a clean line. Opting for a slightly cropped pair also helps elongate the legs of a petite or apple shaped body.
Boyfriend - Column, Pear, Petite.
A boyfriend jean works best when it sits low slung below the hips or is high-waisted then slouches from this point down to skim over the hips and bottom. This relaxed style is perfect on a Pear as the extra room through the legs and the hips balances the shape. It is also a good choice for a petite shape again adding balance to the figure.
Mom - Hourglass.
A mom jean sits on the waist, not the hips, which accentuates the bum and shrinks the middle - this is a great choice for those with hourglass figures or those who want to create the illusion of curves.
Boot Cut - Hourglass, Column & Pear.
The boot cut silhouette is fitted through the thighs and then flares out to wider hems starting at the knee which flatters an hourglass shape because the wider bottoms balance out your generous hips, while the snugger fit up top helps to show off your best assets. It also suits a Pear as it draws attention to the waist line and curve of the hips
Rise
Low Rise - if you find mid rise styles give you muffin top, a low rise is a great alternative. Allowing room for the hips is a great way to go if you have an apple shape and carry weight through the mid section. (tip - opt for a stretchy denim so the jean hugs the hips and doesn't gape or ride down or add a belt to ensure they stay in place)
Mid Rise - this is generally the most flattering rise for all figures and provides a little more structure around the midsection than a low rise. Mid-rise jeans are also really compatible with just about any top length, which makes them a great go-to all around. They will work best with a leaner waist as they can cut into the mid section so a stretch denim will be your best bet if this is a problem for you.
High Rise - this classic fit is ideal for lean, Athletic body types with smaller waists as well as pears and hourglass shapes on the slender side. This is a perfect style for cropped tops and tuck-in t-shirts/shirts.
Wash
A simple variation in denim tone makes a huge difference to the overall look of an outfit. Generally, darker denim is more formal while light washes are more relaxed. Depending on our natural colouring, some of us suit a sky blue denim, others rock navy perfectly and then there are those who look best in faded tones. The amount of purple or grey in the blue can be the difference between looking great or looking washed out. The best way to determine which tone will suit you is to understand your Colour Season. This will give you an indication of whether you are warm or cool toned and will guide you in the right direction. It will also give you an indication as to whether you can go light or dark.
Summer - white, slate, ice blue, navy (cool toned)
Spring - pastel blue, sky blue, cobalt, violet (warm toned)
Autumn - cream, indigo, sky blue, royal blue (warm toned)
Winter - white, sapphire, charcoal, black (cool toned)
Stretch or Rigid
Deciding on stretch is a purely personal choice, it certainly provides more comfort and allows for easier wear however there are benefits to both options.
Stretch
- comfortable
- easier to style
- less need for a belt
- easier to purchase online as fit doesn't have to be spot on to the millimeter
Rigid
- has a more classic/fashion forward look
- lasts longer
- tailored, fit must be perfect
- higher quality/no polyester
Still stuck on what denim is right for you? Get in touch today for a an E-Styling Package and find out what the perfect jeans are for you!