The Working Closet
with Susan Wagner
The Working Closet is your source for the best of what's hip and fresh in fashion and beauty. Susan Wagner keeps you up-to-date on trends and offers tips and tricks for making everything in your closet truly work for you.
You can also catch Susan over at Friday Playdate.
Jeans. Skinny, wide-leg, boot cut, trouser, cigarette, boyfriend, straight leg…the list goes on and on. Remember what jean options were available before before designer labels took over the market? Yeah, neither do I. If I do recall correctly, all body types were essentially forced to wear the same styles and it didn’t make for very attractive looks.
Today, your denim choices are virtually unlimited, which is perfect for finding the exact pair to suit your personal style and shape, but the process can be a little daunting. There are A LOT of jeans out there. However, you’ve come to the right place. With the help of Shopbop’s denim tutor, take a deep breath and a long look at what kind of jeans will work on your type of body.
Short/Petite:
- A dark wash will slim and elongate the leg
- Boot cut jeans over heels are the ultimate height booster
- A mid-rise waist can give the illusion of longer legs
- Jeans with shorter inseams can save you a trip to the tailor
- Avoid jeans that are baggy or cut off mid-calf
Joe’s Jeans Petite Provocateur, $172
Tall:
- Skinny jeans accent slim, long legs
- Look for jeans with extra-long inseams so you don’t appear to be waiting for the flood
- A dark wash accentuates a long, lean look
Curvy:
- Find a leg opening that is about as wide as the thigh - it balances out the hips
- Avoid too much distressing around the pockets which can draw the eye to problem areas
- Many jeans now have low rise in the front, but a higher rise in the back for more rear coverage
Citizens of Humanity Faye, $167
Flat rear:
- Try angled or smaller pockets in the back to give the illusion of a fuller behind
- Flap pockets or highly-embellished pockets can give the rear extra volume
- Avoid jeans without any rear pockets
Boyish figure:
- A higher rise can emphasize the waist and give the illusion of curves
- Stretch jeans (with a higher content of lycra) will really hug the hips and legs
- Embellished pockets add volume around the hips and rear
- Avoid baggy, boyfriend-style jeans - they will make you appear shapeless
A wide and/or full rear:
- Flared legs help balance out a wide bottom
- Simple dark washes without embellishments are flattering (J. Brands rock!)
- A trouser style gives more room in the hips and thighs without looking baggy
- Avoid pocket-less jeans or tight, tapered fits
A flabby tummy:
- Try a mid-rise to keep the tummy pulled in (beware- a very high rise can give you the dreaded pooch look)
- A touch of stretch will give you a bit of breathing room in the waistband
- Avoid lower rises - the tummy will end up hanging over and out
Seven Bootcut (8.5″ rise), $189
As someone with a flat rear, I can attest that pockets are a must.
Great post, Sarah! You will have legions of women singing your praises
Angella | October 31st, 2008 at 12:22 pm
What if you’re not sure which type you are?
I *think* I’m curvy because a lot of jeans that fit my hips are too big in the waist.
Elizabeth | October 31st, 2008 at 1:07 pm
What do you do when you are short with a full rear and a flabby tummy?
Not that I have a flabby tummy {suck it in, suck it in}
Oh, the choices…
Great picks! Thanks!
Danielle | November 4th, 2008 at 7:09 am
i tried on some jbrand cigarettes last night…because Metalia told me to…and they were heaven in a jean…
so…i guess they are good for us wee girls!
ali | November 6th, 2008 at 8:07 am
I’ve got a short inseam and a curvy body, which usually means that the jeans that fit my leg don’t fit my waist (Such is the fate of the petite). However, I have recently converted to the church of Levi, and have not looked back. I like the way it makes my rear look, there are a variety of leg openings, and it is very affordable.
Jess | November 26th, 2008 at 5:10 am