I get asked about jeans all of the time. They’re a wardrobe staple in most women’s wardrobe yet probably cause the most angst when trying to find that ‘perfect pair’. So here’s what to think about if you’re looking for a pair this season:
1. Your Style Personality
As with all clothes, first and foremost, I’d encourage you to think about your styling likes and dislikes:-
- If you have a Classic style personality you might prefer a timeless straight leg style in a dark wash, for example, rather than anything distressed or super casual.
- If you have a Romantic style personality you might like your jeans to have a femininity to them, perhaps you’ll like embroidery details on the pockets, for example. You’ll probably not enjoy wearing styles, like the boyfriend cut, that appear shapeless to you.
- If you have a Dramatic style personality it’ll be all about following the latest fashions so perhaps the kick flare and wider leg styles that are so current at the moment will appeal? Or maybe you’ll prefer something a bit more eye catching with contrast colour denim or stitching perhaps?
- Or maybe you have a Natural style personality and are most concerned with function rather than form and are 100% focused on making sure that your jeans are comfortable above all else. For you, choosing a softer, stretchier denim may be important.
- If you have a Creative style personality you’ll maybe like to pick up your jeans in vintage markets and then customise them yourself. Or you might like a more BoHo look for example.
- Or if you like a Chic look then you might like a simple understated style without too many pockets and details.
Understanding your style personality will help you to choose jeans (and clothes in general) that you wear, so it’s well worth reflecting on your styling like and dislikes before you invest.
Your Body Shape
This can make a big difference in terms of the way jeans will fit you.
If you have a straighter shape (e.g.rectangle or inverted triangle), then jeans, and trousers in general, are probably a ‘go to’ wardrobe staple for you. Denim is a crisp fabric so it naturally suits straighter shapes as it will hang neatly from waist to toe. You’ll be great in any of the styles above.
If you have a curvier shape, (e.g. pear, apple, strawberry or hourglass) then crisp denim can be tricky as it doesn’t naturally navigate curves very easily. This is why you may find that the waists are often baggy or that the jeans pull over your curvier parts like your tummy, thighs and hips. If this is you, choosing jeans that have stretch to them is a must – the addition of lycra/elastane means that there is some give in the jeans and they therefore stretch around curves and, what’s more, they’ll feel more comfortable. The Lands’ End jeans shown above go one step further in that they are made in a super comfy and stretchy knit jersey fabric.
There are some shapes of jeans that are particularly flattering for specific body shapes too. So if you have a pear shape, for example, you will look lovely balancing your smaller top half by choosing a darker wash jean that either kicks out at the hemline (e.g. boot cut, kick flare) or is a wider leg style that is less clingy over the hip/thigh area. The flared jeans from Wyse London above are a great example. Try to avoid slanted pockets too as these can gape.
The same applies to fuller hourglass shapes in that you’ll again look great in styles like a boot cut or kick flare that add breadth to the hemline to visually balance your hips. If you have a tummy try to minimise the details in this area, like pockets and zips. To be honest, us ladies don’t really need a fly, (jeans were created by men for men!), as it often creates bulk over the tummy area, so flat fronted, side zip style or jeggings are winners.
Your Proportions, Height & Scale
If you are tall and/or are proportionally longer in your legs then you may love your skinny jeans which show them off, but your extra height and/or leg length means that can also wear the wider leg styles that can be less flattering for those who are petite or proportionally shorter in the leg. You can also choose cargo styles, with pockets on the legs, which are very current at the moment, as you can afford to ‘break up’ the leg area. And, if you want to bring the eye to your legs then lighter and brighter colours will work really well. How about choosing a cream/white, a pastel pink or a bold green like those shown below, all big colours for this season.
Generally speaking, if you are petite and/or have shorter legs, you’ll suit styles that sit closer to your body rather than anything too voluminous and a high waist style will visually make your legs look longer. You may also prefer a darker wash so that the eye is drawn upwards.
Fashion Favourites for Spring/Summer’23
If you enjoy following the trends, then you may like to invest in:
- Kick flare/bootleg styles – especially those with 70’s patch pockets at the front – like the Sosandar ones shown below.
- Cargo styles – they’re everywhere! You can choose the skinnier version like these from Next or if you like eco-conscious brands the Albaray 100% organic ones might appeal.
Don’t forget to shop your own wardrobe first though as you may well already have these in your wardrobe!