STYLING DENIM JEANS FOR EVERYONE

Finding the right pair of denim jeans can be like searching for the holy grail. Ladies they do exist, but it might take a few sessions in the change room wiggling your butt into some denim before you find the perfect pair ‘for you’. Styling denim jeans doesn’t need to be hard, stick with me because I’ve got some tips.

Personally I only started wearing denim jeans three years ago, uh huh, three years ago! I’ve always been a bit intimidated by denim jeans. I also had a few body image issues back in the day that whispered into my ear to ‘stay away from jeans’. 

Then I found the perfect style for me, turns out there’s was nothing to be worried about. I actually quite like denim jeans, I mean why wouldn’t I? I’m such a massive fan of chambray that it’s the natural progression, right?

As the  weather has now got cooler I’m receiving lots of enquiries about jeans. Where to buy them? How to style denim jeans? What my favourites are?…and what style suits which body shape???

I’ve heard you ladies and I have some answers. This post is for ALL ladies, no matter your size or shape, there’s tips for you all.

Well, I’ve been wearing some ace jeans lately so I thought it’s time to share…

WHAT I’M LOVING 

Harlow *‘black night skinny leg jeans’. These babies always make me feel like a rock star. Always! The denim is quality, no sagging, no colour transfer and no crazy fading. These denim jeans are longer in the leg, make me feel held in, sit higher in the waist and are quality Aussie designed and made.

17 Sunday’s ‘denim loophole joggers’. (similar to the ones I’m wearing) Every time I wear these washed out beauties you all go a little cray-cray for them. With polka dots, ‘elastic ankle’ and tie waist they’re cute but also have spunk. I like to think of them as the sporty version of a skinny leg.

This particular pair I’m wearing are sold out but I’ve seen the new 17Sunday’s collection and there’s some cute pairs coming, grab the ‘loophole’ if you like this style. 

Target ‘Sophie skinny leg’. These are a recent purchase, I loved them so much I bought two pairs. Look, at $39 they’re cheap and cheerful and the reason I bought two pairs is I was pretty sure they would get a bit of leg or arse sag (they do)…you get what you pay for. I’m not bothered though, I can rotate both pairs so they always look fresh. The reason I chose them was because I wanted to try the distressed skinny leg, the 7/8 length also appealed to me. The bonus was the price tag AND they are very, very comfy. Oh and I also picked them up in black. You can try similar in Target ‘Belle curve’ HERE. 

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Harlow *‘Get it on skinny leg’. When I first put these on and strutted down the hallway I knew they were all kinds of wonderful. I just ‘felt’ sexier. My arse kinda felt supported and, well…look…

Not bad hey. I don’t know if it’s my imagination but the blue skinny leg from Harlow don’t feel as heavy as the black pair, and I’m kinda glad about that. I know I’ll wear the blue more in spring and into summer so that suits me just fine. 

WHAT YOU SAID.

I asked the ladies of ‘Body Loving Babes’ (my private group that I have recently closed down) for their favourite denim jeans recommendations and they spoke. Here’s some of their favourites…

–Jeans West ,curve embracer’ (extremely popular)
–Bohemian Traders
–NYDJ
–Mavi Jeans
–Gabriella Frattini jeans
–Sussan
–Katie’s
–De Jour jeans
–17 Sundays
–Harlow
–Target
–Embody Denim

WHAT WILL SUIT YOUR SHAPE?

SKINNY LEG- Universally a skinny leg will suit everyone, I promise. Just get the rise right (for comfort) and get the accompanying leg length correct and you will be feeling bodacious and bootylicious in no time. A skinny leg likes a top that’s a little relaxed, and if you need extra length look for curved gems and don’t be afraid to do a little half tuck.

STRAIGHT LEG- If you really don’t feel comfortable in a skinny leg Jean then relax it a little and go for a straight leg denim jean. This will still show off your gorgeous shape while leaving you feeling comfortable.

BOYFRIEND- Boyfriend jeans are easy to admire but not always easy to wear. Too baggy and you’ll end up looking like you’re in denim clown pants, and look much larger than you are.

Boyfriend jeans need to be worn slung a little lower on your hips not pulled up to the waist. It might feel weird at first but it’s a style I love to wear and got used to wearing very quickly.

If you can’t find a boyfriend Jean to to fit or flatter then look at a denim jogger, they still have a relaxed fit and cool vibe. A denim droppie is also a fun option. 

WIDE HEM- a wide or flare hem love long legs, the taller you are then the wider you can go with the flare. If you are a shorter woman you can totally wear them too, just remember to always add height with a heel. I’m an apple shape  (weight on the belly) and do find that a flare makes me look very ‘blocky’, so I steer clear.

LOW-RISE- A low-rise will make  a short torso look longer (wear higher waist control knickers if muffin top is an issue). 

HIGH-RISE– A high-rise can shorten a long torso and look amazing with a top tucked in. If you love a crop top then team with a high waist denim jean and love the look even more, just keep the length of your crop top modest. 

DISTRESSED?

No, I’m not distressed, in fact I’m feeling all sunshine and lollipops lately thanks. HAHA. Of course we’re not talking about my mental health, we’re talking about the ripped patches on denim jeans. I’ve had soooo many women ask me if they are too old for distressed denim and the answer is no, never!

Like anything, you are never too old, it’s all in how you wear them. Don’t allow the look to wear you, instead choose jeans with the amount of distress that you feel comfortable with.

Some denim jeans might have been grated just a little while some jeans are pretty much threadbare in areas. It’s all personal choice.Beware and take care that when getting your legs into distressed denim, it’s easy to put your foot right through a distressed patch if you aren’t being careful.

Also watch the positioning of the distressed patch, some can accentuate areas you might prefer not to draw attention to. Oh, and you don’t need any accidental flashing of your lady bits. 

HOW TO CUFF.

?Just as we like to cuff our sleeves or half tuck our tops we also like to tweak our jeans. We ‘tweak’ clothing because not everything will perfectly suit/fit everyone. Tweaking also allows us to to express our style personality. 

?Skinny leg jeans are easy to tuck into boots but what do you do if your denim jeans have a little extra width and you want to ‘tuck’? There’s a trick you need to know. First cuff, wrap the excess around the ankle, layer a sock ‘over’ the wrapped cuff to secure it and then slip on your boot.

?If your jeans are too long and you don’t like the idea of a thick bunched up cuff or a super wide cuff you will need to know this. Make one very wide cuff then cuff that in half again. It will take the length up but leave you with a neat slimline cuff. 

?High heels or ankle boots require two rolls. You need to see a peek of sexy ankle and the top of your shoe

?Flat shoes need just one roll (unless you need to lose leg length) 

?You don’t always need to cuff. 

 WHAT SHOES LOOK BEST?

?Skinny leg jeans look sexy rexy with a heel, relaxed but smart with an Oxford or ballet flat more dressed down with street sneaker or a loafer

?Straight leg denim jeans look classic with a pump and casual with slip on sneakers. 

?High heels or ankle boots require two cuff rolls. You need to see a peek of sexy ankle and the top of your shoe. 

?Wide legged or flared denim jeans love a platform or chunky heel, for a retro vibe add street sneakers. Just never tuck a flared Jean. Ever!

?Boyfriend jeans look at home with white sneakers but really sing when paired with sexy heels. 

?Long boots look hot to trot over skinny leg denim jeans

?A pointed toe will lengthen your leg. 

?If street sneakers just don’t feel right for you try a slip on loafer style. 

CARE

Caring for your denim is easy. If the denim is quality then you hardly ever need to wash them. I know, sounds kinda gross but you don’t want to break your jeans down do you? You can turn them inside out and air them outside (out of harsh sunlight), some people say a spell in the freezer works wonders too.

So how do you know ‘when’ to wash your denim? Well when it starts to sag, is dirty or pongy 🙂 When you do wash turn them inside out and empty all the pockets, use a mild detergent, don’t soak and dry away from harsh sunlight.

GETTING THE PERFECT FIT?

♦Shop with plenty of time to spare and an open mind.

♦Always focus on the fit, not the size, if the label bothers you then ‘cut it out’.

♦Try on the size above and below your regular size.

♦Get them tailored. A little ‘tweaking’ on the Janome can work miracles if the fit isn’t quite right. Have the ankle taken in a little, hem shortened or a dart in the waist to stop ‘plumbers crack. Of course the basics like rise, crotch and hips need to be correct to begin with and wash your jeans before having them tailored.

♦If your denim jeans fit but you still have a ‘muffin top’ try wearing a higher waist control knicker, I swear it works every time to smooth out the ‘muffin’. Just remember to choose the right colour for the top you are wearing.

Do you have a favourite ‘style’ of denim jean?

If you have a label you would like to share then please comment below.

Til next time,

Jen x

  *item sent to me for my editorial consideration in accordance with my disclosure policy.