7 Rules to Finding the Perfect Jeans

Blue jeans are common around the world. But if you’re like most women, you find jeans shopping stressful. In fact, nearly 70 percent of Motherboard Moms said that they have to try on four or more pairs before they find a pair that fits. And Clinton Kelly, a fashion consultant and co-host of TLC’s What Not To Wear, says the average woman on the TLC show tries on 20 pairs! Okay, so the dressing room can’t be avoided. But you can steer clear of other pitfalls of jeans shopping (and jeans wearing) with this smart advice from Kelly.

 

You inspect the label on a pair of jeans, and it says that they’re a certain size and style, say boot-cut or straight-leg style. That’s good information, says fashion consultant Clinton Kelly, but keep in mind that one manufacturers’ definition of boot-cut is different from another’s. And when it comes to flares, some jeans flare out a bit, others a lot.

“And, unfortunately, there is no universal sizing chart for designers to abide by,” says Kelly. “You may wear a size 10 in one line of jeans and a 14 in another. Don’t stress about it! Keep in mind: Women very frequently have a range of three sizes when it comes to the different items in their wardrobe.” When in doubt, Kelly says, grab a minimum of two different sizes to take into the dressing room.

Jeans with a darker wash are more flattering and look more polished than jeans in a lighter wash. Color versatility will come in handy if you want to wear jeans when you go out at night or if you’re trying to create a business casual look.

 

Be aware that if you buy distressed jeans with any sort of bleaching (lines on the hips or faded spots on the thigh, knees, or tush), the distressing will always emphasize those particular parts of your body. If your jeans have a faded spot on the thighs, that bleached spot will make your thighs the focus of attention and, ultimately, make them look bigger.

Nothing will age you faster than wearing a pair of mom jeans: those high-waisted, light-washed, taper-legged jeans. Women like mom jeans because they usually fit a wide range of shapes. They’re higher in the rise and wide in the tush, so they work for more body types, but they’re terrible-looking on every shape. If you own a Mom jeans, toss them!” Instead, choose a pair of classic jeans, and try on several pairs until you find one that’s comfortable.
Stay positive when you shop for jeans and remember that bodies change over the course of a lifetime. You can’t beat yourself up for not having the same body you had before you had kids. Your body changes as time goes on. Accept it and know that there is a jeans style that will fit you.

Just because you’re not wearing mom jeans doesn’t mean you should be wearing your daughter’s! This is another big fashion no-no. Tween girls experiment with style: Adolescence and young adulthood is all about finding a style that works.
When you wear something that’s meant for a teen or tween, it says that you don’t know who you are and you’re trying to hold onto your youth. The opposite is actually true: Wearing jeans for younger girls makes you look older. Keep in mind you don’t have to wear the trendiest jean. Find a jeans style you like that’s modern, sleek, and sophisticated. It’s your time to be you!

Your blue jeans should never ever be worn with a white cross-training sneakers. It’s the number-one fashion mistake women make with jeans. It’s the worst thing a woman can do because it means you’re taking the easy way out. It shows you’re making no effort at all when you get dressed.
That underwear peeking out of the top of the jeans? Don’t go there. Wearing low-rise jeans with your thong or other lingerie sticking out is a look that had five minutes—and only five minutes—of fame. Best advice: Keep your underwear in your pants.