Elizabeth Kosich Styling

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Jean Shopping for Your Body Shape

Perhaps nothing is more ubiquitous than an American woman in blue jeans. In fact, 85 percent of women consider jeans a wardrobe staple and 57 percent wear them at least three times a week. That’s a lot. You’d think what we wear most often is also what makes us look best, but in reality jeans are tough to fit and fickle when it comes to flattery. And then there’s the seasonal “it” jean that most buy but few look good in. If you’re ready to elevate your jeans game, avoid denim trends and shop your body shape instead using these guidelines:

  1. Hourglass
    Balancing body shape should be top priority with every outfit, especially jeans. Since hourglass shapes are blessed with equal parts top and bottom, skinny jeans work wonders to flatter and flaunt those perfectly balanced proportions. Always show off the waist too, so consider ultra-high waisted styles that work double-duty to accentuate your curves and give you legs for days.

  2. Round
    Round body shapes are widest at the midsection so need structure through the midriff. Shop high-waisted jeans that provide support, stiff fabrics that deliver structure and fabrics that offer shaping. Try boot cut styles with pin tuck creases that lengthen, and shop dark denim washes that have a camouflaging effect. If you‘re feeling extravagant, consider investing in Japanese denim for premium quality jeans in material, wash and fit.

  3. Inverted Triangle
    Wide leg jeans balance strong shoulders which is the ideal jean silhouette for inverted triangle body shapes. Consider the sophisticated, on-trend trouser jean with pleats and slit pockets that add just enough bulk at the hips and wide legs that provide sufficient width at the hem. Pair with a classic stiletto in a metallic, patent leather or bold color to add visual weight at the feet and anchor the look, further balancing the lower body half to upper.

  4. Triangle
    Triangle body shapes look best in flare style jeans that simulate an hourglass shape. Add visual weight above the waist with a bold color, statement print, puffy sleeves or ruffles to balance shoulders to hips, and to polish the look.

  5. Rectangle
    Rectangle body shapes have no shape, so a barrel leg jean works miracles to add volume to the lower half. Pair with a cap sleeved tee to add width at the shoulders and finish by cinching the waist with a statement belt in metallic, a bold color or with embellishments to visually create an hourglass shape head-to-toe.

See BestLifeOnline.com press feature here.