Fundamentally Fabulous ~ Blue Jeans

Shopping for the perfect pair of jeans can be like shopping for swim-wear.  Most of us dread it, but when we find the perfect pair...it's like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

As a little girl, my jeans were reserved for home, play dates and casual family visits.
I remember begging my Mum for years to let me wear my jeans on our weekly outings to the city, and week after week, they were deemed inappropriate.

Today, 30 something years on, jeans have become part of my daily uniform, and yes I allow myself the privilege of wearing them shopping in the "big city"...its' the rebel in me..
I can dress them up and take them into the night with sky high heels or I can throw them on a with a white tee or button down shirt and a cute pair of flats, and create a look that is effortlessly chic.

There are an infinite number of options for denim and it can be somewhat overwhelming. So lets break it down.

The 3 style elements that I would consider to be top priorities when choosing your blue jeans are cut, quality and fit.

The Cut. Find a style that suits you.

Like all our fundamental wardrobe pieces, knowing what compliments and flatters your shape will be your first consideration. There are a couple of general rules of thumb to follow, but remember there is always the exception to the rule, and very few of us have text book measurements, so invest the time into discovering your body shape and what styles create balance and accentuate your assets. (This blog post from Lauren Conrad is a great start)

If you are looking to minimise your hips & thighs, select a flare or boot leg; and nothing too high waisted. 
Tiny and petite? There are a number of styles that will suit your shape, my preference is for slim cut jeans...skinnies are perfect, and if you want to add height look for something a little higher waisted. The key for you is to avoid styles that will overwhelm your shape...we don't want to loose you!
Blessed with the long and lean? the choices is all yours...(yes we are all a teeny bit jealous) Straight leg, 70's inspired flare, boot cut, or boyfriend.... the denim bar belongs to you!

Once you have chosen the right cut, if you are looking to maximise the slim factor, opt for a darker shade of denim.

You know the Jeans fit well when:

• There are no bulges above the waist line. If you are experiencing the dreaded 'muffin' top, the jeans are either two small, or you need to try a higher rise
• There is no strain or excess of fabric (a little natural wrinkling is fine)
• There are no gaps in the back - this is usually an indication that you need a lower rise

Quality - My position hasn't changed -  buy the best you can afford. 

The pair of jeans that sit amongst your 'fundamental' wardrobe pieces, are generally in an even wash, not faded or ripped and don't have too much detail. Depending on your body type, they will be in a slim leg (skinny), boot leg or straight leg style in a darker shade, like the genetic dark denim bootcut 

Once you have the essential pair covered, look at how you can inject seasonal cuts and colours into your wardrobe for those fun, on trend pieces.

For those looking for great value for money, do yourself a favour and explore the range from Jeanswest. They offer a great core range designed to fit different body shapes, (including long and short leg lengths), and in addition, each season they inject 'on trend' pieces to keep their offering current. 

If you like to shop on line, the options are endless. Make sure you know your measurements so you can easily identify and determine the right size. 

Some of my favourite on-line retailers for denim include Shopbop, nudie jeans & genetic denim (genetic denim available at multiple on line stores including shop bop, The Iconic, and revolve clothing. (nudie and genetic are quite possibly the most comfortable jeans I have ever owned...LOVE them). 

Blue jeans have become entrenched into our lifestyle, and when you discover your best fit, you will find yourself right in the middle of your confidence zone.

My advice? Be in continual pursuit of the perfect pair. 

xo 

images courtesy of interest