WEARABLE DENIM GUIDE
Finding a perfect pair of jeans can be tough, and you will have more fails than wins. But once it happens, it’s pretty magical. Somehow your butt looks much hotter and you find ways not to wash them in case they change ever so slightly. I do recall not washing a pair of vintage Levis for about a year because I didn’t want them to fade.
To find that perfect jean you have to 'embrace the process'. Comfortable yet stylish, denim that stretches just the right amount, but not too much etc etc. And you may need more than one pair depending on what the purpose or end use of your jean is. Are you up for the challenge?
W A T C H - MY GUIDE TO DENIM FITS
THE ‘YES’ LIST WHEN BUYING DENIM.
- They need to be tight as denim stretches. My rule is, when buying new jeans, if you can barely do the top button up, then they fit. If they fit you comfortably, then they are too big.
- Make sure you look in the mirror - front and from behind to check that they work from all angles. Also, check again in the mirrors in your home as you need to seen them in a non-change room environment.
- Don't buy jeans because of the brand, buy them because of the fit.
- What style works on others may not work on you. So don't be guided by what everyone else is wearing. You can get the same look in a different style that fits and suits you.
- When you buy a new pair of jeans, wear them around the house for a few hours to break them in.
- Try not to wash your jeans as they loose their personality. If you must wash them, turn them inside out to prevent fading. And keep them inside out when drying them too.
AND, THE NO’S WHEN BUYING DENIM.
- Super low waisted jeans as bending over can be an issue.
- Drop crutch jeans I used to love, but now in hindsight, I think they are odd and not flattering.
- Jeans with too many holes and rips as they look a little hectic and try hard.
1. DISTRESSED DENIM
When it comes to denim with holes, LESS DISTRESS IS BETTER! These styles can really only be worn casually, but can look really cool if styled properly….. think vintage cool girl vibes.
TIP - If you can find vintage Levis jeans with real distressing, these are the holy grail of denim.
2. THE MID TO DARK JEAN
Darker or mid blue denim I think are the most wearable choice, as can be worn to work, or casually. Also wearing darker denim has the added advantage of making you look slimmer as the colour is more forgiving.
TIP - Higher waisted fits make your body look longer and can help hide your tummy if styled with a looser top. Opt for a jean with a bit of ‘stretch’ if you have trouble finding jeans that fit you. The stretch will be also more comfortable to wear.
3. THE WIDE LEG JEAN
If you don’t like wearing jeans, but want to wear denim, the wide leg jean is just like wearing a trouser ….just in denim. They are also flattering for most women (height and size). This style also looks great for different dress codes as work with a heel to a sneaker.
4. THE CLASSICs - STRAIGHT OR TAPER FIT
These jeans fit tightly in the right spots (hips, waist) and slightly looser around shins and ankles, making them really flattering because they hide the things you may not like about your body. Once you find the perfect jean…you will know what I am talking about !
5. ELASTIC WAIST
These are perfect if you find it difficult to find jeans to fit your waist. They are also very flattering, as they can define your waist and usually are much more comfortable than normal jeans.
6. THE JUMPSUIT
Admittedly, not for everyone…..BUT so very cool if you embrace this.
7. The denim shirt dress
Wearing denim always works - but sometimes wearing jeans aren’t always appropriate or you just may not like wearing them. There are lots of denim dress options available, but I think the most flattering and versatile are the ‘shirt dress’ styles. Also look for chambray versions, as this will give you the ‘look’ without the heaviness of fabric.
8. ‘paper bag’ waist denim short
Finding a wearable denim short can be a challenge, particularly if you struggle finding a pair to fit your waist. An elastic or ‘paper bag’ waist option is really flattering because they define your waist while being comfortable (this waist works for petite or wider frames).
9. THE DENIM SHORT
No…. you aren’t too old to wear denim shorts!!! It’s just about finding the perfect ‘slouch’ and length. Personally, I love wearing vintage Levis shorts as I can cut to the length I feel comfortable wearing. However these take years of scouring through vintage stores or markets to source. You can however buy great versions now, and you can customise the length yourself.
My tip is ….. slouchy is better than tight and small. Denim shorts can also look really bad if you wear the wrong size or fit.
10. THE DENIM JACKET
A necessity in everyone’s wardrobe ! Such an awesome tran-seasonal piece, great for travelling and perfect for layering. A denim jacket can be cropped, slouchy, vintage…or even stolen from your partners wardrobe as men’s jackets are the best!
So that’s it. Shopping for denim can be really be exhausting and rather depressing. But please stick with the process! Once you find the right jean, regardless of what's going on with fashion trends and fads, they will be the one consistent thing you will be wearing over an over again.
This article is copyright and may not be used without the express written permission of Where Did Your Style Go.