JEANS: A Love-Hate Relationship

Jeans and I have a love-hate relationship.  Here’s my theory (and many of you are not going to like it):

Not everyone looks good in jeans; but everyone can look good in jeans.  This is especially true when it comes to trends.  As well, I don’t believe that all jeans are comfortable.  Denim, in general is not a draping dream… It’s stiff, and if it weren’t for spandex that has now helped reinvent it- it’s just a rigid, resistant fabric.    

So, how do you make jeans work?  How can you look good and comfortable at the same time? 

You have to find the right fit for you.  And that too is not as simple as it sounds.  Jeans have to work for you- not the other way around.  Here are some of the tricks I’ve given clients throughout the years (and that this Montreal Diva uses for herself as well!).

Loose, or baggy jeans are not just for gardening. These can be so comfy without ditching style. Belt them up and wear some heels- it will change the look completely.

As well, I get that some slouchy jeans can make your back side look less than appealing…so why not top them with a cardi, loose kimono, or long- oversized blouse? This is also great for camouflaging, ladies;)

Another way is to steal the attention away from the jeans, so that you still feel stylish and comfy. Let your top be the star and focus point! Try this for yourself- you’ll thank me later. Notice how my top (and booties) in this next pic, stand out. Another trick is hem design (draws the eye from the boots right to the hem)!

A good sleeve is another big actor in this scene. Sleeves can be theatrical (stealing the show gain!)…starting to see the pattern here? Accentuating with a tight tank or vest also draws the eye to your seemingly smaller waist- and keeps the eyes on the top altogether.

Along those same lines a long top over a pair of skinny or straight jeans can give the appearance of you being a lot slimmer than you actually are (even – even if they’re low waisted). Pair that with some cute booties and let’s just say that those jeans .you only partially see them) look so dang cute!

Speaking of skinny jeans…Pair them with a jacket and immediately you’ve gotten yourself a more complete look! Now the eye goes from top to bottom- it’s cohesive- looks stylish and is super comfy. If you can find a long jean jacket like this one below even better! This length does not cut you off at the waist. Reaching your hips, it takes away any emphasis away from the tummy or behind (or hips- read below).

I can’t rave enough about bell bottoms… and- high waist. Yeah, you read that right. Bell bottoms look great for both curvy and slim shapes. If you’re heavier at the hips, I recommend that you wear (as shown above) a longer jacket if you want to sport your skinnies. But let me just say that if you want a balanced look: a tighter fit from hip to knee and then a flair, balances you out and is way more flattering in every way. Plus, they look absolutely fabulous with platforms (the higher the better!). In this style, you can easily cinch your waist (thick or thin) with a cute belt- and the look will be irresistible; something that can’t be pulled off too well with a low waist pair of jeans. (Key word: muffin).

While I’m on the subject of bell bottoms- or any jean for that matter- a white blouse should be a staple in your wardrobe. It freshens up the look and always seems to make the blue in your jeans pop. I love this contrast so much. As well, white is also the eye-catcher in a jean situation- and as we’ve seen, if you want to wear what you want when it comes to jeans…well then, you always need a show stopper match to help you achieve that!

And then there’s the mono-chromatic look! This is a natural body slimmer. As much as I love me a good print, nothing beats mono-chromatic for making me look put together when I’m in jeans. This look automatically elongates and camouflages all those areas we want kept to ourselves;) Can you imagine an all black jean look? Right?

But if you insist on having your jeans steal the show- then make sure you mean it! You can certainly have fabulous jeans that are the center of your look’s attention- but make sure they are so fabulous that every other part of you that’s not playing, is just an after thought. These jeans are what I’m talking about!

So there you have it. If you don’t want to have a love-hate relationship with your jeans, follow my tips and own your style! Remember: You wear the jeans, don’t let the jeans wear you!

#Confessionoftheday: This love relationship is cyclical; it comes and goes. Like a roller-coaster ride. I guess I’m in it for the excitement. Way to go Levis!

I love reading other great blog posts- so I thought to include some really good ones for you to check out! They have linkup parties where you can link your own posts. Go check them out and show some love. Have a good one!

MONDAY LINKS

Glass of Glam

A Pocket Full of Polka Dots

TUESDAY LINKS:

I Do De Claire

Elegantly Dressed and Stylish

Walking in Memphis in High Heels

The Fashion Canvas

Shelbee on the Edge

Style Splash

WEDNESDAY LINKS:

Jersey Girl Texan Heart

Living on Cloud Nine

Rosy Outlook

Seeking Sunshine

Straight A Style Blog

Anne in Residence

Granola and Grace

The Queen in Between

Coast to Coast

This Blonde Shopping Bag

Is This Mutton

THURSDAY LINKS:

A Labour of Life

High Latitude Style

Doused in Pink

FRIDAY Links

Shelbee on the Edge

Nancy’s Fashion Style