Welcome to Stylish Monday and Link Up Party a monthly collaboration with women from around the world! Collaborations and women uplifting each other is such a fabulous part of being a blogger and a social media benefit. This special group of wonderful women come together on the second Monday of each month and interpret a theme putting her own special spin and style on it. That’s part of the fun…seeing each women’s stylish interpretation. There’s always something for everyone; and I’m often inspired to try something new! I hope today’s post does the same for you!
Denim for Days
A good pair of jeans is essential for any wardrobe. The problem is that it can be overwhelming to find the best-fitting jeans, especially for your body type. I’m here to get rid of that overwhelming feeling and help you find the perfect jeans, as well as where to shop for them! This post is for anyone who:
- Struggles to find the right jeans for their body shape
- Wants to learn more about different denim styles and fits (as well as current trends)
- Struggles to find good quality jeans
Type of Jean Fits
For the purpose of this post, I will be focusing on the 6 most common denim fits such as Skinny, Straight, Wide Leg, Relaxed (Boyfriend), Bootcut and Flare. Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each jean fits to help you make more informed purchasing decisions going forward.
Skinny Jeans
- Body-hugging
- Fits snuggly through the hip, thigh and hem
- Pencil silhouette
- Made with stretch for comfortability and flattering fit
Straight Jeans
- Clean lines – perfect to wear from day to night
- Straight from the hip and thigh to hem
- Relaxed fit through hip and thigh
- Some styles have a taper
- A great alternative to skinny jeans
Wide Leg Jeans
- Loose and comfortable fit in comparison to other jeans
- Available in straighter cuts or can get wider from the knee to hem
Relaxed – Boyfriend Jeans
- Loose fit jeans
- Straight in the hip and thigh
- Baggy cut that sits low on the hips
- Available in a slim fit, an alternative to the classic boyfriend style
Bootcut Jeans
- Slim in the hip and thighs, widens below the knee
- Flared at the hem
Flared Jeans
- Similar cut to boyfriend jeans – fitted at hips and thigh
- Wider flare from the knee down
- Available in cropped kick flare styles to wide flare cropped jeans
- Flare styles vary from narrow to wide bell bottom styles for a slight seventies take.
Jean Styles for Your Body Shape
I’m pretty sure I’m an hour glass – I have always had and probably always will have lots of curves…LOL! However, I do like to try various styles to see if it will look good on me or not. Over time, I have found that the wide leg is not flattering although I have a pair. In order for them to look good I need to wear a more fitted top and tuck it in otherwise it’s too much material. My preference has been skinny jeans, which I feel are most figure flattering. I was reluctant to try flares or boot cut but am glad I did because I do feel they look pretty good on me if styled correctly. Bootcut jeans fit slim through the hip and thigh with a slight flare from knee to ankle while the flare jean have a looser and wider fit. You might have heard that skinny jeans are out…who sits around making up the rules and trends?! I say find the style, cut, and wash that work with you and wear them with confidence! Quit frankly I think every style of jeans look great when wore and styled with confidence!
Boot Cut
Boot Cut is often my last go to choice so I decided to start here first because they’re figure flattering and easy to style. They were out of my comfort zone but shouldn’t have been! My hope is that you try new things and surprise yourself that you like something you thought you wouldn’t!
These pictures were taken a while ago. I was very reluctant to try on these jeans thinking they wouldn’t fit me (much too small!) nor would they look good. I’m glad I allowed the sales women to convince me otherwise. I think the dark wash and cut elongate and thin out my legs. You know I love my graphic tees and blazers making this an easy look to assemble! The boot cut jeans would be cute with a sweater in the winter months. Boots, of course, look great with boot cut jeans. I’m tall (5’8″) so I am very appreciative of the length on these jeans! Additionally, I like the high cut as it tends to hold in my midsection!
Shop the Look
High Cut Dark Wash Boot Cut Jeans
This is my second pair of boot cut jeans. I was willing to give these a try since I had success with the previous pair. The wash is slightly different than the first pair although still a dark wash. However, these are also high waisted and fit my body type well. These dark wash, high waisted, boot cut jeans look dresser than my go to skinny jeans and distressed jeans. Therefore, I like to pair them with blouses and blazers. Both blouses pictured feature animal prints and mixed prints. Blazers are having a major moment this springs! The white jacket is actually denim. Blazers and jackets transition great between seasons here in the midwest!
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High Cut Dark Wash Boot Cut Jeans
My Newest Jean – Super High Waisted Medium Wash Ripped Slim Jeans & High Rise Light Wash
Jeans can be quit challenging when trying to determine good sizing and fit. Therefore, I like to go on line and order several pairs in several sizes and washes and styles. Then I can try them on at home and decide which I like best. Most recently I ordered four pairs, which is how I found these two pairs. Going in to a store I have a similar plan of attack. I find the ones I like the best and grab them in my size and additional sizes. Once you find a brand, cut and size that fits you good, it makes future shopping easier. I have found that some brands that have curvy fits allow me to actually size down because it fits me best. Otherwise, I often have to size up to accommodate by hips and booty. Don’t get yourself worked up over the size. Look for fit and flattering cuts on your body type. If you have mid-section issues, high and medium rise are most likely going to be more flattering than low rise.
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Denim Jumpsuit
This denim jumpsuit was purchased last year but I opted to include it in this blog post because denim jumpsuits are currently trending. You know that my criteria for all jumpsuits is it has to be easy on and easy off for quick trips to the bathroom. Several other features were very appealing to me: puffy sleeves, button detail at the ankle, belted waist and the wash. I ordered this on line and was super excited that it fit me. By adding interesting accessories and shoe options, this jumpsuit can be worn so many ways! It makes getting ready super easy – one and done!
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Embellished and Unique Denim
If you follow me, you’re absolutely not surprised by the inclusion of this category! Jeans with rhinestone and pearl embellishments, snakeskin print, tuxedo side stripes, varying washes, patches…and the list could go on and on! Here is my most recent purchased pair of jeans with some added interest at the hem, patches and varying colors on the knees. They also have an interesting waist line. It’s important to mention that I got these jeans on sale for about $17.00. I was going to pass on them even though I liked them, liked how they fit and liked that they were comfortable on me. Once I saw the sale price, I changed my mind! I love a good sale and coupons! Did you notice I started and am ending in AC/DC graphic tees?! Did I need another AC/DC graphic tee? Absolutely not…BUT it about color and design. While hard to see, this tee has blue, pink and metallic silver. I knew I wanted to wear my new belt buckle and silver metalic booties with the tee.
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SHOP DENIM FOR DAYS
Denim by Stylish Friends
From Around the World
Nina – Sharing a Journey – “Are you tired of jeans? Skinny jeans were with us for such a long time I actually was bored. Things have changed my friends, it’s time to try the new silhouettes.”
Suzanne – Ask Suzanne Bell – “Think jeans aren’t for you? Think again. Like many women, I hate shopping for jeans. It’s a pain in the butt. So perhaps you’ve given up – convinced yourself that jeans are not for you. Like swimsuits and bras, jeans are not a one style fits all. But with some guidance, I think you will find that jeans can be a classic staple. Find the fit for you, and you’ll have a wardrobe workhorse for life.”
Nancy – Nancy’s Fashion Style – “I am, and never have been, a huge denim lover. Although I have to say that I already own 3 pairs of jeans! But I did love this jumpsuit years ago, it was a bit snug so gave it away. Might have to shop for another one! I think I will love denim one day!”
Nicole – High Latitude Style – “This look triples on denim with the shirt, skirt and booties. Unfortunately, denim or the good old blue jeans are not a good idea in winter in Alaska. It dries too slowly and hence your sweat may freeze. Therefore, denim is either a cover-up in summer in the form of a jacket or mosquito protection when gardening in the form of jeans. Ever since my college time, I had a denim skirt despite they don’t drape nicely.”
Shelbee – Shelbee on the Edge – “I am embracing the resurgence of the 90s denim trends with my oversized black distressed dad jeans. I remember wearing my dad’s jeans exactly this way 30 years ago!”
Amy – Amy’s Creative Pursuits – “Denim dresses never go out of style, but they are really trending right now. I have had this denim dress in my closet for years. I normally wear it in the warmer months, but here I styled it for cooler temperatures.”
Ada – Elegance and Mommyhood – “A pair of dark wash skinny jeans will never ever go out of style – I don’t care what “the style experts” say. Dark skinny jeans are something every woman needs in her closet. I paired mine with the color of the year in a gorgeous shade of lilac.”
Emma – The Style Splash – “Until recently, I had never owned a denim dress or skirt…and then I bought two denim vintage dresses on eBay! I love the style of this dress, with the shoulder pads and embellishment. Oh, and it has pockets too!”
Let’s Chat
Hopefully, you’ve gotten some styling ideas for all of the varying types of jean styles! I think your priority should be finding a flattering pair that you’re comfortable wearing and that look terrific on you regardless of what’s trending. A friendly reminder to always have fun and wear all the things that you love, that brings you joy and happiness and you’ll look terrific! What’s your favorite style and denim wash? Leave us a comment! We love to hear from you!
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Let’s Link Up
We’d love for you to share your style with us! Link your look or blog post in today’s Stylish Monday Link-Up Party below!
I love all of your looks and I can see why a skinny is your go to as you have fabulous kegs! That said, I’m glad you gave the flare a try as to me, they are kinda like skinnies with a twist. And since you like to wear a heel, they are so flattering. I think they make for a great Jean in the work place and you’ve styled them in a way that one could wear them to work-polished and professional! Great post and looks!
xx
Suzanne
http://www.AskSuzanneBell.com
***legs, not kegs 😂😂
Hi Suzanne!
I appreciate your kind comments especially regarding my legs (not kegs…LOL). I’m glad I stepped out of my comfort zone to give boot cut jeans a try. I like them far better than I thought. You ‘re right about them being similar to skinny jeans expect the flair after the knee. I really enjoy our monthly collaborations and themes. It’s always so fun to see each others styling!
Julie xo
Julie, I really enjoyed reading this post! I think I have every style of denim in my closet by now so I have all bases covered! I really like the dark boot cut denim dressed up with graphic tees and blazers and fabulous shoes. It is one of my favorite ways to style denim. I had a really awesome denim pantsuit back when I worked on Wall Street. It wasn’t at all like a Canadian tuxedo though. It was a soft shiny brushed denim in a deep indigo color and it was so cool and funky. It had wider legs with oversized cuffs and the jacket was fitted perfectly to my waist. I wish I still I had it! Oh Denim for Days, indeed!
Shelbee
Hi Shelbee!
Having lots of denim options is a must! I always like to have options and enjoy styling them to fit my mood! I can imagine how fantastic you looked in your denim jumpsuit! I bet you were a real head turner! As always, I thoroughly enjoyed our monthly collaboration and Denim for Days theme!
Julie xo