No other piece of apparel brings more variety of feelings or personality to the fore than jeans….and why do we spend so much time looking for just the right pair? Answer: Jeans are a great leveler, worn by film stars, mere mortals, grandmothers, teenagers, petite and plus sizes, with no financial limitations. Jeans are about how they make you feel. While shopping for jeans you’re looking for a pair that make you feel young, relaxed, fashionable, one-of-the-in-crowd, sexy, strong, assertive or mischievous. You can get a good feeling and a great look from wearing $40 or $400 jeans. The secret is in the fit.
General tips for all jeans wearers are:
- Be conscious of where you wear your jeans: the pair you wear to your friend’s party may not be the right choice for work.
- Be aware of what pockets are doing for your bottom. Pockets with extra embellishments will get your bottom noticed. We should be so lucky!
I don’t find the low riders, with the pockets sitting on the bottom of the buttocks particularly flattering to anyone past their teenage years. I always think it makes the bottom look droopy. On all sizes I prefer pockets a little higher across the hips with embellishments or not.
- Ensure the waist fits comfortably; a tailor can work magic in this area
- Wear jeans befitting your age.
If your body is evenly balanced most jeans will look good. If you are in the majority, a little more care is needed but I only have space here to cover one body shape.
Heavy Thighs: Darker denim is best for you. Go for straight leg or flared look jeans sitting snug but not tight against your thigh. If you like to wear your jeans tighter, make the top you’re wearing the feature, with its length coming to just past the beginning of your larger area. A belt to show off your smaller waist will look good or shoulder embellishments will balance the body line and take attention away from your thighs. Another option is to layer your clothes, with a tunic length garment as one layer. Wearing a heeled shoe will add the X factor.
Ann-Marie’s stocks three labels of two-way and four-way stretch jeans in sizes 10 – 26 and are experts with the fitting.
Jeans are a very personal matter. Spend time choosing a pair that gives you at least one of those afore-mentioned great feelings. When you find them, buy two: One to wear with high heels, one with flats… you won’t regret it!
Ann-Marie is a Member of the NZ Federation of Image Consultants and is available for private appointments. Phone 09 2962468 or email
annmariefb@xtra.co.nz for a brochure or to make a booking.