What Style Of Jeans Suit Me?
An item of clothing I am always asked for personal styling help with are jeans. At the beginning of 2019 I wrote a ‘find your personal jean style’ blog and it has been by far my most read blog, still receiving views every day. So, it made sense to update it for 2021 and like its 2019 counterpart I am once again showcasing a plethora of denim styles that doesn’t include the skinny. Sorry skinny fans, but we have been wearing this jean style for nearly 2 decades now! It’s time to move on and if not ditch, at least embrace other fits into your wardrobe.
Scroll down to find out what jean style suits your body shape best and how to style them.
Straight Leg
The straight leg jean was my personal favourite to take over from the skinny in 2019 and it still is in 2021. Make this your wear-with-everything staple. Team with trainers or flats and a front tucked top/knit for the day and add a statement blouse/top and strappy sandals for evening.
Best Body Shapes
The good news is they suit every shape! Like a skinny, there is still plenty of support at the tummy and bottom, but the straight cut makes your legs appear far more streamlined with very slender ankles at the hem. Super flattering when worn with flat shoes, as your feet appear smaller.
Hayley Bieber
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
Toteme Ease mid rise straight leg
Levis Slim shaping jeans
Boyfriend
Whilst on the face of it this style seems firmly in the casual camp, this is a style that can be dressed up and down. From a laid back casual look of tee, jeans and trainers, to a trend lead look of a statement top with heels - the key lies in the styling. Accessories like headbands, puff sleeve tops, chunky loafers and a sharp blazer all offset the relaxed vibe to elevate these jeans.
Best Body Shapes
These loose jeans feature a slightly dropped crotch, tapered legs and a low waist that suit all body shapes, in particular those with wider tummies and when worn with fitted or tucked in tops, give definition to athletic (straight up, straight down) figures.
@leoniehanne
@venswifestyle
Hush
Raey Dad baggy boyfriend jeans
Flared
If you're looking for a pair that oozes effortless summer chic I recommend flared jeans, as these styles tend to come into their own when worn with a pair of high or low flat sandals and only a jacket needed. Somehow a winter coat, shoe, flare look never quite hits the mark as much as it does in summer.
Best Body Shapes
Flared styles are great for balancing out broad shoulders, pear and curvy body shapes and can really lengthen the appearance of your legs. Provided you don’t go too wide. If you’re below 5’5” a very wide flare can do the opposite make you appear short and dumpy. If in doubt go for a slimmer bootcut, which suits everybody.
Victoria Beckham
Anon
& Other Stories
Frame Le High jeans @HarveyNichols
Wide Leg
These style of jeans are defined by their high waists and trouser-like wide legs. The high waist keeps tummies firmly in place to create a very figure flattering silhouette. Wide legs are tailor-made for tucking in, be it a blouse, tee or knit, add statement accessories for a striking look.
Best Body Shapes
These suit all body shapes, it all depends on the width of the legs. For those on the petite side go for a not so wide leg and for taller vice versa.
@jeanettemadsen
@leasy_inparis
Gap Sky High wide leg
Anthropologie Pilcro jean
Tapered/Balloon/Mom/Barrel
So many names, but all essentially a high waisted, tapered leg jean that can be worn turned up or down. The barrel leg jean has been a Whistles sell out for 2 years now. For effortless put together chic add blazer, tee and loafers and you are good to go and most importantly in 2021 doesn’t look overdone for a park walk.
Best Body Shapes
These are great for balancing out wider hips, curvy body shapes and add defined waists to more athletic figures. This is by far my personal figure flattering favourite after the straight leg and a style many plus size women are delighted with after years of being told to wear usually unflattering wide leg cropped trousers.
Kendall Jenner
@smythsisters
Arket
Whistles Barrel leg
Personal Styling
For those readers who are unsure of what best suits them, or would like some general style advice please do get in touch . With 2 decades of fashion design and styling experience under my belt you are in good hands!
Thanks for reading!
Lisa
