Curves Rule and Flat Is Fabulous:. Rita Mauceri
Michaela
Taura
Amy
CHAPTER TWO
Casual: Jeans and Tops
It doesn’t matter how many designer dresses make it onto every fashion editor’s “It” list, how many sequin-slathered starlets prance down the red carpet, or how many glossy images of couture-clad models appear in monthly magazines…the favorite outfit for many modern-day women is still jeans and a top. But obviously we’re not talking a hole-ridden pair of dungarees and a baggy T-shirt that boasts “San Antonio Spring Break ’97” across the front.
How you wear and pair your denim makes the difference between dressing like a dud and looking like a diva. But without the right tips and tools, many women are left feeling like they have a better chance of walking down the aisle with George Clooney than finding a truly flattering pair of jeans. We endure hours of torture in the dressing room only to end up with a pile of misfits: like those “true-size” 29’s that won’t even budge an inch past our rump. Never mind the endless supply of trendy styles that come and go—light wash, dark wash, skinny-leg, wide-leg, high waist, beads, baubles—how’s a girl supposed to keep up with it all?!
Still, have a little faith, feeling good in your favorite style of jeans is easier than you may think. There’s a reason jeans are the uniform du jour for women from fourteen to fifty. If they’re styled right, jeans are everything we want them to be—classic, casual, sexy, sassy, hip, and comfy.
Jeans and tops…Love ’em. Every inch of your bod, from your booty to your belly, can look better than you ever imagined just by pairing the best cuts for your shape with the most flattery-inducing tops and shoes.
Zip up a pair of sassy boot-legs; slip on a sheer, sexy top; and kick on some heels…your inner blue jean queen is ready to be unleashed.
Ladies, Start Your Denims
HALL OF FAME
Is there a pair of jeans that looks great on every woman? If we could invent them, we’d be billionaires! They just don’t exist. We’re not promising to make the mind-numbing denim hunt a breeze (yes, you could still find yourself in a dressing room up to your knees in jeans before striking the jackpot), but we will help narrow the search. Luckily, there are certain cuts that help to enhance most body types. And if we had to pick one universally flattering style for our Hall of Fame, it would be this: fitted, long, low, dark, flared, and soft.
Fitted. We’re not talking “I can’t suck in an ounce of air” tight. Denim has come a long way…today’s refined fabrics and modern cuts are designed to enhance (and fit) a woman’s cushions and curves—from her waist to her hips and thighs. Never has there been a better time to boast some booty!
Long. A longer cut lengthens the legs and gives a bit of slimming along the way (a little bonus most of us gals appreciate). Also, keep in mind what shoes you’ll be pairing your jeans with—and allow for some heel. (Okay, lots of heel!)
Low. A slightly lower-cut waist can work wonders, especially for those with a little belly. It makes jeans more comfy and helps to prevent a roly-poly midsection. But this is not a case of, “How low can you go?” Jeans that showcase your Hello Kitty skivvies (or worse yet, your glorious crack) just don’t cut it.
Dark. Dark washes are more sophisticated and classic than lighter washes (and yes, once again, slimming). Plus, tops and tees tend to pop more off darker tones, so your overall look will have more va-va-voom.
Flared. A slightly flared leg gives any body shape a sexy silhouette. Whether you go for boot-leg or trouser-cut, a bit of feminine flare can balance out busty gals and give straighter bods a little curve.
Soft. Jeans with a softer, thinner weave are more comfortable and less bulky feeling (and looking) than those made from thicker, stiffer fabrics. We remember the days when we had to wear our jeans for a year before they felt this cozy! Thankfully, today we have an endless array of options, so shop around for denims that are supple and have a bit of give.
FIT TO FLAUNT
Even the best-looking jeans may not feel right on your body if they aren’t the proper size and style. Here’s how to ensure a fabulous fit every time.
Pick the right day to shop for jeans—in other words, not when you’re in a foul mood, suffering from the breakup blues, having one of those inevitable “fat” days, or recovering from a record-setting Thanksgiving binge.
It’s a good idea to wear flip-flops for easy on-and-off. And bring an extra pair of heels and a few favorite tops to experiment with different looks.
When trying on jeans, don’t forget to move—sit, squat, spin, sit cross-legged, anything and everything to experience a full range of motion. Look for styles that offer a little give in the waist (but no thong-baring gaps!) as well as around the hips (without pulling and puckering). Jeans with a little stretch are usually much more comfy than the full-cotton styles and work wonders on every body type, especially full figures and Curvies. If you feel uncomfortable or stiff, then “take a pass” (as they say in Hollywood).
Find a good tailor to nip and tuck where necessary—shortening the hem, adjusting the waistband, or getting rid of small bubbles of extra fabric. Basically, a trailor can make jeans look custom fit to your bod! It’s important to find a pro who knows how to alter a garment without drastically changing such fine details as belt loops or pocket placement. Just keep in mind that in general, you don’t want to hem more than two inches since it may change the overall flare of the leg. Experienced tailors will ask whether you want a new hem put on the jean, or the existing hem sewn onto the adjusted length. Either way, find someone good to make you look good.
Don’t get frustrated by the mind-blowing price tags you find on many jeans. Great styles are available for every budget. We’ve found that the following lines have a little something for everyone and come at all different price points: Express, Target, Lucky Brand, Rock & Republic, Citizens of Humanity, Joes, J-Brand, and Gap. Another option, although a bit more costly, is Custom Levi’s (you get to design your own style and fit from scratch).
JEANS 101
BOOT-CUT: With a slightly flared leg and hip attitude, boot-cut jeans never seem to go out of style. Why? Well, they’re one of the most universally flattering styles—for everyone from Curvies to Dainties. As the name suggests, they look good with boots as well as chunky wedges and heels. If you only have room for one pair of jeans in your closet, this is it.
Booties and Hipsters: Balance out your fuller booty with voluminous tops—trapeze-cut tees and ruffled blouses. Go for tops that hit at the hipline or slightly below. Another fun look is topping jeans off with a ¾-length coat, to create a tailored silhouette. Boot-cut jeans will become your best friend—they’re sassy and slimming. What more could we ask for!
Belly Babes: Layering is a clever trick for a little dose of waistline slimming—wear a longer, stretchy tank peeking out from underneath a tee. For the most flattering look, try midrise to lower-cut styles that do not hit above