Curves Rule and Flat Is Fabulous:. Rita Mauceri
fluid or ruched tops to avoid the infamous “jelly roll.”
Leggies: Pair boot-cuts with longer tops that hit at the hip or just below—drawing the eyes away from the waist and giving you a lean, mean look. Play with sexy scoop necks or gauzy tunics. For those tall and slender figures (we’ll try not to hate you), the slight flare of boot-cuts can actually create an illusion of curves. Pair them with tops that are structured at the waistline, such as a tapered silk blouse.
Dainties: The trick for petite gals is to balance out the shapely curve of the boot-cuts with a form-fitting top, so you don’t look overwhelmed by your clothes. Try hip-length V-neck tees with stretch, flutter-sleeve blouses, or spaghetti-strap tanks.
STRAIGHT-LEG: If you really want to crank up the foxy factor, slip on straight-leg jeans. This feminine style elongates the body and can be shortened without messing up the overall shape of the jeans (a big plus for Dainties). Pair them with high-heel boots or stilettos, for a sexy bonus.
Booties and Hipsters: High or midrise cuts are best to support and flatter your shape and help ward off what is commonly called the “muffin-top” look. Pair these jeans with long, looser-fitting tops that drape and hit just below the hips—lightweight trapeze blouses, flared V-neck tunics, and draped tops with banded bottoms. Then slide into a pair of pointy-toe pumps.
Belly Babes: Look for midrise jeans that hit across the belly, not above it. Choose a tank-style A-line blouse or ruched long-sleeve top that will compliment your fabulous tummy. Stick with soft or silky fabrics that won’t cling to the skin, giving a more relaxed, comfortable fit.
Leggies: Wear a long, lace-trimmed cami beneath a longer, loose-fitting sheer tee to create curves. Empire-waist tops and tunics are another stylish way to balance your shape. Complete the look with ballet flats or kitten heels.
Dainties: These are perfect jeans for you—they’ll help make your legs look longer and won’t overwhelm your frame. Slip into stretchy, deep V-neck tops with gathering or details at the bust, along with a pair of pointy-toe flats. Add a long necklace to lengthen your look even more.
WIDE-LEG: A little bit groovy, a little bit rock and roll, wide-leg jeans come with a looser fit and a dash of funky attitude. This cut can be ultra-flattering for various shapes—and surprisingly, the wide leg will not make you look wider! You definitely want to wear heels, so pull out your wedges and mile-high peep-toes. And go with slim, feminine tops—your best bet for a look that is stylish, not sloppy.
Booties and Hipsters: Curvy girls can really turn it out by pairing wide-legs with a stretchy wrap-style shirt to create an hourglass shape. Look for shirts that hit at the middle or lower part of the hip. Fitted jackets with flared hems also help to play up the waistline—slip one on over a satin tank and finish off your ensemble with a pair of shapely pumps.
Belly Babes: Worn with a hip-length empire-waist top, these jeans will flatter your curves. A flowing fabric flares perfectly over the tummy to balance your bod in all the right places. Slip on peep-toe shoes to complete the look.
Leggies: Pair these with a hip-length top—an off-the-shoulder top or boatneck tee—and Mary Janes or other feminine, round-toe flats for a clean, modern appearance.
Dainties: Petite gals will likely have to alter their wide-leg jeans—but this style generally has a hemline that’s easy to take up. Pair them with a sexy, fitted button-down that hits just at the hips and wedge shoes for a bit of additional height.
SLIM-CUT: Many of us feel there’s a “slim” chance we could ever pull this style off, but when done right, it’s a look that rates high on the sexy scale. Although the cut of these jeans might seem to flatter more long-and-lean silhouettes, those of us with extra padding can sport “skinnies” by accessorizing and balancing the look. In general, slim-cuts tend to work best with longer, looser tops. And whatever your shape, summon your inner goddess and pair your slims with devastating pumps.
Booties and Hipsters: Slip on a fluid top with a flared trapeze or empire style that hits at the top of your thighs or slightly lower (at the widest part of your hips). And yes, some hiiiiiigh heels!
Belly Babes: Pair slim styles with longer tops that are ruched on the sides; tees designed with fluid, non clingy fabrics (such as Micro Modal, Supima cotton, or cotton/nylon blends), or baby doll blouses. Then slip into strappy sandals and go.
Leggies: These jeans look their best when balanced by a top that is full and long, so look for styles with volume, such as bell sleeves or unstructured, belted tunics. Leggy and lean gals who want to create an illusion of curves will love these tapered cuts, since they accentuate the hips. Finish off the look by tucking your skinny jeans into a pair of knee-high boots.
Dainties: Slimmer cuts are a best bet for petite frames. Pair your slim jeans with a lace cami peaking out underneath a deep V-neck, along with kitten heel or pointy-toe pumps to help elongate your legs.
Pick Your Pocket
The size and placement of pockets is a huge factor in foxifying your fanny. Pockets should be proportionate to the size of your tush: not too big (which would hide your bottom) and not too small (which would exaggerate it). The higher pockets are, the more they tend to give your derriere a little lift. The lower, the more they tend to drag your bottom down and shorten the look of your legs.
TROUSER-CUT: Kick up the sophistication with this tailored and utterly feminine style. These jeans are polished and yet can also give you just a hint of femme fatale. They have a fuller leg, similar to wide-leg jeans, but the sassy difference is in the refined trouser styling and pocket design. Who knew “trousers” could look this good? We have to thank the men in our lives for donating a bit of masculine styling to give us a purely feminine feel.
Booties and Hipsters: Look for a slimming dark wash, along with silky hip-length button-down blouses that are tapered at the waist and slightly flared toward the hem. To dress up your jeans, try a lacy cami underneath a belted wrap top with a flared hem. High-heel boots or wedges complete the look. If the front pockets happen to puff or pull, they can overaccentuate the hip area, so just have them nipped and tucked at your local tailor.
Belly Babes: The trouser cut is a perfect match for Belly Babes, since they usually have a lower-cut waist. Play with girly button-downs that have funky or feminine detailing at midhip.
Leggies: For a cool and classic look, pair trousers with untucked button-down tops that fall to the hipline and, depending on your mood, a flirty pair of kitten heels or simple flats.
Dainties: Pair these jeans with a V-neck ¾-length-sleeve tee that hits midhip…or a sweet cami layered underneath a fitted cardigan. Add peep-toe heels for extra height and sass.
Mamma Mia!
Maternity jeans can be a great option, even if you’re not pregnant! Don’t be shy about browsing through the “preggie” section of your local store to see what styles they have. For Belly Babes, Booties, and those who just want to be able to actually breathe in their jeans, maternity styles with those soft, stretchy, cotton waistbands can be ultra-flattering and supercomfy.
You’re the Tops!
HALL OF FAME
From tees and tunics to curve-hugging blouses and sexy draped numbers, tops are one of the easiest ways to mix up and maximize your wardrobe. In the overall scheme of things, perfect-fitting tops are probably easier (or at least