Share Email Print RSS

Material Girl

Jeans -- a happy shopper's worst enemy. I don't' think I've ever run into a woman who hasn't had a horrible time trying to find just one pair of jeans that actually fits and looks good.

And even when you do find that perfect pair, you feel the need to buy in bulk because without fail, come next season they won't be carried and you'll have to start the War on Denim all over again.

But never fear, all you savvy Material Girls. With a little advice from Stacy London , host of "What Not to Wear,"  and her jean advice featured on the "Oprah Winfrey Show," Richmond.com is here to ease your pain and help you avoid becoming a victim of the "muffin top," "plumber's crack" or of buying the "mom jean."

Long and Lean  

If you're one of those women who is lucky enough to have a pair of legs that go on for days, shouldn't you have a pair of jeans to wear that don't make you look like you're waiting for a flood? When buying jeans for the long and lean lady, make sure the hem the falls all the way to the bottom of the heel and not any higher. Boot cut jeans are also ideal for taller women.

 

Rock and Republic "Kasandra" Boot Cut Stretch Jeans from Nordstrom ($180)

This medium-blue stretch denim is in a flattering boot cut style and detailed with subtle fading and whiskering at the front. Signature R's in contrast stitching brand the back pockets. These jeans are low rise and fitted through the hip and thigh. 

 

Boot Cut Jeans From Gap" width="120" height="115" align="left" /> Low Rise Boot Cut Jeans from Gap ($69.50)

This dark wash jean is one of the newest fits for all. The original boot cut silhouette is updated from waist to toe by keeping the flattering features, but adding just a little more "sexy." These jeans are low-rise and slim through the hip and thigh.

  

  Boot Cut Jeans from Old Navy" width="120" height="115" align="left" />

Mid-Rise Boot Cut "The Flirt" Jeans from Old Navy ($25)

A long, lean fit creates a sexy silhouette in this dark denim pair, while two-tone top-stitching, copper-toned buttons and rivets, and forever-flattering boot-cut legs give them sleek style. Features scoop and coin pockets in front, patch pockets in back. These jeans are mid-rise, sitting just below the waist, and straight through the hip and thigh.

  

 

Short and Sweet  

It's not that you're short or vertically challenged; you're simply fun-sized. And that means finding the right jean can be tough. The perfect jeans for petites are those that are straight leg, not boot cut or cuffed. Boot cut jeans can make your thighs look heavier by hugging at the knees too tightly and either style will only emphasize your height, or lack there of.

 

Paige Premium Blue Heights Straight Dark Wash from South Moon Under ($205)

Straight jeans are one of the hottest trends this season so get your wardrobe ready. This dark wash, classic five pocket design features slight distressing on the leg with a button and zip closure and slightly stretchy feel.

 

 

 

MICHAEL Michael Kors Crosshatch Straight-Leg from Macy's ($99.50)  

A chic logo plaque adds flair to stylish straight-leg jeans in a dark indigo wash from MICHAEL Michael Kors.

 

 

Simply Vera Vera Wang Straight-Leg from Kohl's ($34.99)

These dark wash, straight-leg jeans are a must-have for your casual wardrobe. The flat front of the jean also slims your figure. These jeans are low rise and sit on the hips.

 

 

 

 

Taming the Tummy  

If you're insecure about your mid-section, you'll want to focus on the correct "rise" of a jean that works for you. Boot cut, straight leg and trouser jeans will work best, but pay attention to other parts of your body as well. The thicker your thighs, the worse boot cut will look. To combat belly bulge, choose a mid-rise jean, but make sure it hits you across the stomach, not above or below.

 

Not Your Daughter's Jeans Tummy Tuck Retro Stretch Trousers from Nordstrom ($118)

These wide-leg trouser jeans are cut from flattering denim eased with stretch and are designed with exclusive crisscross fabric panels to flatten the tummy and lift the rear. These jeans have a regular rise and fit loose through the leg.

 

 

 

Boot Cut Jean from Express" width="120" height="115" align="left" /> Mia Boot Cut Jean from Express ($69.50)  

This shapely, boot cut fit is perfect for a girl with all the right curves ... and for those curves you may want to hide. These jeans have a higher rise for slimmer hips, smooth curves and longer legs.

 

 

Battery Park Denim Trousers from New York & Company ($44.95)

This wide-leg, denim trouser as a triple button waistband and back welt pockets to keep you sleek and stylish and your tummy tucked away. These jeans have an uptown rise which sits at waist.

  

 

 

Swinging Hips  

Don't hate your curves; instead embrace them with the right jean for you. For ladies with a little swing in the hip, look for mid-rise jeans that are on the low side, so that you won't create love handles. A straight-leg or trouser jean works best.

 

Manhattan Wide Leg Denim Trousers from Lucky Brand Jeans at Stony Point ($120)

True denim is dressed up in these lightweight trousers with stylish detailing including a double-button wide waistband, two button-flap pockets on the back and two small, button-flap pockets on the hips. These jeans have a medium rise and are fitted through the hip yet loose through the leg.

 

 

Denim Side Zip Trousers from Arden B ($78)

This clean, front denim trouser features a side zip closure and wide waistband with knife pleat stitch detail. Front slash pockets, back welt pockets and a flare leg opening make this the perfect jean for a girl with hips.

 

 

 

Mossimo Black Denim Trouser from Target ($27.99)

These black denim trousers will slim you down and keep you looking trendy with two pockets in the front and two mock pockets in the back.

 

 

Other Jean Tips:

 

Bootylicious Backside

If you've got a little "junk in the trunk," the trickiest part is finding a pair of jeans that fits properly in inseam. Look for a jean with a lower rise in the front and a higher rise in the back; they're out there. Also, avoid big pockets and heavy embellishments and opt for smaller, angled pockets in the rear. 

Pump Up the Volume

 

Looking to add a little curve to your tush? You'll want to shop for jeans that have flap pockets or heavy embellishment or embroidery, to give your fanny some extra flare. Jeans that have slightly higher pockets can also give the illusion of a pumped-up-patootie.  

 

Top-Heavy Women

 

While dark washes and deep sea and storm colors are the trend of the season, top-heavy women want to shop for just the opposite. Choose a jean with a lighter wash or distressed detailing.