Jeans should work with your life, reflect your style and make you look fabulous. To take the guesswork out of finding a great pair of jeans, a fashion stylist explains what every mom should know about finding the right fit.
If the waistband of your jeans is elastic or you don’t remember the last time you bought a pair of jeans, chances are, you’re wearing “mom jeans.” And ladies, it’s time to give them up. We are aware they may be comfortable, but they’re also adding years to your look — and who wants to look old and dated? These days, there are endless jeans styles available so there’s no need to sacrifice comfort for fabulousness. To make the whole jeans shopping challenge less daunting, style expert Bridgette Raes breaks down her five favorite and most flattering jeans and explains why they flatter and how to wear them.
Dark denim jeans
“Dark denim jeans are great if you have larger thighs because the darker shade streamlines your shape,” Raes says. “You won’t look like a mom in these jeans because the darker denim is more updated looking and more modern in appearance.”
How to wear them? “These jeans are great for a night out,” she notes. “Consider wearing a pair like this with a fun top, something with more sheen and shine or a more dressy casual look during the day as well with a great cardigan and a pair of boots.”
Higher-rise jeans
Don’t be nervous of these on-trend jeans. Raes explains that higher-rise jeans are great because they can help tuck In your tummy unlike a low rise jean that can create the dreaded-muffin look. “Look for a pair with at least a 9″ rise,” she says.
How to wear them? “With a pair of jeans like this, especially if you’re thick in the middle, I’d choose a top that skims the waistline but isn’t too tight,” Raes says. Instead, opt for a top with more tailoring. “Sometimes women who have tummy issues tend to hide underneath a big, baggy top,” she says. “What winds up happening is they look like they’re wearing a pup tent. While a tunic is fine, having some structure will make your body look slimmer.”
Boot cut jeans
The perennial favorite is still here and is a great choice especially if you have curves as the fit-and-flare hem works to balance large legs. Make legs look even longer by adding a crease, Raes suggests. “This will have an elongating effect on the thigh area and when you elongate a body part you also make it look slimmer,” she says.
How to wear them? “With this type of style I’d choose a top that shows off your curves,” Raes says. “Most women who [have curves] have a defined waist, and if you don’t show it off, you’ll look as wide as your thighs because you bypassed the slimmer part of your body. Tops and jackets with waist definition are best.”
Skinny jeans
Surprise: Skinny jeans are actually flattering as they elongate the leg area which has a longer, slimming effect, Raes says. “This is great if you’re plus size, have larger thighs or even if your body is slimmer,” she says.
How to wear them? “This is a great style to tuck into boots, wear with sneakers or ballerina flats. Plus, longer cardigans, sweaters and relaxed tops look great with these jeans, proportionately,” she notes.
Trouser jeans
A trouser jean is a jean that has the shape of a trouser and falls straight from the thigh area. “These can be a very flattering style for most body shapes. It is also a great look for a mom to wear who wants to be a bit more dressed up but doesn’t need to wear tailored pants,” she notes.
How to wear them? “I can see a mom wearing these jeans to run errands, visit with friends, go out at night and visit a teacher for a conference,” Raes says. “I like the idea of dressing this jean up more, perhaps with a great blazer, a more structured cardigan or a simple button down shirt.”
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