Flatter your figure: Jeans offer variety, versatility
BY BRAVETTA HASSELL World Scene Writer
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
10/30/12 at 5:15 AM
If a woman's wardrobe could be compared to a typical meal, jeans would be the vegetables. But for denim-lover Sheridan Gaton, jeans are too good to be a side dish - they're definitely the main course.
"You live in your jeans," said Gaton, owner of Blue Jean Baby. "It's just a great thing to continue to go back to."
Wear a pair with a tailored blazer, and the right pair of jeans can be work-ready. Take your jeans into an evening out on the town by pairing them with a sparkly top, some funky shoes and a clutch. Throw them on for the weekend, with a pair of TOMS and a comfy sweatshirt. That's just three looks.
Today, a range of fits, colors and designs make a closet staple even more wearable. And there's a fit for everyone.
Skinny jeans are continuing to be trendy right now, but that doesn't mean they are what looks good on you, said Amanda Viles, Saks Fifth Avenue Tulsa's marketing director.
And as fun as hot pink denim can be, it's not going to flatter everyone, Gaton said.
Consider the color, fit and whether to have them tailored or slightly altered.
"It's not just a one-size-fits-all, even in your size," said Gaton, who has to get the length on everything she buys altered.
She and Viles offer some tips on what fits and washes flatter which figures, what succeeds on almost anyone and what you might want to think twice about trying.
If you have a ...
Curvy figure: Consider a flare-cut pair of jeans. "It's great for balancing out curvy women," Gaton said. The style offers all-over balance.
Petite figure (or are on the shorter side of the height spectrum): Consider a straight leg in a dark color that will elongate your legs. The cigarette style also looks great on this body type.
Narrow or athletic figure: Think about a tailored, flat-front trouser jean, Viles said. With this shape you want to play up hips that might otherwise go hidden.
"This is your skinny-jean girl," Gaton said. "It gives you a little more curve because you see a little more with (the style) being skinnier."
Tall figure: You can pretty much wear anything you want, Gaton said, adding that bootcut also looks great on women who are tall. Textured and patterned pants flatter tall women because they break up a long silhouette, Viles said.
For a look attractive across body shapes, both women point to straight-leg jeans. At Gaton's store, one brand's cigarette fit is always in high demand. She calls it a modern update to a straight-leg jean, "which is pretty flattering on everyone."
A bootcut with a slim flare can be very flattering, as well. With heels or boots, it's a sleek, well-fitting look.
Dark denim can be worn year-round and offers a more refined and classic look than lighter washes, though the latter can be worn tastefully, too.
The relaxed "boyfriend" fitting jeans are another fun idea - just make sure they're not sagging and unflattering.
Try your hardest not to cuff your jeans, Gaton said. "It's not a great look."
And on the wrong pair of jeans, cuffing can make you look a lot smaller than you really are. The two exceptions may be the boyfriend fit and the skinny fit jeans. Just a little bit of cuffing on those styles can be cute, Gaton said.
On other side of the length spectrum, a good length is often about a half-inch above the heel.
Too long equals unkempt, Viles said.
"If you're stepping over the hem of your jeans, it has the potential to make a really sophisticated jean look really sloppy," she said.
Tips on finding the right pair
No matter the season, Saks Fifth Avenue Tulsa marketing director Amanda Viles said a flattering pair of jeans is always on trend. When shopping for that great, go-to pair of jeans, she offers a few suggestions.
First off, trying on many pairs is the only way to really find the jeans that work for you.
When trying them on, you want them feel just a tad more snug than you're comfortable with. In the likely case they have stretch - an many jeans do these days - they will loosen up. This is especially the case for skinny jeans.
Look for details. You want the type of fabric that not only looks great but is resilient and hardy. Something that will have some longevity.
Think about how you're going to be wearing your jeans: With heels? With flats?
Blue Jean Baby owner, Sheridan Gaton suggests trying on your jeans with your favorite pair of wedges so you have idea of whether the inseam will work with your wardrobe once you leave the store.
And above all, don't be afraid to spend a little money, especially because fewer quality pairs of jeans can take you much further than many jeans not as well-made.
"It's worth it to pay a little more for fabric and construction," Viles said.
Denim care
Blue Jean Baby owner Sheridan Gaton recommends three basic tips in getting most value, use and, of course, great-looking quality out of your jeans.
"If you're treating them right, you should be able to get years out of them," Gaton said.
1. Flip them inside out.
2. Wash them in cold water.
3. Don't dry them. Always hang them up.
Jeans for the season
"Everyone is crazy about the skinny jean," said Saks Fifth Avenue Tulsa marketing director Amanda Viles. "But it's not the only thing out there."
Plan to see more colors and more patterns this season and in the ones to come, but don't forget you can't go wrong with a great-fitting pair of dark denim in a staight or bootcut fit that is endlessly sophisticated.
This fall, check out a variety of color pants in such fall-inspired colors as rusts, warm muted pinks, regal greens, wines and soft creams. Two colors that stylish whatever the current mode of fashion are black and gray.
"It's always going to be around," Gaton said.
Original Print Headline: Flatter Your Figure
Bravetta Hassell 918-581-8316
bravetta.hassell@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
MICHAEL WYKE / Tulsa World
Carbon Pilates trainer Janna Lemons models jeans during a denim event at Saks Fifth Avenue. Look to a straight-leg jean or a bootcut with a slight flare for the ultimate flattering look. MICHAEL WYKE / Tulsa World
Carbon Pilates owner Leah Ashlock models skinny jeans during a denim fashion show at Saks Fifth Avenue. MICHAEL WYKE / Tulsa World
|
