Sunday, September 8, 2013

Forever in Blue Jeans

No, I'm not writing about Neil Diamond's song - I'm writing about wardrobe staples and one very important staple, even for women "of a certain age," is the perfect pair of blue jeans.  Or red jeans.  Or yellow jeans.

When I was a teen, blue jeans were the only color option and back then, the wider the bell leg, the better. And if they didn't drag on the ground when you walked, they were too short.


However, time and fashion changes, usually for the better, and that goes for jeans, too.  They are sold almost everywhere, in a variety of colors, shapes, and costs.  But there are a few important guidelines to keep in mind when you buy your jeans.

This Levi's ad is perfect for this post:


1.  Rear pockets!  You need to look at your behind when you try on jeans because the rear pockets can destroy what you might think is a good look.



Unless you have a skinny bottom, flaps and "bling" bring a LOT of negative attention and more bulk to, what in my case, is plenty full of bulk.

You want your rear pockets to be simple, unadorned, ending just at the end of your butt line and you don't want small pockets. You want plain, larger pockets that are farther apart - it will make your rear look balanced and smaller.

2.  Front rise:  If you don't know what a camel toe is, you should know that it is the worst look for women.



Need I say more on this one?  It is hard to look at and there is no one who looks good this way.

You want to make sure that your jeans don't pull across the front like the yellow ones below.  She is one sneeze away from pulling that zipper apart.


3.  Legs:    If you have long legs, your options are great - you can wear any cut (skinnies, boot, pencil, rolled cuff, boyfriend, or straight leg) but if you're shorter, you look best in a slight flare cut jeans.  You also should make sure they are fitted, baggy jeans make you look like you're wearing your husband's.  I love a boot cut because I like to wear heels or my boots with my jeans (and they remind me of my beloved bell bottoms). Us short girls can wear a rolled cuff but we must be careful that they are fitted and don't roll up too much - we can look chopped up, if we're not careful.

4.  Wash:  Although faded denim is usually more broken in and comfortable, a dark wash is slimming and more attractive.  It also helps make jeans a little more dressy looking.  But be careful where you sit. I had a beige love seat that was ruined by someone wearing new dark washed jeans - the dye came off onto the sofa and ruined it.  Maybe you'll want to wash them and put some apple cider vinegar in the rinse to preserve the color.

5.  Back waist:  Some jeans are made for women or girls who don't have hips.  If you aren't careful when you buy your jeans, you can end up with the rear waist gap.  That's why you have to try them on in the store to find the brand of jean that fits you best.


6.  To belt or not to belt:  You don't really need to wear a belt if your top is untucked and over the top of your jeans. But if you tuck, wear a belt to finish your look.

It doesn't matter what size you are, it does matter what you buy.





You can spend a lot of money on jeans (Not Your Daughter's Jeans but you will love them forever) or buy inexpensive ones but you must try them on.  And take someone to help you decide what suits you in length, cut and rear view.



Color options are fun and a great way to extend your wardrobe but start with a great denim pair that fits you beautifully.

The brilliant fashion designer, Yves Saint Laurant once stated:  
I wish I had invented blue jeans. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity - all I hope for in my clothes.

Jeans are a great staple for your wardrobe.  And you can wear them for a long, long time.  With tee shirts, dress shirts, sweaters, trench coats or Chanel jackets, they go with everything.  From heels to boots, to flats, too.  What's not to love?

Until next week, I remain,

Stylistically yours,


Sooz



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