My Favorite Denim Styles + Shopping Tips!

There was a time when all I had in my closet was one pair of bootcut jeans. I had such a hard time finding denim jeans that fit that I just gave up. But after a lot of shopping and trying on different styles I’ve found what works for me. I’ve also added several different styles to my closet. So today I’m sharing my favorite denim styles below along with a few tips for picking out denim!

1) Skinny Jeans

Casey Super Skinny Jean

Skinny jeans are the majority of jeans in my closet right now. I love a medium to dark wash because that is the most slimming. Skinny jeans are also very versatile. You can dress them up for a night out with a great pair of heels and sexy top. Or dress them down with flats and a loose, comfy sweater or tunic. I also find this style more forgiving if the length of the jean is not quite right. You can get away with a shorter length if you are tall. I usually like to wear ankle strap sandals or heels to fill in some of the “empty” space around the ankles. If you are shorter, the hem can easily be rolled up or under without having to actually hem them.

1) Bootcut Jeans

Becca Mid Rise Bootcut

This style of jean is great for all body types. If you are short and curvy then bootcut jeans will help to even out your silhouette and lengthens you. It’s a good idea to take your heels with you when shopping for this style because length is very important. If the length is too short and you wear high heels, you will look like you are getting ready for a flood! If the length is too long, the hem will bunch up and/or drag on the floor making you look shorter and frumpy. The hem of the jeans should be about and inch above the floor when wearing your shoes/heels. That way you will look long and lean!

3) Boyfriend

Brianna Boyfriend Jean

I think this is the hardest style to pull off but boyfriend jeans are just so comfortable it’s definitely worth finding a great pair. If the fit is too loose you get a case of the saggy butt and end up looking sloppy in general. You really have to try a lot of different styles of boyfriend jeans to find the best for you. It does take some experimenting. If the fit of regular boyfriend style jeans is too baggy/loose for you, try sizing up on a pair of distressed, straight leg jeans to achieve a similar look.

4) Black Jeans

Black Coated Low Rise Skinny Jean

This pair is just for fun! I love a pair of skinny black jeans or coated denim for a night out. Black, coated denim is also an alternative to leather leggings. You can still achieve that same look with coated skinnies without spending a fortune. I also find that coated denim is more comfortable than leather or faux leather. Added details like exposed zippers add an edge.

It’s time to talk about your booty! I think a lot of people forget to check out the pockets when buying jeans but they are just as important as the length and style!

Cora Mid Rise Straight Jean

If you have a flat booty, (like me), pockets with flaps can help enhance your behind. The extra detail draws more attention to that area. I usually avoid big pocket details on dressier denim because I’m going for a sleeker look but for casual jeans I like it.

Becca Mid Rise Bootcut

If you are more self-conscious about your behind, then a dark wash with a flat pocket is the way to go! They should be medium sized and placed in the center. This helps break up the width of your derrière!

Other things to think about:

Materials: Jeans should have a little stretch so they form perfectly to your shape. But not too much or they will stretch out and sag. Look for denim with no more than 2% spandex/lycra. That way it will stretch but still hold it’s shape. Cotton/Poly blends are a little stiffer but still provide some stretch and will hold their shape.

Care: Drying on high heat can damage the elasticity of your jeans so it is best to dry them on low heat or hang them to dry. I never put my jeans in the dryer!

If you are looking for a great pair of designer jeans for women or men you should check out True Religion. They really do have a wide variety of styles and sizes. As someone who is on the taller side, I love that they have a wide range of inseams – from 32″ to 36″. That way you can find the perfect length for you!

What do you look for when buying jeans?

*This post was sponsored by True Religion but all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting brands that support this blog!

Linking Up:
Still Being Molly and Lipgloss and Crayons: Let it Shine Monday

6 Comments

I have the worst time with jeans. I have wider hips, but skinny legs, so I always end up with a perfectly fitting waist and baggy legs (or worse, perfectly fitting legs and an ultra tight waist!). I've been opting for either a stretchy denim or thick jeggings lately. They're super comfortable! Another recent favorite–high waisted jeans. They fit like a dream and don't pinch at all 🙂
Thank you for this denim guide! I can always use a little more help when hunting for jeans!

The What's In Between

I'm definitely working on updating my denim wardrobe this fall! I have such trouble finding skinny jeans that are tight on my ankles. I think it's because they are for taller people and aren't meant to hit as low as they do on me??
Chic on the Cheap