Nothing epitomizes American style more than jeans. They are comfortable, uncontrived, casual and oh-so-sexy. No matter how many designer dresses and fabulous accessories you might have, your best fitting pair of jeans is quite often the item you treasure (and wear) more than anything else you have stashed in your closet.

A denim, hand painted handbag by Adriana Allen LLC

Jeans Style Premier
It’s typical for women to have a mini-wardrobe of jeans styles that run the gamut from weekend casual or work wear appropriate to nighttime sexy. Finding variety in this category is easy – there are more denim options than Levi Strauss could ever have dreamt possible, but finding the right fit is very often a true challenge. Yes, trying on a gazillion pairs is annoying, but the payoff is well worth this temporary pain in the rear.

 Straight-leg
Classic and versatile, the standard straight-leg width is 17 inches. In dark rinses, this style can be dressy; in washed and/or distressed denim, it has a relaxed appeal. 

Trouser
With classic flat-front details, this smart version can fit in beautifully at the workplace. 

Boot-Cut
Similar to the straight-leg but slightly wider from the calf down, this style is one of the most universally flattering and is easily dressed up with a pair of heels. 

Straight and boot-cut

Boyfriend
Slouchy, often distressed, and with rolled cuffs, these are great weekend jeans that look best when offset with feminine tops and shoes. 

High-waist
This more fashion-forward alternative is often belted and looks best with heels (for the illusion of even more height) or bold flats. 

Skinny
Without question the sexiest of all jeans styles, these look great tucked into boots by day and paired with strappy heels by night. 

High-waist and boyfriend cut

Flatter Your Figure
For jeans to fit right, they must both hug you and let you go – in all the right places 

If you are curvy
Look for: Styles with at least a bit of stretch and straight or flared legs. You might have to fit your hips and behind, then have a tailor take in the waist.
Avoid: Super-low-cut styles that will sit mid-hip and skinnyjeans that are too tight on the bottom half of your legs.
Don’t Forget:  For tighter styles, try going a size up and tailoring them; Dark washes are most slimming; Opt for minimal hip details, avoiding pocket embroidery. 

If you are short
Look for: A classic style that doesn’t overwhelm your small frame and one with a natural waist.
Avoid: Wide-leg jeans and low rises.
Don’t forget: Wear legs slightly long, and pair your jeans with heels; Darker rinses can have an elongating look; Skinny styles should also be long, not cropped. 

If you have a boyish figure
Look for: Low-rise, straight-leg styles with a fitted behind.
Avoid: Flares cut for curvier shapes.
Don’t forget: Slouchy boyfriend styles with feminine shoes can be chic; You can get away with bigger, more detailed belts; Tuck in your shirt to add shape; Skinnyjeans can be flattering. 

If you have a tummy
Look for: Styles that sit slightly lower than your natural waist or higher waistbands with stretch that can cinch you in slightly. 
Avoid: Anything super-low-rise and anything that snaps or buttons right near your belly button.
Don’t forget: Stretch is your friend here; find fitted (but not tight) styles; Mid-rise versions will cover up love handles; Boot-cut styles with flare balance proportions. 

If you have short waist/long legs
Look for: A lower rise and a longer hem length.
Avoid: High-waist styles and details around the top.
Look for: Belts should blend in by being slim and neutral; Skinny jeans with longer, untucked tops camouflage your waist; Boyfriend styles that sit on the hips are great weekend alternatives. 

If you have long waist/ short legs
Look for: Styles that hit near your natural waist with straight or slightly flared legs.
Avoid: Hip-huggers, cropped cuts and anything overly baggy.
Don’t forget: Trouser jeans with a tucked-in blouse can whittle the waist; Flared styles should be subtle in shape; Wear jeans with a cropped jacket to shorten the torso. 

If you have large bottom
Look for: A dark, even wash with a slight flare and stretch. 
Avoid: Super-skinny jeans, high-waist styles and really wide legs.
Don’t forget: Try a slightly lower rise; it will allow room for the derriere; A boot-cut style will balance out the body; Avoid small back pockets, which will make the behind look bigger. 

 If you have flat bottom
Look for: Stretch jeans with slim legs that hug your bottom and have back-pocket details and a low-slung yoke. 
Avoid: Stiff denim, high waists, loose cuts such as boyfriend styles, and classic straight-leg shapes. 
Don’t forget: Heels give your rear a lift; Details on back pockets enhance your rear. 

How To Wear It
Thanks to today’s more casual approach to dressing, jeans are the backbone of your wardrobe. With the right details, you’ll make them work almost whenever you war 

Keep it polished
There are many places where jeans are not acceptable work attire, but if you’re lucky enough to be able to wear them to work, the most sophisticated way is to pick a trouser cut in a dark rinse Wear them with a jacket, a refined top or sweater, and heels or flats. 

Add some color
Denim now comes in a rainbow of shades that can prove a fun alternative to basic blue. The best way to wear a colorful pair of jeans is to make them the standout piece in your ensemble. The rest of the outfit should be neutral and simple 

Make your jeans your own
Want to add some serious wear and tear to your favorite pair? First, bunch up random areas of your jeans and pour a bit of bleach on them. The bleached area will bleed out, so account for that. When your denim reaches the desired color, rinse well with cool water. Sand the fronts with heavy-grit sandpaper. Make cuts in the areas you want ripped, then pick apart the fabric’s weave. Wash and dry your jeans twice for a killer distressed finale. 

Dress them up
Jeans can quickly go from day to night if you choose a style with clean lines and minimal details. Pair sexy, white skinny jeans with a feminine top that has some panache. Dressy heels will also rachet up the wow factor. 

Keep it polished and add some color

Denim Q&A
You have questions. We have answers. 

How do I know a pair of jeans is a good fit?
First, your jeans shouldn’t dig into your flesh at the waist, and your backside should always remain covered – even when sitting in hip-huggers. Denim does give a little over time, but know the difference between a snug fit that will loosen and a fit that is just too tight. Inseam length is important. The average is 34 inches, but petites should go for 30 or 32 inches, and women over 5 foot 10 need 36 inches or longer. When it comes to fit at the thighs and the behind, it’s so personal that the only rule of thumb is be wary of snug extremes – and visible panty lines. 

Can I wear matching denim tops and bottoms?
If they are in the same rinse, wash and dye, then steer clear. If the shirt is soft and lightly faded, try contrasting it with a bottom that’s structured and dark, such as a pair of skinny black denim trousers. 

What about a jean jacket?
Great as an unexpected cover-up at night, the most interesting jean jackets are often cropped and body-conscious. Consider a size smaller than your regular coat (or scope one out in the boys’ department). Push up sleeves to show jewelry. Make it your only denim element! 

What finishes are best for work?
The old-school, plain, dark denim looks more polished than other blue finishes, and therefore is more office-appropriate. White denim in a trouser cut can also substitute for pants on casual Fridays. 

How can I keep my denim dark?
Turn your jeans inside out before washing. Use only cold water, a light detergent and a thimbleful of vinegar, which works to set the color. Never put jeans in the dryer – lay them flat to dry instead. 

How do I keep denim dye from staining my clothes and skin?
The trade-off with supersaturated indigo jeans is that the dye process for such a dark finish doesn’t always set well. Before wearing dark jeans with light accessories or a light top, make sure they’ve been washed a few times. If smudging still occurs, take the stained item to a dry cleaner; special chemicals can be used to lift the dye without damaging your blouse, purse or shoes. 

How should I wear a denim shirt?
Look for one that’s feminine and fitted. If you want to do an oversize menswear version, belt it so your figure isn’t lost, or pair with a mini or short shorts. If you wear it with jeans, do so with white or dark jeans only! 

The Classic: Boot-Cut Jeans
Originally designed for farmers and workmen in the late 1800s and manufactured by Levi Strauss, jeans have evolved into a must-have staple for nearly all of us. Many styles enjoy popularity, perhaps none more than the boot-cut. 

The rise (the material that extends from mid-waist through the crotch) should always fit comfortably without binding. If the rise hangs too low, it may make your legs seem shorter. 

Your jeans should never be so tight that you can’t put your hands in your pockets. If you can see the outline of the front pockets through your jeans, they are too tight. 

Lightweight denim (less than 12 ounces) will reveal bulges. Instead, opt for more substantial weights -between 12 and 14 ounces. Heavier weights are less likely to wrinkle easily. 

Unless you’re wearing a tapered style (such as cigarette, capri or skinny), jeans should always fall so that there is a slight break where the hemline hits the top of your shoe. 

 Your Tailor To The Rescue!
Usually jeans come with enough extra material at the hem that a tailor can let them out and still reproduce seam details. 

•   If the flare is too dramatic, the inseam can be taken in from the knee down to eliminate some fullness.
•   Some flared jeans can be transformed into straight-leg styles, and some straight-leg jeans can be pegged.
•   Waistbands can be taken in, but pockets cannot be moved or removed, in part because of denim’s fading properties—you’ll be left with dark imprints where pockets once were.