R FEATURE
“Understand which styles of jeans flatter your figure and don’t be tempted by those that don’t just because they look great on Victoria Beckham or Cheryl Cole”
It can be argued that we’re now so content with the comfort and versatility of jeans that they could almost be seen as a uniform. We all look the same, and in the words of Joan Collins we are “a sea of blue-legged homogeny, in different shapes and sizes”. Jeans were originally designed for their functional value – as durable work wear. Initially they were worn as hard wearing trousers particularly by factory workers during World War II. Over the years they’ve gradually become so commoditised that we wear them constantly. Even celebrities have confessed to jeans dependencies – “I’m like every other woman: a closet full of clothes, but nothing to wear: So I wear jeans” said Cameron Diaz.
On the other hand perhaps we shouldn’t be so harsh on jeans. Yes it’s true they’re not typically part of the glamorous and cutting edge fashions that go from catwalks to stores, but jeans do have a certain air of sexiness and timelessness. One of the great designers of all time, Yves Saint-Laurent, once said “I wish I had invented blue jeans: the most spectacular, the most practical, the most relaxed and nonchalant. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity – all I hope for in my clothes.”
Smart jeans shopping My last jeans experience was a few weeks
ago when I was drawn to a jeans store by the sale sign on the window. Once inside I found discounted Wrangler, Lee and Levi’s; I got excited – it seemed there were bargains to be had. Ten pairs of jeans and 30 minutes later I was disappointed because I didn’t even come close to finding a pair that fitted like a glove. None of them were flattering on my figure, and worse still my partner had to help me pull off a pair of skinny jeans that got stuck! I walked away empty handed and deflated.
Don’t suffer like me on your next jeans expedition. Here are some helpful tips I’ve since found that will make your jeans shopping successful:
•
Understand which styles of jeans flatter your figure and don’t be tempted by those that don’t just because they look great on Victoria Beckham or Cheryl Cole. If in doubt have an honest friend accompany you on your next shopping trip. And, if you still want those skinny jeans even though they may not be the best cut for your figure then at least wear them with a loose fitting top such as a tunic.
•
You’ve found the most flattering style. Now focus on the fit – don’t under any
circumstances buy a pair that ‘will fit you when you’ve lost a few pounds’. Otherwise you’ll end up laid on the bed forcing the zip up, and you’ll have marks around your tummy at the end of the day when you take them off. If in doubt buy a pair a size up.
•
They come in stonewash, indigo, black, white even yellow. A basic colour rule is that the darker the colour then the more slimming the jeans. So if your bum and thighs are not your sexiest asset stay away from white – you’ll look thinner in darker colours.
•
When choosing jeans think about whether you’re likely to wear them with heels or flats – and choose a leg length accordingly. Jeans that drag along the floor lead to scruffy hems. Ideally you want them to hover just above the floor.
There’s certainly two sides to the jeans debate. We’re not saying that Joan Collins’ opinion – (jeans should be worn “only for the purpose that they were originally designed – functionality, not glamour”) is correct. But, if you’re a self confessed jeans addict then perhaps it’s time to have a denim free week – you never know you may even like it!
19 R MAGAZINE
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76