Fashion Fridays
Edition 3: The Perfect Jeans
The perfect jeans are one of those items that makes a great wardrobe. Finding that go to pair? It isn’t easy. Typically it means trying on hundreds of different styles, labels and brands but when you find them, they’re so worth it!
How to find your perfect jeans
1. Avoid magazine articles. Seriously there is nothing worse than a magazine telling you what jeans are going to look best on your body. Why you may ask? I think in general women (myself included) have a very distorted image of themselves. "My thighs are too big, my waist is too fat" –whatever it may be we are all too hard on ourselves. Then a magazine proclaims that they’ve found the perfect jean to aid whatever self identifying body proportion problem we may have. We go to the store, try on the jeans and are heartbroken when they look horrible on us. The worst part? We end up avoiding jeans the article tells us highlight our problem areas. In actuality when trying those jeans perhaps our perfect jean might be amongst them.
2. Try on EVERYTHING. Finding the perfect jean takes commitment, embarrassment, and confidence. There is a jean out there for you –you just might have to try on a 100 pairs to find it.
3. Always be jean shopping. Jean trends change all the time and that means the stock stores carry changes as well. So never assume you’ve tried on everything!
4. Comfort and confidence first! When choosing jeans forget sizes, labels and trends. Go for something that YOU love, that fits your body and that you’re actually going to wear. Remember the tailoring rule –fit for the thighs, taking in the gap at the waist is quick and cheap!
5. The One Exception. When it comes to jeans I’m a firm believer in choosing a style that fits your own unique body and personality with the exception of one style – mom jeans. I’m sure most know what kind of jean I’m referring to, but if not, the basic rule of thumb? AVIOD PLEATS at all cost.
6. Price isn’t everything. They are great jeans at every price range, but remember you get what you pay for. Expensive jeans use higher quality cottons and are woven tighter, meaning the jean will typically last longer and hold on to its shape. My suggestion? Buy jeans in the mid -price range ($70 -$200), where the quality is high. You may spend a little more but you will only need one or two pairs –instead of investing in a new cheap pair every few months.
7. Take Care of them. How to keep your jeans looking fresh? Never put them in the dryer!! Especially if they have any stretch or lycra them. Drying ruins the fabric and fades the colour. When washing add a cap full of vinegar to your load and turn your jeans inside out. This keeps the dye from washing out and your jeans looking brand new for years! (This little vinegar tip works great for bright colours and black clothing as well!)
I’ve included a few of my favorite brands of jeans. These brands have a huge variety of styles, are all great quality and are in the mid-price range.
Joe s Jeans high rise jean, $167
Levi s straight jean, 130 AUD
Paige denim jean, $158
Joe s Jeans joes jean, $158
Banana Republic dark wash jean, $80
J Brand high rise jean, $195
Hudson dark wash jean, 130 GBP
Hudson jean, $165
Gap skinny jean, $70
True religion jean, $196
James Jeans mid rise jean, $176
Mavi Jeans stretch jean, $60
Happy Jean Shopping!
