Jean Genie

I should really write a nice card to Kathryn Thomas to thank her for contribution to my Style Blog - for this is the second time in as many weeks that I find myself citing her as inspiration for a post!

Sitting in as guest presenter on RTE Radio 1's The Tubridy Show this morning, Kathryn and her guests - including style blogger and journalist, Annmarie O'Connor - discussed the dos and don'ts of denim.

As a stylist, one of the most common laments I hear from clients is that they don't know how or where to find jeans that suit them properly.

I remember when I was a young 'un, deciding on what denim to wear was a simple affair. No such thing as boot-cut this and low-rise that...a pair of Levis 501s took you everywhere. And weren't we happy. Delighted, in fact - shur we thought we were only gorgeous!

Fast forward 20 years however and some say that you would need a degree in denimology to figure out what colour, style, shape, shade to go for. We're spoilt for choice, and therein lies the problem, there's so much choice that it's difficult to see the wood from the trees.

If you can identify with the above statement, here are some tips that will turn you into a jean-ius!

• Colour: Darker shades will make your legs look slimmer. So, if you want to minimise your hips or thighs choose a dark colour such as indigo. If you have slender legs, choose a lighter shade that will show off your slim pins.
• Cut: If you have broad hips and thighs, go for a boot-cut style that will balance you out. If you have slim legs, go for a narrower style.
• Waist: If you are conscious of your tummy, choose a mid- or high-rise waist which will give you great comfort and support. Hipsters are strictly the preserve of youngsters with flat toned tummies!
• Pockets: If you wish to ‘magic away’ a large bum, choose jeans with large, close-set, rear pockets that tuck under the bum. Those with larger derrieres should avoid small rear pockets or pocketless styles – plus avoid anything with embellishments, sequins etc. If you have a neat bum, then the reverse (pardon the pun) applies.
• Length: I like jeans to err on the long side – your jeans should finish 1cm (or ½”) off the ground if they are to look perfect. If you have short legs, avoid turn-ups (trouser cuffs) which will only make your legs appear shorter, and vice versa.
  

Go forth and shop!

Yours in style,
Caroline