Crazy about jeans

Instead of following what’s in rage, you should wear jeans that look best on you, writes Tengku Sofiah Aishah

JEANS are the staple of many casual  wardrobes. However, not all are created equal or equally flattering. We are not born with the same shape, so the style we wear will impact the way we look.

Skinny jeans are definitely “in” right now. In fact, most places stock only skinny jeans, which can be irritating to those who do not have the skinny genes to pull off the skinny jeans, me included.

Pepe Jeans London recently made its way here and its Spring 2012 collection sports a city-slick urban look, with a preppy
makeover.

My favourite is definitely the Pixie skinny jeans in dark denim. Super fashionable and slim fitting, you can dress the jeans up with heels or down with a pair of cool sneakers.

If you are petite — women under 160cm — you have to try skinny jeans that fit your body proportions. Skinny jeans look best on tall, thin women but petites who are slender can wear them well too.

RISE OF JEANS

Another criterion when choosing a good pair of jeans is the waist cut, whether it is high, medium, low or super low-rise. Personally, I am not a fan of low-rise jeans as they do not flatter my figure and I find them uncomfortable.

Medium to high-rise (no higher than the belly button) can help flatten your tummy while low-rise jeans are more suitable for slim women with an ample behind.

Pockets play a role in creating the illusion of width and lift. If you have a small, flat behind, opt for a design with high detailed pockets and slightly smaller than those found in most styles.

Those with curvy hips should avoid front and slit pockets. Stretch denims will fit you well if your hips are much larger than your waist.

COOL CASUAL

The denim jacket by Pepe Jeans London adds a casual touch to your floral dress on days you feel like wearing a dress but do not want to look as “trying too hard”.

However, you may want to save it for an evening party with friends instead of wearing it in humid weather.

The shorts, — mini or cropped — look the same to me with not much difference but they do look trendy and fresh if you style it right.

A slim belt always makes a great accessory to a plain design. With our hot weather, these cute shorts can give a sassy rock-chick swagger while keeping you comfortable.

COLOURED PIECES

As for the men’s collection, high street or not, I think ripped jeans or abrasion is sloppy and a paradox of fashion. Cropped and folded style trousers should remain for women as with skinny jeans. Coloured jeans are popping up, a throwback to styles popular during the 1980s.

I love the pastel coloured shorts but I have yet to see KL dandies rocking a pair. Perhaps you need a certain look to pull off fancy colours lest you commit fashion faux pas.

EMBRACE YOUR CURVES

Levi’s, the original, definitive jeans brand, is also introducing an array of fresh colours for Spring.

Being Asian,  it’s rather difficult to find a pair of perfect fit as most jeans are tailored for tall, Western women. If you’re petite and curvy, finding a pair that flatter your curvaceous figure can be a chore.

The Levi’s Curve ID system embraces the true curves of a woman’s body, whether she’s a size 24 or 29 and it is not something new.

For its Spring release, Levi’s Curve ID is now available in Ankle Skinny and Ankle Flare collection. Luckily, with Levi’s Curve ID new collections, petite curvy women can now rock that stylish and modern skinny jeans.

Ankle Skinny is basically skinny jeans which ends just before the ankle whereas Ankle Flare ends with a slightly wide opening. Prices start from RM209.

KNOW YOURSELF

Know your figure and wear what looks best on you. The basic rules still apply.

If you are tired of the same old dark denim and washed in blue, why not try a pair of coloured jeans? The sunset coral and snorkel blue would be a great start if you’re not bold enough to wear Pepe’s bright red trousers.

Buckwheat or nude is always a safe bet for any occasion. Depending on the shade and colour and how you wear them, they can give you an urban, classic or even punk look.

Here’s a rule of thumb, just because it is the rage, it does not mean everyone can wear it.

More room in this skinny with wider ends

(from left) Trendy denim jacket , basic denim shorts , funky coloured shorts and folded style trousers

(From left) Pepe Jeans’ classic, boot-cut jeans and a classic dark skinny denim

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