"the great denim debate"

Welcome back to The Great Denim Debate. Get your fix of shopping tips and fit tricks below to help you find your denim soul mate!

Cuts. Skinny fit jeans are still a major trend these days, but the truth is that most of us should steer clear of this style. They look best when they fit as snugly as a legging, and pair well with heels or flats, and perfectly with boots, but this body-conscious cut is really best for a more boyish figure. If you’ve got straight, slim legs and hips, go crazy with this look! If you’re on the curvy side, I’d recommend sticking with straight, boot cut, or wide leg styles instead.

Straight leg jeans (I want to emphasize straight, not tapered in the slightest) can be a really sophisticated look when paired with fabulous heels. Coordinate a pair with a fitted or flowy top for a sleek weekend look or dress them up for a night out.

Boot cut jeans (not flared) are the most popular and timeless pick. They look great on many body shapes and offer a nice choice for a variety of occasions. Stick with a more tailored look on top to create well-balanced proportions.

Wide-leg or trouser jeans (and we’re not talking “skater” styles here) are the best option for a range of shapes and will balance out a fuller hip and thigh! These cuts have made a comeback, so take advantage and scoop ‘em up while you can. A trouser jean is fun and fashionable, yet often work appropriate at the same time. The right pair should skim your hips and fall smoothly toward the floor. They look great with chunky heels or sweet little flats.

Washes. The choices are no longer limited to subtle shades of blue. Trends have washed ashore in every hue from crisp white to red-hot to bold black. I’d steer clear of the teenybopper looks such as bubblegum pink, but stark white is just right for summer, and black will be back for fall.  And of course, true blues work any time of year. A deep denim wash is the most flattering and best tone to dress up. Medium washes are reserved for more casual daytime looks only. Light blues are best left for fashionistas (if you can play up the light hued hip huggers, go for it - otherwise, leave them at the store)! As for whiskers and embellishments on any color denim, let’s just say ‘less is more’ should be your rule of thumb.

Shopping Smarts. Scope out stores in your area that specialize in jeans! They’re out there. At in-jean-ius, a Boston boutique, well-trained staff offer up expert advice on how to select the perfect pair of jeans, and won’t give up until you’ve found them! Learning the world of designer denim could be a new college major, so let yourself ask for some help at the store for a change and skip the all-night cram session.

Great customer service isn’t just an in-store experience these days. Over the past few years, two companies have made a big impact when it comes to shopping for the right pair of jeans online. Spend some time exploring True Jeans and Zafu to see what they’d recommend as your perfect pair! Indi Denim is also well worth checking out on the web, as this premium denim provider allows you to create a completely custom pair for $135.00.

Have fun finding your favorite fit!