The New Business Casual - Jeans for all Body Types and Shapes
Since we've been working from home, what we know as "work attire" looks a lot more like elevated lounge wear and easy flowing styles. And if you find yourself attending zoom meetings consistently, then you're probably more "work appropriate" at the top and relaxed at the bottom, right?
Relaxed bottoms may look like leggings, sweats or even jeans. Jeans are a classic wardrobe staple that will NEVER go out of style. With that said, investing in a few good pairs of jeans to filter into your wardrobe is one of the best decisions you can make. Especially, during a time like this.
But finding the right pair that fits your body shape and type the way you want them to can be a challenge. Continue reading to find the best jean options for your body shape and type.
BODY TYPES
No matter what, every woman has a body type which is typically generalized into 3-4 different categories. Below, are the 3 most common body types that women tend to categorize themselves in. We determined a few different brands of denim that are considered the best options for each type.
Petite
If you're 5'4" or shorter, you're considered petite. Regular clothing is designed for women who are at least 5'5" or taller and even then, there aren't many women who fit that description. But, for anyone who is a bit shorter the problems with finding clothes that fit, tend to multiply.
Nordstrom and J.Crew are just a few of the handful of clothing stores that carry petite sizes, as most of the petite lines are only offered online. However, most of the advice given to petite body types is exactly the same. And it is frequently forgotten that all petite women are different.
Tips when styling your petite jeans
Get used to trying a variety of brands and sizes until you find your size. Most "shorter" or "petite" sizes can be too short and/or too small for the average petite woman
Cropped jeans/pants usually fit petite women perfectly
Play around with unique styles (vertical stripes, flare leg) and pair them with the right shoes to elongate the look of your legs
Brands with good petite options
Tall
If you're 5'5" or above, you're considered tall. Most off the rack clothing would be considered too short in length or in the torso for this body type. So, shopping brands that offer pants with longer hems would be the solution. If you thought petite women had it bad, taller women are struggling just as much.
The inseam of most standard-size denim is around 32” — just long enough for a woman who stands at approximately 5’7”, without shoes. Anyone taller is left to contend with an awkward gap between the ankle and the foot, forced to only purchase that will work as "cropped".
Tips when styling your tall jeans
If you love a pair of jeans that aren’t long enough, no sweat! Wear tallish boots to hide the flood or add fun socks
Opt for a skinny roll rather than a cuff on your jeans to create the illusion that you’ve got fabric to spare
Pants with a slit at the bottom are your friend
Brands with good tall options
Plus/Curvy
In the U.S., sizes 14 and above are considered "plus size", although not everyone who falls into that range identifies or agrees with that term. But style your jeans the right way and you’ll balance your proportions and create the ultimate flattering silhouette.
Tips when styling your plus jeans
Choose jeans that have between 1% and 4% spandex for maximum stretch, without feeling like yoga pants
Know your measurements
Brands with good plus/curvy options
BODY SHAPES
There are few things better than finding an outfit that flatters your figure. The thing is, if you don’t understand why certain things look great on you, it can be hard to keep finding new favorites. In actuality, it’s very simple—it all boils down to body shape. Once you learn how to dress for your body shape, it’s amazing how easy it is to build a wardrobe you love to wear. Keep reading to discover the types of jeans best designed for each body shape and where to shop for them.
Double Diamond
From top to bottom, you are a picture of harmony and balance. You have equal proportions between your upper and lower body with a well-defined waist. With your body shape, I would recommend body-hugging styles that will show off those amazing curves.
What is a double diamond shape? Here are some common characteristics:
• Your shoulders and hips are about equal width
• You have a defined waist
• You likely have a larger bust and bottom
• You describe yourself as curvy
1. High waist - this rise accentuates your defined waist for a flattering fit
2. High waist flared - this silhouette beautifully balances curvier hips and thighs
3. Wide leg - like flared jeans, this style lends proportion to your lower half
4. Skinny - a close-fitting style shows off your natural curves
Elegant Emerald
If your hips and bust are perfectly balanced and your legs are easily defined as one of your best assets, then you are an Elegant Emerald! To help show off that beautiful body we recommend clothing that will help that waistline shine.
The key to creating a proportional look is to make sure your jeans complement the silhouette of your blouse or T-shirt. If you’re going voluminous on top, balance it out with something fitted on bottom, and vice versa.
What is an elegant emerald shape? Here are some common characteristics:
• Your shoulders, bust, and hip measurements are fairly uniform
• Your waist is more straight than curvy