Jeans: the essential all-American classic. Flared or fitted, high- or low-rise, jeans have been a wardrobe staple for decades. This season, denim styles have gone polar: super-skinny lowrise or wide-leg high-rise. In this edition of the Fashion Informer, I'll tell you how to find and invest in the perfect pair of jeans for you.
Let me begin by saying that if there is only one item in your wardrobe that you should blow the bank on, it's jeans. Think about it: What other article of clothing can be worn in any situation, matches with anything in your wardrobe and can be worn from the moment you wake up until the moment you go to sleep?
Going-out tops: be frugal. Fancy lingerie: be frugal. Trendy purse: be frugal. Jeans: invest.
While spending three digits on something as basic as jeans may seem ludicrous, when it comes to denim, you get what you pay for. Sure, the Gap and Abercrombie make good jeans at affordable prices, but if you want a pair that will be comfortable, hold its shape while allowing stretch, and still look good after being subjected to a year of industrial washing and drying, think about quality over quantity.
Would you rather own one pair of amazing jeans that fit you perfectly, make your rear look better than J.Lo's, and make you feel like a star, or three pairs of jeans that sort of fit and look okay? What a question!
I'm not saying you have to buy the most expensive pair on the market (which, according to "People" magazine, comes courtesy of Escada Couture with Swarovski crystals and a $10,000 price tag) but a little extra dough goes a long way.
No matter how much you spend on jeans, they will never look good unless you purchase a pair that will flatter your body type and enhance your best features.
If you're on the curvier side ? la Marilyn, a bootcut style is the way to go: It still grabs the skinnier silhouette that's hotter-than-hot this fall, but gives a little extra leg room which will highlight - not widen - your curves. Don't be scared of the skinny, however; just be sure that they fit properly, and wear them with boots and a more flowing top.
If your figure is more Mischa-esque, either play it up with super-tight stovepipe jeans that bunch slightly at the ankles, or add curves with a pair of wide-leg jeans. Only attempt the wide leg if you're tall, however, because this look will shrink shorter frames. To add volume to your rear, opt for a style with back flap pockets to visually add fullness.
For you long-waisted ladies out there (think Paris), jeans should sit near the waist to visually lengthen legs. For us short-torso folk, low-rise jeans will lengthen our middles - just don't go too low, or risk some major derri??re faux pas.
This fall, a "new" color palette was introduced into the world of blue jeans: blacks and grays. After extensive observation and experimentation, I've found that a pair of medium-rinse gray jeans (like the color of Goddard Chapel) adds an instant dose of punk and of-the-moment credibility to any outfit.
Stars like Charlize and SJP have been photographed wearing light, stonewashed gray denim, but like white leggings, these pale shades visually add pounds, so proceed with caution. Black jeans are (obviously) slimming and easy to dress up, especially if they have subtle details like ankle zippers.
So now that you've invested in the perfect pair of jeans, what should you wear them with? The simple answer is anything and everything, but if you're looking for a bit more guidance, one word: proportion. Tight jeans should not be worn with tight tops, wide jeans cannot be worn with little flats, and low-rise pants should not be worn with high-rise belly tops. Come to think of it, belly tops shouldn't be worn at all.
But I digress. Skinny jeans look au courant when paired with pretty ballet flats, chunky platform heels, knee-high flat or platform boots, or ankle boots for those who dare. Top them off with flowing tees, grandpa cardigans, blazers, tunics, dresses or layers of all of the above. Add a belted waist and/or beret, and you're SoHo-bound!
Wider-leg jeans allow you to really play with proportions, but this also leaves room for fashion disaster. Balance the looser look with a fitted top, possibly something romantic with ruffles, lace or silk.
A vest or cropped jacket can be added for dimension, but bustier babes should opt for a low-slung belt instead. Shoes must be substantial to provide a foundation for this look, so no cutesy flats here; chunky platforms or casual Converses both work well.
So what has the Fashion Informer taught us today? The smartest thing you can do this fall is invest in a pair of quality jeans that flatter your body and make you feel sexier than Gisele.
Jyll Saskin is a sophomore who has not yet declared a major.
