Skinny Denim 101

Jeans are the hallmark of almost every closet. They're fun, they're simple and they go with everything.

They are also a complete pain in the ass to shop for.

If you're like me you want not only a pair of jeans that fits but a pair of jeans that fits perfectly and is in style. The hottest look right now (as seen on lithe trendsetters like Kate Moss & Ashley Olsen) is "skinny" denim. Its fresh, its modern and its going to be everywhere this fall. Now you may be thinking "I can't wear that" but you're wrong. Anyone can wear this look regardless of their size!



Step 1: Find the perfect pair

Sadly fashion denim lines like Tsubi and Seven for All Mankind, that started the look have yet to expand their size options. Their loss quite frankly (though as soon as I get an email addy I'm drafting a letter) as stores like Old Navy & The Gap have stepped up to the plate and begun to offer drainpipe style jeans in sizes up to 20 and at a fraction of the cost. Compare The Gap's Skinnies at $58 to Seven's at $200!

Once you've got a store its all about fit. Fit is the single most important thing when buying clothes of any kind so don't settle for less. For these jeans you'll want them to hug your body but never be too tight. There should always be room to breathe but make sure they aren't too baggy either. Make sure that you like what you see in the mirror before purchasing.

Brands to Try
The Gap: The Gap's skinny denim is more of a straight leg style which makes it more flattering to a variety of body types.

Note: Gap only features its "extended" sizes on its website since they are part time fascists. Lets get them to bring the extended size range to ALL their retail stores. Send Gap an Email!

Old Navy: Old Navy skinny denim is a bit more form fitting than those offered at the Gap but they come in more colors as well. Old Navy even has a grey shade downright identical to that offered by Sass & Bide.



Step 2: Create the perfect look

Now you have your perfect jeans but what do you wear with them? There are a wide variety of options but a few rules do apply. If you're wearing something tighter on the bottom its generally a good idea to balance it by wearing something looser and bigger on top. Skintight all over is too Olivia Newton-John at the end of Grease but this isn't the time to bust out the oversized t shirts either. A beautiful tunic or knit top looks beautiful as does a nice long camisole beneath a structured blazer. Here are some fashions that would look beautiful with a pair of skinny jeans.




Left to Right: Anthropologie, Tomas Maier, Phillip Lim, Anthropologie
Tips:
- A longer shirt looks great. Especially if it sits just lower than the hips.
- Heels + skinny jeans = supermodel legs
- Make sure your shoes are cute: the tapered cut draws attention to your feet.



Left to Right: Marc Jacobs, Mui Mui

- Wear a belt with any style of jeans that features a low rise waist
- Try one of falls new voluminous caplets!