As I've said before, I'm really not good at finding jeans for myself. It's rather daunting. And picking out options online for someone isn't really going to work as so much of it has to do with fit. But what I can do is give some basic tips on finding a good pair.
The easiest way is to go into a place with a large jeans selection, find a fabulous gay man and have him find you jeans. It worked for me. I can't imagine life without Joseph :)
If there is no gay bff to be found, here are a few things to think about when buying a pair of jeans: fit, length, and wash.
First, please buy jeans that are actually your size and flatter your body. No muffin tops!
Here's a little something I stole off the Bloomingdale's website about jeans fit:
If you have wide hips and round thighs, you have a pear shape. Bootcut and straight-leg jeans are your best friends. These styles flatter the figure by creating balance with your hips while elongating the legs.Rock & Republic Kasandra Low-Rise Bootcut Jeans
7 For All Mankind Bootcut Jeans
Joe's Jeans Honey Jeans
Paige Premium Denim Laurel Canyon Jeans
Citizens of Humanity Kelly Bootcut Jeans
If you are well-proportioned with amazing curves, you have an hourglass figure. Straight-leg, flared or bootcut jeans all tend to suit your body best.J Brand Blue Label Scarlett Cigarette Jeans
AG Adriano Goldschmied Club Jeans
Joe's Jeans Honey Jeans
True Religion Joey Flared Jeans
Paige Premium Denim Hollywood Hills Jeans
Citizens of Humanity Ava Straight-Leg Jeans
If you have a slim, straight-up-and-down figure, you have a rectangular shape. Skinny as well as bootcut and flared leg jeans that fit snugly at your waist can help by giving the impression of curves. Jeans with flaps at the back also help to create the illusion of a fuller rear.Rock & Republic Kiss Low-Rise Bootcut Jeans with Flaps
J Brand Love Story Bell Bottom Jeans
7 For All Mankind A-Pocket Jeans
Joe's Jeans Cigarette Jeans
True Religion Julie Skinny Jeans
Paige Premium Denim Blue Heights Skinny Jeans
If you are fuller on top, then you have an apple shape. Flared or bootcut jeans will help give your figure balance and make the most of your curves by showing off your legs.Rock & Republic Roth Low-Rise Flare Jeans
AG Adriano Goldschmied Angel Jeans
Joe's Jeans Rocker Jeans
True Religion Joey Flare Jeans
Citizens of Humanity Ingrid Flare Jeans
Their site also has a really helpful list outlining a bunch of brands and how each style within that brand fits. It's super comprehensive, and pretty darn amazing.
Second, length. You have to make sure your jeans hit at the right length. Most jeans come entirely too long for shorter legs. This is where your tailor comes in. Remember this and remember it always: tailors are your best friends. They will bring up your jeans for you (or let them down if you need it), and can even keep the original hem. All for under $15. And $15 is totally worth it to have jeans that are not dragging on the ground. They can also bring in a waist if you have jeans proportions issues -- so you can get a bigger size to fit your thigh/butt/what have you, and then bring in the waist, if that's your fit issue. But back to length. I like to have at least two pairs of jeans: one I hem for flats, and one for heels. But as we're talking super lean essentials here, then you're getting one pair. So get it hemmed somewhere where it's not dragging too much on the floor with flats but still long enough for a medium sized heel.
Last, wash. While a white or grey jean is super fun, a good, dark jean will take you the most places. Get a uniform dark wash (no whiskering or weird fading) and you can wear it to be casual or dress it up to go out.
Nice jeans generally will cost you over $100, most reaching towards $200, but if you're on a budget, Banana Republic actually often makes a good basic jean, and their stuff always goes on sale, so you can easily buy a pair for about $60. But keep in mind buying random sale jeans from BR online, you'll probably have to send a few back before you get the right fit. Also, my friend K (who looks pretty darn good in her jeans) loves Madewell jeans. Their jeans are about $90 and are now available at shopbop.com.
