by Kori Ellis

Jeans…everyone loves them. You can wear them just about anywhere and they come in so many different shapes and washes. But every pair of jeans isn’t for every woman. Check out these tips to choose the best jeans for your body type.

Petite
Katie Holmes made cuffed boyfriend jeans popular a few years back, but these aren’t for short women. For those under 5’4, cuffed jeans will make you look even shorter than you are. Instead pick a pair of dark wash bootcut jeans, which will elongate and slim the look of your legs.

Pear Shaped or Plus-size
When who are heavy in the hips and thighs (or heavy all over) oftentimes think they should hide their bodies in baggy clothes. Don’t do it! Oversized, baggy jeans will actually make you look heavier. Pick out a pair of relaxed fit jeans that give you a little extra room in problem areas, but still fit. Dark wash or black jeans will slim your silhouette. Definitely avoid jeans with small pockets on the rear — they’ll make your butt look big.

Apple Shaped or Short-waisted
If you carry your weight in your midsection or have a short waist, avoid high-waisted jeans. Low-rise jeans (but not too low) will help lengthen the look of your torso, while flared jeans are also a good choice because they draw the eyes downward and away from your waist.

Ruler
Tall and lean ladies should wear slim fit jeans that fit well through the hips and thighs to provide the illusion of more curves. Pick out a pair of light wash jeans with low rear pockets to make your butt look rounder, higher and a little bigger.

Everyone
Bootcut jeans look good on almost everyone. No matter what style of jeans you wear, make sure they fit. A small bit of spandex will provide a little stretch and extra comfort. Your jeans shouldn’t be so tight that you have to lay down on your bed or jump up and down to shimmy them on. And remember, your thong shouldn’t show in the back when you sit down or squat.

So who should wear skinny jeans? Average women with a proportionate body. If you are very thin, skinny jeans will make you look even thinner. And of course if you are heavy, skinny jeans will highlight your figure flaws.

The jeans pictured here can be found at Nordstrom.

More fashion tips

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Red hot dresses for the holidays
3 Must-haves for spring

^{Kori Ellis is an editor and writer based in San Antonio, TX, where she lives with her husband and three children. Kori has been published in dozens of magazines, newspapers and websites worldwide, writing about everything from fashion to fantasy sports.}