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Palm Walk Runway: Bottoms Up!

So many jeans to choose from! Photo by Marlee Bever.
So many jeans to choose from! Photo by Marlee Bever.

The only thing worse than swimsuit shopping is shopping for jeans. I dread the anticipation of finding out how much my size went up since the last time I bought jeans. I always try on a smaller sizes in hopes that I can still fit into a size two jean, and I of course unwillingly try on the same pair in the next three sizes up.

I think everyone struggles with jeans simply because they do not know what style and cut works and looks best for their body type. Not everyone is 6’1 and has a model-esque body and can pull off skinny jeans like it’s no one else’s business. Instead if you are like me—short, small waisted, with a butt and thighs—then those long, wide, boot cut, or skinny jeans are not our best option. I, however, have done my homework and I will rescue you from those long dreaded jean nightmares.

The first place to start is to figure out what kind of body type you exactly are. I will begin with the fruit shaped bodies. The pear—also known as the most common figure—will have a noticeably smaller upper body than a lower body. For the apple shape the upper body is noticeably larger than the lower body. Now, for those who are an hourglass shape you are very curvy with a defined waist; kind of like the Kardashians. Rectangle figures are straight up and down and may have slight curves, but not defined. Now that you have figured out which shape fits your body type the most, it is time to dress your bottom.

If you are a pear you are going to want to look for jeans that are flared or wide-leg, or even straight-legged jeans are good to help give you a slimmer look. The wide-leg and flared jeans with also help to hide your thighs. Also, the darker the jeans, the slimmer your hips and bottom will look. It has always been said that black is the most slimming color, and when it comes to jeans, this is definitely the case.

For all of you apples out there, I have just the advice. You are going to want to look for jeans that have a flat front and a rise that is lower than your natural waist. If you look for jeans that have back pockets with flaps, this will give you some curve and booty. As far as colors go, lighter washes or faded jeans will add that shape to your thighs. Also, boot-cut and flared-leg jeans will give the allusion of a longer leaner look.

Okay hourglasses, you are going to look for jeans that are cut with larger hips and a smaller waist. You may also want to look for jeans that are slightly flared or have a wide leg to help balance out your hips. Mid-rise jeans are a really good fit for you, and low-rise jeans are also a great fir for you as long as they are not too low.

And finally, our rectangle shapes. Look for jeans that are going to hug and lift your bottom. If larger back pockets are spread far apart your bottom will look a lot fuller, or what I like to call bootilicious. If the pockets have flaps on them, that will add even some more curves. You will also look great in jeans that have a low-rise and that have a straight fit from the hip to the knee. As far as colors, I recommend jeans with lighter fades on the thighs to help give them shape.

Never fear your own body, and always, always embrace those curves and imperfections. If you dress appropriately for your body type, you will always look amazing. Also, when you are shopping for your jeans, don’t hesitate to ask the people working at the store for help.  Shopping for jeans should not be a dreaded experience, but one that you feel confident about.


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