Rock 'n' Roll Denim: How to Get Jeans with the Perfect Fit

You don't have to be an American idol to get the perfect fit when it comes to jeans this summer. We all know that whether it's a great pair of short "Daisy Dukes" cutoffs layered over swimsuits or worn-out boot-legs with flip-flops, our jeans rock 'n' roll no matter what time of year.

But we all have fit issues, right? You can buy all the latest "it" jeans — but if they don't really do the rear view (and the front view, too!) justice, then why should it matter? After all, many of us live in denim.

"For so many of us, pants are a daily staple," says Paula Reed, a London style guru who wrote the book on all things: "Style Clinic — How to Look Fabulous All the time, at Any Age, for Any Occasion." (Collins, 2009, $27.95)

"We work, party, chill, dance, meet and travel in them," Reed says. "Get the fit that works and they can be your best friend in your wardrobe — the kind that supports you no matter what you want to be." Even if it's an "American Idol."

Here are some tips from Reed on how to buy jeans that provide the perfect fit for your figure:

— Choose classic or relaxed fits if you have voluptuous curves. They'll give you ease and flattery in the bottom area without being big all over.

— Get a pair that sits on your hips rather than your waist.

— Concentrate on getting the waist and leg proportion just right. Get it wrong and you make your bottom look bigger. The waistband should sit just below your waist's natural curve and the leg needs to skim your natural shape. A waist-cinching shape with a lot of fabric in the leg is about the worst thing you can do for your figure.

— No matter what kind of jeans you buy, avoid too-tight legs and small or widely-spaced back pockets. These elements all add width.

— Pick stretch jeans if you are curvy with a small waist. Straight, tight cuts were made for you. Low-riders are the most flattering. A gentle flare will balance your hip curve. Be warned: High-waisted jeans will make your behind look disproportionately large.

— Find stretch jeans but not second-skin tight jeans, if slim on the bottom. Go for a slim leg. They hug, defining any curves you have. Back pockets, for you alone, can be as decorative as you want. Flaps? Even better.

— Choose jeans that are cut to elongate your torso if you have a short waist. Your goal is to create a better proportion between the top and the bottom half. Hipsters are perfect. A big hip-slung belt and high-heeled shoes will further lengthen and reshape.

— Have heavy thighs and still love jeans? An easy fit on the hips is key. Avoid tapered legs and anything oversized. Boot-leg jeans help balance the heaviness further up. Don't tuck tops in, but keep the silhouette neat to avoid the baggy look. Warning: High, tight waists will exaggerate thigh width. Avoid at all costs.

— Lengthen your legs and add curve to your figure when petite with short legs. A waist that sits on or just above the hip, cut with straight legs, adds length. Wear heels and make sure your hem is long enough to break but not fold over on the top of your foot.

— Got a long waist? You need to shorten your torso and lengthen your legs. Wear jeans that hit your natural waist and have snug-fitting legs. The narrow cut will lengthen further. Add more height by going for a long leg and wearing heels.

— Add curves and definition to your boyish figures with slim hips and straight waists. Experiment between a high-waisted pair and a low-rise, straight-leg jean. The boy-cut style is great for you. Try a sexy shirt and high heels to be more sophisticated.

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association.

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