Closet control: Key item #1

To have a gorgeous wardrobe is every fashionista's dream, having a huge variety of unique but on-trend ensembles at the ready is perfection. However to each wardrobe there are basics that are a must, no matter what you're personal style without these basics you're wardrobe won't be at its best, over the next few weeks I'll post various sections of the 'perfect' wardrobe with pictures, diagrams and helpful hints on how to achieve you're very own 'perfect' wardrobe.

Todays post is about you're very first key item which will build the foundations for your 'perfect' wardrobe which is Jeans

Jeans are my number one key item due to the fact they're such a common thing; everybody owns jeans and they're worn on a regular basis. Because of this to have a few really good pair of jeans will ensure you're wardrobe is off to a good start! 

First decide which style of jeans you prefer, you should take into account your body shape and you're own personal style, the most common types of jeans are... 

Skinny

Skinny jeans are tapered (gradually lessened) through the thigh and calf and generally made quite longer so they bunch up at the ankle, a quick way to solve this is to have them hemmed by a tailor or a cheaper option is to hem them yourself. 

Straight leg 

Straight leg jeans have no tapering, the opening at the bottom and the top are mostly the same. 

Boot cut

Boot cut jeans are generally tapered slightly at the thigh and there is a slight flair at the calf. 

Flared 

Flared Jeans are tapered very slightly at the thigh and flare out a lot at the calf, they have a very 70's feel to them. 

Boyfriend

Boyfriend jeans usually look as though they have been borrowed from a guy (the hint is in the name) So they are usually a loose fit, low rise with cuffed hems. 

Jeans are a perfect key item because you can dress them up or down, for a casual look throw on some boyfriend jeans, an oversized tee, a leather belt, wear your hair up and chuck on some large sunglasses, or for a more formal look wear some skinny jeans with a collared shirt and a fitted blazer with heels to pull of an elegant, more mature look. Jeans are so versatile, it's how you style them that defines whether they're a casual or more formal piece, for example look at this pair of skinny jeans in three different outfits... 

When shopping for jeans it's important to keep three things in mind:

1. The quality of the jeans

2. The stretch

3. Your body shape

The quality of the jeans 

The quality of the jeans is important because you need to invest in pairs that will last as these are a key item in your wardrobe, you're better off paying a little more than usual for jeans because you'll get a lot of wear out them. Look at places such as Topshop, New look and Hollister to find jeans because they do a range of different styles so that you can find that pair perfect for you. The jeans you are looking for should be neatly sewn and last a long time. If they have any rips, tears or stains they're not worth it, unless of course that's the style you're looking for! 

The stretch

The stretch is important because it creates a nice line for your legs, all denim these days has stretch built in, you'll find its best to look for denim with around  2% stretch (check the label) as no stretch makes them too stiff and hard to move in and too much stretch means they need to be washed a lot which can ruin the quality of the jeans. It's best to find jeans that are a as tight as possible, as long as you can do them up fine and move in them quite easily. 

Your body shape

This is super important because in your everyday outfits jeans will feature quite a lot so they should flatter your figure well. It's important to first know you're body shape and second to know what cuts and styles flatter your body shape best, use this helpful guide to help you find the perfect pair of jeans... 

  

Apple: 'Ample bust, rounded stomach and slimmer hips'

Pear: 'Small bust, narrow shoulders, bigger hips, thighs or bum' 

Athletic: 'Sporty, strong body with a few curves' 

Hourglass: 'ample bust, curvy hips and a defined, slimmer waist' 

Slender: 'Very slim with few curves' 

Inverted Triangle: 'Shoulders are broader than your hips' 

Body type - Best style of jeans 

Apple - Bootcut 

Pear - Flared 

Athletic - Bootcut or Skinny

Hourglass - Dark bootcut or Skinny

Slender - Bootcut, a Slight Flare or Skinny

Inverted Triangle - Flared

When trying jeans on it's important to bring a trusted friend with you so they can tell you what suits you, using your new found knowledge of your body shape and what style suits you best this should make the task of finding those perfect jeans a lot easier. I find its best to stock up when you find the perfect jeans so they'll last longer. 

I hope this helps and look for more Closet Control posts 

Love Dixie

:) xox