The perfect jeans for your bodyshape

I'm on the hunt for a new pair of jeans after wearing my last favorite pair of jeans to the ground.  Sadly I think it is time for us to part ways as it looks too tattered and I don't do shabby chic very well.  Could never understand why people pay top dollar and buy new jeans that's already deliberately torn or distressed all because they've been advertised as trendy or as seen on the catwalk.  If you wear and wash your jeans long enough they will become distressed, faded, worn and all those other buzz terms that mean worn out jeans.  A good idea for my worn out jeans since I love them so much is to add fashionable paisley patches  so maybe I'll hold on to them after all.  May come in handy for that bout of gardening fever when spring finally shows its face. 

But still need to find me some new fashionable, fabulous and well fitting jeans for my body shape.  I must admit I approach all my clothes purchases as I do handmade jewellery, I look for the unique and unusual even if it is only a pair of jeans.  Since I wear my jeans often I must always feel good each time I put them on and know that it is money well spent.  Denims after all are a year round wardrobe staple.

So first things first body shape.  Our blog article on Choosing a winter coat to suit your body shape has a video link to finding your bodyshape and fashion DNA.  Alternatively go straight to  besleek.com input your body measurements and you are well on your way to defining your bodyshape.  Once you know your body shape, click on Gok Wan's "How to look good naked - choosing the right jeans" video and you're sure to buy the right jeans for your body shape.

For a wide range of designer jeans including the one pictured here go to dress-for-less

Choosing a winter coat to suit your body shape

Deciding on which winter coat to buy can be a real fashion dilemma as there are so many to choose from.  Especially in the January sales you can find yourself making impulse purchases if the price is right.  I always have a good rummage through my wardrobe before I hit the online sales so that I buy more of what I need and not more of what I already have.

This year I need a 100% wool winter coat to cope with the weather we've been having.  If I do go for a wool blend like this Reiss Angel Fit And Flare Coat then it has to be at least 80% wool as I must admit that it is getting harder and harder to find 100% wool coats.  When browsing online most winter coats are advertised for example "Single Breasted Textured Coat with Wool".  So you know right away that it is a wool blend.  I hope I don't have to compromise my number one priority of being a 100% wool as there are lots of stylish wool blend coats out there. 

Material sorted now I can focus on style of coat.  Double breasted coats are a definite no no for me as they are not particularly suited for women with large boobs.  This classic design coat looks fine on me when unbuttoned but when buttoned simply makes my boobs look squashed and saggy.  So I'm afraid that rules out double breasted and military style coats  for me which amazingly limits my choice of winter coats as the stores and high streets are flooded with these styles of coats.

So body shape is important if you want to ensure that your new coat looks great on you.  To define your bodyshape click here to view this video Find Your Body Shape and Your Fashion DNA.

Defining your body shape

To define your body shape you can seek professional help from a personal stylist if you can afford one. Alternatively you can book an appointment with a personal shopper at one of your larger or well established department stores. This service is free and is usually available to customers who want help shopping for special occasion outfits or are updating their wardrobe or simply want to shop the new trends. Your personal shopper should be able to assess your body shape and select outfits that are flattering to your size and figure.

But there is always the DIY method. For the do it yourself method, invest in books by known style gurus like Gok Wan and Trinni and Susannah. Even if you are seeking professional help in defining your body shape there is no harm in being proactive and doing your own research. Use the buzz words with your stylist so they know that you are not a complete novice when it comes to fashion. Once your stylist or personal shopper realises that you do seem to know something about fashion and body shape then the challenge is theirs to show you how to make outfits and looks work for you in ways you had not imagined or read about.

Check out the following books:

The Body Shape Bible: Forget Your Size, Discover Your Shape, Transform Yourself

"How to Look Good Naked": Shop for Your Shape and Look Amazing!
Work Your Wardrobe: Gok's Gorgeous Guide to Style That Lasts

Work Your Wardrobe: Gok's Gorgeous Guide to Style That Lasts

Style Clinic: How to Look Fabulous All the Time, at Any Age, for Any Occasion