Shopping for jeans is one of those activities that, like doing your taxes and getting the occasional bikini wax, can include stress, struggle, and a bit of humiliation — but it must be done. We've been right there with you in those poorly lit fitting rooms, squeezing into one pair but swimming in the next. And don't even get us started on awkward inseams, gaping waistbands, and weird washes. But it doesn't have to be this way. In fact, we've pulled together a range of super-stylish denim options for petite, tall, and plus-size figures, covering everything from colorful skinny styles to universally flattering trouser silhouettes. Intrigued? You should be! So, quit dillydallying and click on through — we're ready to make your denim dreams a reality.
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Plus Sizes
The most flattering plus-size styles have a few elements in common: A higher rise, a thick waistband, and a slimming dark rinse. But that doesn't mean you can't have fun with color! Opt for saturated mid-tone to deep hues, and keep the rest of your look mostly neutral.
The most flattering plus-size styles have a few elements in common: A higher rise, a thick waistband, and a slimming dark rinse. But that doesn't mean you can't have fun with color! Opt for saturated mid-tone to deep hues, and keep the rest of your look mostly neutral.
Petites
A few years ago, petite gals were spending a small fortune on tailoring their jeans — now, most mass e-commerce sites have wised up and altered inseams, rises, and knee positioning to accomodate those with slighter statures. Experiment with pastel denim for spring, and choose skinny styles that are hemmed at the ankle or just below to lengthen your legs.
A few years ago, petite gals were spending a small fortune on tailoring their jeans — now, most mass e-commerce sites have wised up and altered inseams, rises, and knee positioning to accomodate those with slighter statures. Experiment with pastel denim for spring, and choose skinny styles that are hemmed at the ankle or just below to lengthen your legs.
From left: Gap 1969 Lightweight Always Skinny Cropped Jeans, $69.95, available at Gap; Old Navy The Flirt Boot-Cut Jeans, $29.50, available at Old Navy; Ann Taylor Petite Denim Zipper Leggings, $98, available at Ann Taylor.
Tall Frames
Here's the thing about legs that go for days — it's hard to find pants that can keep up. But some of our favorite retailers — J.Crew, Gap, Old Navy, and The Limited, for starters — stock tall sizes through their online stores. Slim, bootcut, and trouser silhouettes are most flattering on tall frames; look for hems to hit either right at your ankle or about an inch above the base of your heel.
Here's the thing about legs that go for days — it's hard to find pants that can keep up. But some of our favorite retailers — J.Crew, Gap, Old Navy, and The Limited, for starters — stock tall sizes through their online stores. Slim, bootcut, and trouser silhouettes are most flattering on tall frames; look for hems to hit either right at your ankle or about an inch above the base of your heel.
From left:
The Limited 678 Flare Trouser Jean, $69.90, available at The Limited; New York & Company Bright Denim Skinny Jean, $59.95, available at New York & Company; J.Crew Tall Bootcut Jean, $108, available at J.Crew.