Life > April 19, 2007

By Kristin Stewart | Staff Writer

Jeans have been a wardrobe staple since the early 1940s. Jeans can flatter any body type. Some jeans have a slimming effect and some highlight curves in the right places, depending on the cut.

You might think that you already own enough pairs of jeans to last you for years, but this season the most sophisticated and chic looks involve denim.

The great news is that there are so many new cuts and styles to try this season that everyone is bound to find the perfect fitting pair.

Skinny jeans don’t seem to be going anywhere as summer approaches.

A slight change in the cut of them has made them even more flattering, to the benefit of everyone brave enough to wear them.

Stovepipes are still most flattering on slim-legged ladies, making legs look even longer.

The newest skinny jeans do not hug the ankles as tightly as leggings do, as was seen all winter.

For spring and summer, skinny jeans fall straight down from the knee, giving a little more balance to the shape of the leg.

Find a style that sheaths the thighs and butt tightly, like a second skin.

Make sure they fit perfectly. A size too big and they can get baggy, ruining the effect of the straight lines.

A size too small and they can create an unseemly muffin top.

The perfect fit can be worn with any shoe, open-toed platforms and sandals are the perfect summer complement.

Romantic blouses and tunics complete the look.

Trouser style jeans are a wonderful change of pace for girls tired of skinny jeans.

These jeans have a classic pant cut like a trouser would.

They are fitted at the waist and butt but drop down straight from the widest part of the hips.

Slightly tailored, with side-slit pockets, a full leg and often a slight pleat down the leg, make these jeans sophisticated and flattering on every body type.

Often sewing the front pockets shut can make them more flattering on the front of the hips. Trouser jeans look wonderful with crisp blouses or a tank top.

Shoes with a heel can help lengthen the leg and create a slim silhouette.

Cropped jeans, or capris, are back in full force this spring, but with a slight variation from years past.

The newest capris end at, or just above the knee.

Capris of past seasons are come all the way down to mid-shin, cutting the leg off at an unflattering place for most women.

Cropped jeans are flattering on almost everyone, and can be worn either baggy or slim cut, depending on your personal preference.

Girls with short legs should be aware that certain styles can make legs look shorter, but there are styles that will flatter all types of legs.

These jeans are the perfect transition into summer and look adorable when cuffed.

Wear them with any type of shoe from flip-flops to boots, although my favorite is a demure kitten heel.

Be wary of wearing cropped jeans with a long tunic; this look can give the body strange proportions.

The most daring jeans of the season are cut high on the waist. These are often seen on celebrities and on the catwalk, and despite their reputation, can be flattering on real women as well.

I know I’m tired of seeing underwear hanging out of low-rise denim and know how uncomfortable it can be to hold up the back of your pants while bending over.

With a rise covering the belly button, high-waisted jeans are the antidote to jeans that are too low to cover everything up. High waists can trim the torso, never cut into the belly and can lengthen the leg.

If you’re confident enough to rock this trend, make sure that your jeans have a straight leg (no tapered mom-jeans here!) and are made of thick, sturdy denim.

Always tuck in the top or blouse to accentuate the waist. Snug sweaters and slim tops look best with the high waist.

This season’s jeans are almost all done in a dark wash, and for good reason.

Dark denim if seriously flattering and slimming and looks newer and crisper than over-processed, washed-out denim.

Designers are constantly finding ways to make jeans new, exciting, more flattering and more sophisticated.

Jeans are classic, of course, but that’s no reason that they should be boring.

However, if basic boot cuts are the best thing for your body, don’t fear: boot cuts are here to stay.