Denim 101

I can’t remember a time when I was excited to go jean shopping! Since forever, I hadn’t enjoyed shopping for jeans because I was always unhappy with my size, and felt they did nothing for my curvy body. Instead of throwing on a pair of jeans I would opt for leggings, pants, or a fun jumpsuit to elevate my look.

Now that I am older, I have gotten over my number figure and learned to focus on what is most flattering for my figure. I started by trying on every pair of jeans in Nordstrom to figure out my range of sizes, started to pick up on preferred pocket placements, washes and fabrications. While creating a personal experience with each style I gained product knowledge for the most demanded premium denim brands. (I am now the Denim Specialist at Nordstrom.)

Long story short, my battle with jeans wasn’t easy, but now I don’t know what I wore without them! Since this is a relatable struggle, this post is dedicated to my favorite denim style for every body type!

Skinnies
The jean of our generation is the skinny. There isn’t a body type out there that wouldn’t benefit from a pair of skinnies – they elongate the legs and are perfect with every shoe!

DL1961 ‘Florence’ Instasculpt $178

The Florence is a mid rise, zip fly skinny with a 30 inch inseam. If you’re on the shorter side and rather not cuff or alter the length, the ‘Margaux’ (28 inch inseam) would be a better fit. While DL1961 prides themselves on their non-stretch fabrics – they stretch – so you’ll want to grab a size down. DL’s Instasculpt fabrication is lightweight, comfortable and slimming.

rag & bone/JEAN Skinny $198

This Bedford skinny jean is best seller, although the hanger doesn’t seem to do it justice (does anything, ever?). The leg openings appear smaller with a lower rise but in actuality, this is a comfortable mid rise jean. My favorite aspect of this pair is the wash, the all over darkness is contrasted with a visible seam and lighter pocket details that make the butt appear perky. This is also an easy jean to go from day-to-night!

Current/Elliot ‘The Stiletto’ Destroyed Skinny $228

Current/Elliot launched in 2008, created out of love for timeless denim. This pair provides a lived-in look and feel with an on-trend ankle length (28 inch inseam). I love these because they are a good everyday medium wash with the perfect amount of distressing. This wash is exclusive to Nordstrom!

MOTHER The Looker High Waist $255

Without a doubt, these are my go-to. I have stocked up on my MOTHER high waist jeans because of how they make my curvy body look and feel. The leg-lengthening high waist keeps everything in place, with washed out back pockets to give the appearance of a higher, rounder butt. I love that every time I put these on they feel the same as when I first bought them! The high cotton content helps with a higher recovery rate and a happy medium of vintage denim and comfort.

Raw Hem
The latest denim trend is a raw hem. Usually an ankle or cropped length, a raw hem adds a spark to your classic skinnies. If you have a pair at home that need a little sprucing up, cut an inch off and throw them in the washer so they can fray naturally. Easy and creative!

MOTHER The Stunner Frayed Ankle $196

Like I said, my MOTHER’s are my go-to. This was my first pair, and I fell in love. This is the best light washed, high waisted ankle jean ever! High in cotton with an almost perfect recovery rate, the button-fly adds an original denim touch, with flattering washing along the butt. Being curvier, this is really important to me! I love being able to wear mules, sandals, pumps — whatever with these!

Paige Colette High Waist Crop Flare $209

This pair is a 2-for-1! Tackle a modern flare with a cropped, raw hem to show off any shoe in your closet (I personally love the lace-up block heal with a knotted graphic tee and a leather jacket). The high waist gives leg length for a typically shortening style, with help by Paige herself who created a formula for the most slimming pair of jeans you’ll ever try on! Seriously… try on a pair of Paige jeans, ASAP!

Citizens of Humanity Rocket Step Hem $198

If you’re ready to get trendy head-on, the step hem is the way to go! For those of you who aren’t familiar, the Rocket is Citizen’s high rise silhouette (a 10 inch rise), and a step hem is an asymmetrical, raw-edged hemline. This adds a little flare to a raw skinny. I love this look!

AG The Legging Ankle $220

The Legging Ankle is a classic style for AG. This is a mid rise, ankle jean with a consistent fit through the leg (think, “legging”). I love that this is an easy transition for someone trying out the raw edge. It is a great everyday medium wash, with a hem easily finished if you decide the raw edge isn’t for you anymore!

In a world of denim, I hope this post has helped narrow down the search for you! I have created a personal experience with each of these styles, making it easy for me to recommend them to you. PLEASE, do not let these prices scare you away! When you buy a pair of premium denim you are buying the best fabrics imported from Japan and Italy, where they are handmade by specialists. On average, 150 hands have touched your jeans before they made it to stores. There is one person responsible for sewing on the buttons, one person pressing, one person focusing on perfecting the inseam, outer seam, distressing — you get the point! Your denim has been made with love and precision, so each piece is unique, just like YOU!

Leave a comment