The Ultimate Guide: Finding Perfect Jeans for Your Body Type

Ah, jeans. The wardrobe staple that’s been with us through thick and thin. But let’s be honest, the quest for the perfect pair can feel like scaling Mount Everest in flip-flops. We’ve all been there: the dreaded gaping waistband, the endless parade of styles, bad fits and more.

But fear not! Today, I’m bringing you all the answers to your denim dilemmas. Because let’s face it, one size (and cut) does not fit all.

General tips

  • Quality over quantity. Rather than having 10 pairs of fast fashion jeans that don’t fit you well, spend that on a couple of more expensive pairs that will fit you better and last you longer. Remember to look for preloved premium brands!
  • High rise tends to be the best fit for most women but if you have a short torso, you might find that mid-rise works better.
  • Good denim will feel tight when you first try it on. You need to give it time to stretch because if you go looser, you’ll find they’re probably too big for you in the long run.
  • The waistband should be on your natural waist, which is the smallest part of your torso, not on your tummy if you want them to feel comfortable.

Now let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of rises, washes, and leg shapes, and celebrate the glorious kaleidoscope of body types that make us, well, us! From the hourglasses to athletic rectangles, the curvy pears to the straight-up amazing in-betweens, we all deserve to feel confident and comfortable in our own skin (and denim).

Rectangle shape – your body is straight with little to no definition

The key to rocking jeans as a rectangle is all about creating curves and defining your waistline. Here are some styles that’ll be your best friends:

  • High-waisted: These jeans sit right above your natural waist, cinching it in and adding instant definition. Bonus points for styles with wider waistbands or belts to further accentuate your middle.
  • Bootcut: This classic style flares slightly from the knee down, balancing out your straight figure and adding a touch of femininity. Wear them with heels or pointed toes rather than trainers.
  • Mom jeans: These relaxed-fit, high-waisted wonders offer comfort and style in equal measure. The extra fabric around the hips and thighs balances your upper body and creates a casual-cool vibe.
  • Straight-leg: Don’t underestimate the power of a classic straight-leg cut! Choose styles with a slightly tapered leg to avoid looking boxy, and pair them with fitted tops to create a sleek silhouette.

Pear shape – bigger lower body compared to the upper body

The secret to perfectly balanced jeans is in highlighting your waist and creating visual harmony. Get ready to embrace the following styles:

  • Flared: The gradual widening of the leg in flare jeans creates a more balanced and proportional silhouette.
  • Dark washes: Pick darker washes and draw attention to your upper body for a balancing effect. Dark denim is a timeless and versatile fashion staple.
  • Curve range: More brands are bringing out curve denim ranges for all sizes, which cater to smaller waists and larger hips & thighs. Check out Abercrombie & Fitch or Madewell.

Hourglass shape – wider upper and lower body with a narrow waist in the middle

Say goodbye to baggy blah! Hourglass shapes, it’s time to celebrate your figure with jeans that hug your curves and show off that gorgeous waistline. Get ready to meet your denim soulmates, designed to make you feel confident and fabulous:

  • Skinny and slim: Don’t shy away from skinny jeans! Go for styles with a bit of stretch for comfort, and pair them with looser tops for a balanced look.
  • High rise: Jeans should be mid- to high rise to elongate your legs. Wide waist bands are great too, as they accentuate your small middle.
  • Tapered: The subtle narrowing towards the ankle visually balances out your hips and thighs, creating a more proportional and elongated look.

Inverted triangle – bigger upper body & shoulder line compared to the lower body

Also known as Strawberry shape! When it comes to jeans, your athletic shape with broader shoulders and narrower hips deserves styles that balance your proportions and create a harmonious silhouette. Here are some of the best jeans to flatter your figure:

  • Wide-leg: Embrace the full-leg trend with high-waisted wide-leg jeans. They’ll add significant volume to your lower body, creating a stunningly balanced shape, and they look great with heeled ankle boots.
  • Boyfriend blues: BF styles can work wonders on inverted triangles. Choose looser, relaxed fits with a slightly tapered leg to avoid looking boxy.
  • Bootcut flare: The gentle flare that starts below the knee subtly draws the eye downward, minimizing the appearance of broader shoulders and creating a more balanced visual weight distribution.

Apple shape – wider in the middle and upper body with a smaller lower body

Your figure calls for jeans that highlight your assets and create a balanced silhouette. Here are some styles that’ll become your denim besties:

  • Straight-leg: This classic cut elongates your legs and balances your midsection without adding bulk. Find styles with a slightly tailored fit to avoid appearing boxy.
  • Cropped cuts: Show off your amazing legs with cropped jeans! Ankle-length styles are incredibly versatile, while shorter hemlines add a playful touch.
  • Darker washes: Wear darker washes to create a streamlined look. Stick to clean lines without any details.

So, there you have it – the perfect pair of jeans awaits every shape! But navigating the denim world can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling different body types, preferences, and trends. Remember, finding the perfect jeans is a journey, not a destination. Experiment, have fun, and don’t be afraid to seek out help from a professional stylist to unlock your denim potential.

That’s where I come in! As a personal stylist, I’m passionate about helping people find clothes that make them feel confident and fabulous. I’ll not only analyse your unique body shape and style, but also delve into your lifestyle and personality to curate a denim wardrobe that reflects you. No more endless fitting rooms and frustrating misses – I’ll take the guesswork out of finding the perfect fit and flair, whether you’re craving timeless classics or trendy twists.

Ready to embrace your denim destiny? Take a look at the services I offer & send me a message – let’s find the jeans that were practically made for you! Remember, confidence is the best accessory, and the right pair of jeans are a timeless staple in your wardrobe.

Don’t forget to leave a comment below and share your own denim tips, or ask me a question!

/0 Comments/by

7 Finishing Touches That Will Make Your Outfits Look More Polished

Are you tired of wearing the same old outfits day after day? Do you feel like your wardrobe needs a little extra something to take your style game to the next level? Start with your finishing touches!

One of the most common requests I get from my Personal Styling clients is to help make them feel more ‘put together’. That Pinterest / Instagram worthy look is created using finishing touches, so keep reading for ways you can achieve that easily.

Believe me when I say that you can wear sweats or loungewear out the house with the help of some careful accessorising!

Accessories are the ultimate way to elevate any outfit and add your own personal touch. From statement jewellery to trendy handbags, there are endless options to choose from. Not only do accessories add visual interest and personality to your look, but they can also be functional and practical. A belt can cinch in a loose dress, or a pair of sunglasses can protect your eyes from the sun.

But with so many accessories out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why in this blog post, we’ll explore the world of accessorising and give you some tips and tricks to help you step up your style game. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right accessories for your outfit to other ways to make your look more polished.

So if you’re ready to take your fashion sense to the next level, read on for my guide to putting an outfit together like a pro!

The right shoes

Think about the shoes you wear most often, and upgrade them. If you’re always in trainers, invest in a modern versatile pair that will elevate your outfits. The same goes if you spend most of your time in boots, heels, flats, whatever! The right footwear can pull the whole look together beautifully.

Also think about complementing the colours in your outfit. If you’re wearing a neutral outfit, you can choose shoes that add a pop of colour. If your outfit already has a lot of colours, you can choose shoes that are a neutral colour.

A pair of sunglasses

Okay, not on the cloudiest days or if you’re inside all day! But don’t reserve them for holidays. They’re a great accessory for every day, and they don’t need to be expensive. In fact, I would actively encourage you to go with what you like and not overpay for a brand name.

A bold, statement pair of sunglasses can add personality and individuality to an otherwise simple outfit. You can choose sunglasses with unique frames, lenses or embellishments to make a statement.

Sunglasses can also help balance an outfit by adding visual weight to the upper part of the body. This can be particularly helpful if you are wearing a more voluminous or flowy outfit. Overall, choosing the right pair of sunglasses can help complete your outfit by adding style, personality, and practicality.

Wear jewellery daily

Chunky medium sized hoop earrings are still a really on trend way to finish your look. However, if they aren’t your thing just make sure that you’re adding a piece of jewellery no matter how casual the clothes. It will instantly make your outfit look more intentional, rather than thrown together.

Your jewellery should complement and enhance your outfit, not compete with it. If you are wearing a busy or colourful outfit, opt for more understated jewellery, while a simple outfit can be dressed up with bolder pieces.

Ultimately, wearing jewellery is about expressing your personal style and enhancing your outfit. So have fun with it and experiment with different styles and combinations to find what works best for you. Also if you’ve had a Style Discovery, you’ll know which type of jewellery suits you best.

Change your handbag

The bag you choose each day should be a part of your outfit, not an afterthought. You don’t need a huge array of bags, just a few basics such as a crossbody, a tote, a top handle, a clutch and a shoulder bag. See my list of recommendations here: https://benable.com/emmalouisestyling/handbags

Start by considering the colour of your outfit. Your handbag doesn’t need to match, but it should be complementary. Also please don’t worry about the old adage of matching your shoes and bag, it can sometimes be much more visually interesting to have unexpected accessories.

Think about the style of your outfit. If you’re wearing a casual outfit, you could choose a tote bag or a backpack to keep it casual, or add a clutch or structured bag to contrast and smarten up the look.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money on handbags. There are many affordable brands that are still stylish and well-made. Take care of your handbags. This will help them last longer. Be sure to clean them regularly and avoid storing them in damp or hot places, and please don’t throw them in the back of your wardrobe in a heap!

Do your hair

When you know your Style Personality you can think about how your hair plays a part in the whole look you’re trying to portray. You can even play around with undone hair matched with a more formal outfit, and vice versa. Hair accessories might be a good way to complete your outfit too, such as headbands or claw clips.

The right hairstyle can help you to create a specific look. For example, if you’re going for a romantic look, you could wear your hair down and let it flow freely. Or, if you’re going for a more edgy look, you could tie it back so you feel less girly.

A messy bun can give a relaxed look to a formal outfit. A sleek, straight hairstyle can create a polished look.

No matter what your hair type or style, there’s a hairstyle out there that can help you to look and feel your best. So experiment with different looks and find what works for you. I’m no hair stylist but I use it as an accessory to portray my style personality.

Add a belt

Even a simple jeans & tee outfit can be taken to the next level by adding a belt. Use waist belts to nip in your waist on dresses. Replace belts that come attached to your clothes with a nice leather one. They draw the eye to your waist, or under the bust, to create a beautiful silhouette. They can be used to add a pop of colour, or simply add a touch of style.

When choosing a belt, it’s important to consider the occasion. For a more formal event, you might want to choose a belt made from a dressier material, such as leather or suede. For a more casual event, you could choose a belt made from a more casual material, such as raffia or canvas.

I know belts can be a style cliché, but worn well they will elevate an everyday outfit to a new level.

Last but not least, makeup

You don’t need a full face of cosmetics every day, but a little colour can make such a difference. Lipstick especially will brighten your face, especially if you know which ones suit your complexion. When choosing makeup, it’s important to consider your skin type, eye colour, hair colour, and personal style. If you’re not sure what makeup would look best on you, I offer Makeup Lessons. I can help you to choose products that are right for you and teach you how to apply them properly.

Makeup can finish your look in a number of ways. It can:

  • Highlight your best features. Makeup can be used to accentuate your eyes, lips, cheekbones, and other features that you want to draw attention to.
  • Create a more polished look. Even if you’re not going for a full-face of makeup, a little bit of concealer, powder, and blush can help to create a more polished and put-together look.
  • Change your mood. The right makeup can help you to feel more confident.
  • Express your personality. Makeup is a great way to express your personal style. Whether you like to wear bright colors, smoky eyes, or a natural look, makeup can help you to look and feel your best.

No matter what your makeup goals are, there are a variety of products and techniques that can help you to achieve the look you want. So experiment with different products and looks until you find what works best for you.

I hope this helps you think about ways to complete your outfits, so they feel more put together. Let me know in the comments which ones you already do, and which you’ll be trying next!

/0 Comments/by

IS NEGATIVE BODY IMAGE AFFECTING YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?

It can be difficult to find your personal style, if you’re stuck in a negative mindset about the way you look. It’s all very well for me, other Personal Stylists and whoever else to give you tips & tricks to try and boost your confidence. But true self-esteem comes from within.

It’s something I think about a lot. The small ways in which we are negatively impacting our own self-confidence, then wondering why we don’t feel good about ourselves.

I’m on a mission to reject diet culture because it thrives on us feeling negatively about our bodies. Now I’m not here to preach that you should all do the same, but toxic diet culture affects my clients in many ways. They feel they shouldn’t wear certain things, they try to hide their bodies, they don’t allow themselves to buy clothes until they shrink their bodies, and so on.

Self-compassion doesn’t just mean you have to immediately start loving yourself because it’s not that easy. It’s about not punishing your body and living your life free from the constant thoughts about how to change it. You also don’t need anybody else to approve of the way you look. Focus on feeling healthy and happy in your skin. Don’t place your self-worth in the hands of others.

Personal Style

It is possible to learn to love the way you look through your style, without needing to change your body. Many find that learning about their body shape helps enormously, because they’re no longer dressing to hide, but to accentuate. Your body shape tends to stay the same no matter what size you are, so why not learn how to dress it?

Colour Analysis helps to find the most flattering colours for you, to help you glow on the days you’re not feeling your most sparkly self. Also, a personal stylist can help you identify your style personality so you’re dressing in a way that makes you feel good.

But all these things may need to be done alongside some mindset work.

Mindset

One major influence on how a lot of us feel, is to do with the content we consume every day. If you’re seeing idealised lives and bodies and wardrobes on your social media, is that making you feel good? Unfollow any account that makes you feel bad about yourself or jealous. Stop looking at ‘before and after’ photos. Be honest with yourself about whether that motivates you or upsets you.

Look for diverse accounts or influencers with a similar body type to you (Mys Tyler is great for this.) It’s important that you’re seeing how clothes could realistically look on you, not only on models or potentially photoshopped pictures. Research has shown that the more body positive and diverse content you see (rather than ‘inspirational’ content), the more positive you feel about yourself.

I’m always talking about intentional purchases. Now I’m asking you to stop mindlessly scrolling and start intentionally scrolling. Make sure you’re very carefully curating what you see.

Yes, what I do is about ‘appearance’ – but it’s more than skin deep. It’s about confidence and happiness. I have two children now, and I refuse to allow them to hear any talk of diets, body sizes, etc because there’s more to life. I know that you know that. Start living as though there is. Your size truly is the least interesting thing about you. And I mean that in the kindest possible way.

Life is too short to put your life on hold because of negative body image. Are you living the life you want? Are you dressing the way you’d like to? Are you being as kind to yourself as you are to your friends?

Comment below or contact me for a chat about how I can help.

/0 Comments/by

BEST FASHION TRENDS TO INVEST IN FOR AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

It sometimes seems that predicted key trends just aren’t wearable for the majority of us in our real lifestyles. As a Personal Stylist, my job is to help you make your wardrobe work hard, so here’s the best Autumn/Winter ’21 fashion to actually invest in that will last you beyond this season alone.

& Other Stories Relaxed Button Up Mulberry Silk Shirt in Orange
  • Highly Saturated Colours

This one makes me so happy! I love encouraging my personal styling clients to embrace colour in their wardrobes – and now it’s on trend to go for the boldest hues.

No need to tone down the colour palette just because summer is fading. Dopamine dressing is the theory that wearing colour can elevate your mood, which is exactly what we need during the drearier months

Ultra-blues, vibrant greens, hot pinks, and neon oranges are all hitting the shops now.

A Colour Analysis is the ideal way to find out which shades will make you look your very best, so get in touch if you would like to find out more.

Mango Quilted Buttoned Coat in Khaki
  • Padded Coats

If you didn’t invest in one last year, now is the time to find a puffer you love before all the best ones sell out again.

They come in all different lengths and silhouettes – so there is one out there for every body shape! Belted options are great to nip you in at the waist if you are not a fan of the oversized look.

And don’t feel you need to stick to black. There are some wonderful, muted greens, browns and other shades which can still be versatile but are little more flattering on most of us than black.

Gilets are also a great transitional piece, and trench coats are timeless if that is more your style.

Cos Smocked Oversized Shopper Bag in Black
  • XXL Handbags

At last, a practical accessory trend! Forget the micro bags that you cannot even fit your phone in. If you are going to carry a handbag, then make it one you can fit ALL your belongings in!

If you already have an oversized shopper or tote, now is the time to dust it off.

There are plenty of leather and fabric options in the shops, just make sure it has a decent shoulder strap so it’s easy to carry. If you stick to classic colours like black or tan then it will not date, meaning you can afford to spend a little more on a good quality bag.

Bag organisers are a great addition to these, so you don’t spend all your time rifling through for your phone or purse.

Nasty Gal Oversized Single Breasted Blazer & High Waisted Tailored Wide Leg Pants in Green
  • Suits & Tailoring

This trend pops up over and over for Autumn/Winter, which is a sure sign it is worth investing in.

Smart tailoring mixed with casual elements is an excellent way to look put together this season if you are tired of your usual jeans and coat combination.

A beautifully bright suit can be worn together with a t-shirt and trainers for every day, or a roll neck and boots for a stylish twist.

Choose comfortable elements, by looking for elasticated waists and oversized blazers.

You will get your money’s worth from a well-fitting suit because you can also wear it as separates. Team the trousers with some neutrals and wear the blazer with jeans. The combinations are endless!

Next Khaki Ribbed Co-ord Top & Trousers
  • Luxury knitwear

Let’s be real, we wear knitwear every year when the weather turns colder. So, buy the best you can afford. Cashmere or high-quality wool will last you season after season.

Buy well, buy once!

Striped jumpers are another timeless piece that can be worn effortlessly all season and will not go out of style. Collared versions bring it up to date for AW21.

Also look at knitted dresses, as they are so easy to throw on with boots. Longer hemlines are more current, but if that is not your thing then add some tights to a mini dress.

For a casual look, try a matching knit co-ord as pictured above. They are warm and cosy, but you will still look chic. Mix and match it as separates too, and it will look less like loungewear.

Monki Nani palazzo jeans in Medium Blue
  • Wide leg jeans

Jeans are another item where it’s worth buying the best you can afford.

Avoid the too ‘on trend’ overly baggy versions if you want to wear them for years to come, but wide legs suit all body types.

Team with heeled boots for a grown-up take on this style. They look just as good with trainers, but you need to get the length spot on, so they don’t drag on the floor – not a good look!

Stick to a more fitted top with these for the most flattering silhouette.

If you need help sourcing the perfect jeans for you, a Personal Shopping session could be beneficial.

Schuh black Avalon leather chunky Chelsea boots
  • Flat ankle boots

The right pair of boots are the most versatile footwear you can own.

Great for transitional dressing, add them to your summer dresses for an autumnal twist.

Your Style Personality will have a huge impact on what boots you go for, but there’s a pair out there for everyone.

Contact me today if you’d like a chat about any of my styling services, whether you need advice on what suits you or want me to shop with you or for you!

This post contains affiliate links. Click on the picture to purchase items.

/2 Comments/by

5 WAYS WORKING WITH A PERSONAL STYLIST CAN SAVE YOU MONEY

There’s often a misconception that Personal Stylists will just encourage you to spend money, and that it’s an extravagant treat only celebrities can afford.

In fact, working with a Personal Stylist is an investment that can help you save money.

Keep reading to discover the main ways working with a Personal Stylist can help you save money, while making you feel fabulous at the same time!

1. Avoid buying into trends that don’t suit you

A Personal Stylist can perform a Colour Analysis to show you what colour clothing suits you best.

They can help women and men understand what clothes flatter their body shape, so they can dress with confidence.

A good Stylist will also explain how to dress for your personal style, so you’re bringing these aspects together to suit your lifestyle and personality.

Once you’ve had a Personal Style Assessment, you can appreciate those new fashion trends whilst avoiding wasting money on the ones that don’t suit YOUR style.

Dressing for your body type

2. Less time traipsing around the shops or trawling online stores

When you invest in a Personal Shopping experience with a Stylist, we pre-select items before our shopping trip that we think will look amazing on you. On the day, we work with you to choose the perfect outfits so you go home with clothes that will work hard in your wardrobe.

If you’re the type of person who dreads clothes shopping or finds it stressful, then it’s a real treat to get some expert assistance in the fitting rooms.

For an Online Shop, we can create a shoppable mood board for you to select items from.

This way you’ll know that they will all suit you and you won’t have to spend time looking through lots of websites as we’ve done the hard work for you.

The success rate for these is high, so it should save you time and money on returning bad online purchases.

3. You’ll learn to wear what’s already in your wardrobe

A common misconception about Wardrobe Edits is that we’ll make you get rid of most of your clothes!

Unless that’s what you’d like us to help with, it’s not the case.

We can show you how to wear everything in your wardrobe, rather than just a small portion of it.

The fun part about the edit is creating new outfits from what you already have, and we’ll keep a list of any gaps that are worth filling so you get the most from your collection.

Once you have a clearer idea of what you own, you won’t waste so much money buying new all the time.

We can also help you sell anything that’s of value during the decluttering process.

4. Personal Stylists give you an unbiased, expert opinion that you can trust

Ever gone shopping with your family or friends and they just shrug when you try things on, or tell you everything looks great?

Or used a personal shopper in a department store who didn’t seem to “get” you?

An independent Personal Stylist is trained to help you find items that are perfect for you, because you are the client – not the store.

We work with you to ensure you don’t waste money on clothes you’ll leave in your wardrobe unworn, or you don’t feel fantastic in.

We’ll also teach you our stylist tips, so you’re learning along the way how to dress your best!

5. You won’t be influenced to buy things you don’t need

We’ve all been there. Something looks great on your friend or that person on Instagram, so you buy it on impulse. 

Or there’s a Sale on, so you snap up some bargains without thinking them through.

However, once a Personal Stylist has helped you rediscover your own style you can avoid these mistakes.

Some stylists, like myself, even have a Style Subscription for personalised monthly inspiration.

Being confident in your personal style will take away that feeling of panic buying and uncertainty.

We can show you how to look like an improved version of yourself, rather than a copy of somebody else.

So, as you can see, working with a Personal Stylist is not only a fantastic treat for yourself and a confidence boost but it can save you money, time, and stress in the long term.

Contact me today if you’d like a chat about any of my styling services and see my testimonials to see what people are saying about their experience.

/1 Comment/by