Q. My workplace now allows us to wear jeans to work. What are the rules to follow?
- Denim has become an integral part of a women’s wardrobe, especially with the growing acceptance in the work place. Go for a dark wash with minimal decoration
- It is now perfectly ok to wear denim from day to night but for work pair it with button-down shirts, dressy knit tops, sweaters and blazers
- Confidence expressed with style is what makes denim work. Always dress it up with elegant accessories rather than dressing it down with a sweatshirt and sneakers
- Professional is still the order of the day but stiff is no longer on the agenda. So keep it smart with a casual vibe.
Q. There are so many different types of denim. What should I look for in a pair of jeans that will be versatile?
- Look for stretch it gives you a better fit and is much more comfortable.
- Look for a poly-cotton blend; it will help retain the shape of the jeans and the color will last longer.
- Go with a nice hand and a wash where the fabric is not too distressed; this will last longer.
- Go with a mid-weight (between 8 to 11 ounces per yard) that will work year round.
Q. I have heard so much about having the right fit on your jeans in order for them to be flattering. What should I be looking for when I try a pair on?
- Go for a contoured waistband (higher in the back, dips slightly lower in the front). It is both comfortable and flattering.
- The waist should not be too tight. You should be able to insert at least one finger in your waistband comfortably.
- The rise should be at least 1" below your belly button, but no more than 3".
- Make sure there are no "whiskers" on the front of your jeans.
- Must be fitted thru the thigh and knee.
- Flare out or go straight down below the knee, depending on the style
- Check out your rear view; it should be flattering but not too tight
Q. What is the correct length for my jeans?
- The length should be so there is a slight wrinkle in the front at the hem when you are standing straight.
- In the back, if you are wearing them with flats, it should touch the floor. If you are wearing them with heels, it should be ¼" above the floor on your back heel. You should have separate pairs to wear with heels and flats.
Q. In order to get the best fit from my jeans, what should I wear under them?
Unless you are Brooke Shields and nothing comes between you and your jeans...
magic begins with the right foundation. Make sure you have the right underwear.
The rise on your underwear should be ½" lower than the rise on your jeans and must
not be too tight. A lower rise brief usually works better than a thong. Look for
underwear that does not create visible panty lines under your jeans. Always go
for more spandex, less bulk in nude or dark colors
Q. What leg shapes work for different body types?
- Bootlegs work best on Pear body shapes and Hourglass body shapes
- Straight Legs work best on Apple body shapes and Pencil body shapes
- Wide Legs work best on Strawberry body shapes
Q. I have heard that finding the right jeans can help camouflage figure flaws. Any advice?
If you are:
- Short waisted... go for a lower rise
- Long waisted... go for a higher rise
- Slight... go for stretch and wear with longer length un tucked tops
- Large bottom... go for a V yoke in the back and a slightly lower rise. Simple back pockets work well
- Big hips... the boot cut is your friend, as it will help re-balance your figure
- No hips... wear with a wide belt and slightly tapered straight leg
- Thick ankles... wear your jeans longer with a dark-colored boot or sling back
- Small tush... go for a higher waist that is fitted in the seat with smaller back pockets
Q. I'm going on a cruise and want a new pair of sunglasses (my old ones aren't especially flattering) – but I don't know where to start!
The first rule of sunglass selection is to find a frame that matches your face shape:
- Oval Face? Wear a frame that is wider than the broadest part of your face. Keep the overall size in balance with your face and you can sport just about any look.
- Round Face? Rectangles and squares work the best; avoid round frames.
- Square Face? Oval frames with arms attaching at the middle of the lens are "it."
- Heart-shaped Face? Rimless frames and aviators work best; you also have the face shape to try oversized frames.
Be sure to check out the Jockey Person to Person® sunglass collection. Available in either rectangular or oval frames with gradient lenses for UV protection!
Q. I am quite short (under 5'3"!) and shaped like an apple. What should I wear to look my best?
The key to looking fabulous is balance. You can achieve this balance by minimizing the bottom and emphasizing the top. The best way to do this is with a "pop" of color on the top and black or navy on the bottom. Other tips:
- Wear a pant with some flare in the leg to balance the hip
- Make sure that your top is longer and does not end at the widest part of your hip.
- Wear your pants and jeans slightly longer and add a slight heel
Remember: it's all about proportion and balance!
Q. I just can't find belts that look good on me. What am I doing wrong?
By following a few simple rules, you can wear a belt whatever your body shape. When you pick the right belt and wear it the right way, your outfit instantly looks more polished. Additionally, you add definition to your waistline, look 10 pounds lighter and perhaps a bit taller.
The first rule is to find the right belt for your body shape - and wear it in the right spot
- HOURGLASS … a medium to wide belt worn at the middle of the waist. Dark colors work best.
- PENCIL … avoid anything too wide. Wear it at your true waist; create a slight blouson effect for some soft curves.
- PEAR … mid-width belts are the best; avoid both skinny and wide belts. Stay in the same color family as your outfit so you don't look shorter and wider.
- STRAWBERRY … mid-width belts are the best; make sure to wear it lower on your waist or at the top of your hip. Wear a light-color belt with a dark top and create some drape at the bottom of the belt to add fullness.
- APPLE … this is the hardest body shape for belts. I recommend a soft tie belt (like a knit belt) simply tied at the back or to the side – NOT across your midsection. This helps create the illusion of a waist without emphasizing it.
The second rule? Find a belt that is comfortable
- If you find leather too restricting, there are great belts out there in fabric, soft suede or knits.
- Try a belt that is part elastic; it will stretch and move with you all day.
- Just say "no" to big bulky buckles that will dig into you when you sit down.
Rule # three? Use your belt to rebalance your body
- First, figure out how long your upper torso is compared to your lower half.
- If you are petite - or have a short torso - avoid wearing a belt that contrasts with the color of your top; it will make you look shorter. Wear your belt slightly lower to rebalance your body.
- If you are long-waisted and have shorter legs, you will want to wear a contrasting color belt slightly higher to make your legs look longer.
Q. I absolutely LOVE belts, but once I finish accessorizing my look looks "busy." Help!
Once you're wearing the right belt in the right place, always remember to NOT over-accessorize when wearing a belt. The belt is the centerpiece of your outfit and should be left alone. Use these guidelines as you thoughtfully accessorize:
- Your belt doesn't HAVE to match your bag or shoes, but keeping them in the same family provides a more harmonious, polished look.
- If your belt has metal hardware, it's best to accessorize in the same metal family. A belt with a gold buckle is hard to pull off with silver earrings and silver zippers on your shoes.
- Think twice about adding long necklaces when wearing shoes with buckles or hardware.
Q. I just found out that I am "pear-shaped." How do I look my best?
As your hips are larger than your waist, you will want to always wear dark colors on the bottom and save brighter colors and prints to wear on top. Lower waists on your bottoms work well for you. NEVER wear clingy fabrics or anything boxy and never cinch at the waist. It's all about balance.
Q. People are always telling me that I am "straight-up-and-down." What should I wear to look more curvy?
For you, it's all about focusing on feminine details. Make sure that your tops and jackets are fitted; add a beautiful push-up bra to maximize your curves. Stick to soft fabrics and avoid loose, baggy tops or styles that are very masculine
Q. My waist is bigger than my bust and my hips. I don't know what styles to try!
You will look longer and leaner in monochromatic looks. Flat fronts and tops nipped at the waist are also quite flattering. Be sure to avoid anything cut on the bias as well as low-rise jeans and short tops.