While there’s a lot to look forward to in the fall — the leaves changing, the cozy layers, the PSL everything — there is one part about the season that we could do without: jeans shopping. The sartorial struggle is real when it comes to finding the perfect pair to carry you through the year, especially if you want to think outside the box when it comes to cuts and styles. With more adventurous silhouettes available now than there have been for years, there are more reasons than ever to declare your go-to styles officially dead — skinny jeans or otherwise — and try something new that still looks great, and makes you feel great, too. Trust: This is coming from an ultra-skinny jeans devotee who just bought her first pair of adult flares, and the feeling is freeing, fun and almost a little rebellious.
To help you write a new chapter in your relationship with jeans, we tapped San Francisco stylist and denim expert Caroline Rooney to weigh in on what trendy jeans styles fit body types best. That’s not to say you shouldn’t wear a style you like if it’s not traditionally flattering (as always with style, you do you *first*), but a little reassurance that this style really works for you never hurt when you’re stepping out of your comfort zone for the first time. Read below to find your new match.
The Best New Jeans Style for Petite Body Types — Cropped Jeans
While a tailor is typically your BFF when it comes to finding your perfect fit, Caroline recommends saving on those alteration costs and jumping on board the cropped jeans trend. She says a straight-legged style that hits right at the ankle bone will make the look feel very of-the-moment, especially when worn with a chunky high heel for a boost of height. The style is practical, too — it “helps avoid extra fabric pooling at the ankles or below the knee,” she says. But not all crops are created equal for petites: “Look for brands that offer petite sizing options for a more perfect fit right off the hanger.”
Try these styles:
Genetic Denim Birkin High Rise Straight Crop Jean ($60)
3x1WM3 Crop Selvedge Jean ($295)
The Best New Jeans Style for Long-Waisted Body Types — High-Rise Jeans
“On-trend high-waist styles are perfect for you!” Caroline says for women with longer torsos. “High-rise skinny options will make your legs look miles long, and look great with tanks or blouses tucked in for a classic pinup-inspired look — the higher rise offers you coverage across the stomach and bum for a flattering fit.” For a more trend-forward take on the high-rise, Caroline recommends trying high-rise flares or high-rise straight-legged styles, both of which give you the freedom (and coverage!) to rock a crop top without feeling so bare.
Try these styles:
AYR The Hi-Rise Wide Leg Jean ($225)
Levi’s 721 High Rise Skinny Jean ($78)
The Best New Jeans Style for Hourglass Body Types — Bootcut Jeans
“Women with an hourglass silhouette should look for styles that celebrate their curves while keeping in mind the importance of balancing proportions,” Caroline says. That means avoiding boxy or rectangular silhouettes — “you want to show off your curves and your tiny waist, not cover up!” Caroline recommends rocking a “trim” flare this season that has a slight stretch and a slightly higher rise — “not the wild, trendy ‘70s flares, but a sophisticated classic bootcut that flares at the ankle.” That slight taper will balance out your proportions and elongate your frame, especially when they’re paired with a heel or heeled ankle boot for an added lift. Or, Caroline says, opt for a cropped skinny legging that fits slim all the way to the ankle.”
Try these styles:
MiH London Jean ($210)
The Best New Jeans Style for Apple Body Types — Boyfriend Jeans
Similar to hourglass, Caroline typically recommends women with apple body types consider styles that balance out proportions and elongate their frame. But this season, a more trendy option to wear is the boyfriend jean. “Worn loosely on the hips and with a bit of distressing, boyfriend jeans tend to fit like a straight leg and the slouchiness and destruction take attention away from your middle section,” Caroline says. “They also tend to be quite comfortable, especially with many brands including stretch in the denim.”
Try these styles:
AYR The Slim Slouchy Jean ($195)
Mango Boyfriend Angie Jeans ($70)
The Best New Jeans Style for Pear Body Types — Flare Jeans
Women with a pear-shaped silhouette, it’s time to bust out your inner flower child: According to Caroline, flares should be your go-to new jeans style this fall. Make sure, as always with your denim, you snag a pair that provides coverage across the backside, but accentuates your figure — a mid-rise would be perfect. “This style will offer you coverage up top, while highlighting your waist, flattering your curves and balancing out proportions. Plus, pairing a flared style with heels will elongate your entire look.”
Try these styles:
AG The Janis Flare Jeans ($235)
The Best New Jeans Style for Ruler Body Types — Mom Jeans
“On a ruler body type, most denim styles will have a slightly slouchy fit. Depending on what you’re looking for, you may want a style that creates curves, or a style that accentuates this slouchy look,” Caroline says. Why not get the best of both worlds with mom jeans? The high-rise style creates a curve at the hip, while its tapered legs give you that same roominess you find in a boyfriend jean. Look for slimmer styles with a bit of distressing for a trend-forward look that doesn’t overwhelm your frame.
Try these styles:
BDG The Mom Jean in Black ($59)
The Best New Jeans Style for Tall Body Types — Cropped Flare Jeans
Like petite frames, fit should come first for tall body types. Make sure you’re shopping brands that offer tall fits with a longer inseam, then experiment with the silhouette from there. Caroline recommends going for this season’s trendiest fit, the cropped flare — that’s only as long as they hit right at your ankle bone so they don’t look *too* shrunken. Err on the side of too long, and take them to your tailor to ensure the perfect fit.
Try these styles:
What new jeans styles are you itching to try this fall? Tell us about your favorite new cuts in the comments below.
