One of the great things about the summer rains easing up and humidity levels dropping to manageable levels, is that we can dig out the clothes that have been sorely neglected during the hottest months of the year.
Jeans – that most versatile of all items of clothing – are one those things people actively look forward to being able to wear again.
New fall collections are in, so updating that favourite pair is a big temptation. But with so many cuts and styles, how do you find jeans to flatter your shape?
Jodi Hunter, owner of Funky Monkey, which now stocks LA Idol Jeans for ladies and Laguna Beach Jeans for men, has some handy tips for finding the perfect fit.
“A little bit of stretch, like the LA Idol jeans have, makes for better comfort and fit. If jeans are a little loose, you may want to try a size down as the added spandex means they will give a little with use,” she advises.
Petite people can create an illusion of longer legs with darker colours. Jeans with cuffs however can make short legs appear even shorter. Unless you are wearing capris, make sure that the hem covers most of your shoe. Any shorter and your legs look shorter than they are.
The right cut can hide a multitude of sins: long torsos can be cunningly disguised with high waisted pants while those who are short in the waist should go for hipster, or low rise jeans, or wear long tops to create the illusion of a longer torso.
Skinny jeans, although fashionable, are not for everyone, says Jodi. Only really lean shapes will be flattered in skinny or very tapered jeans, whereas a boot cut jean looks good on just about any body shape.
“When it comes to colour, the Cayman climate means we can get away with wearing white jeans year round, whereas in other parts of the world, this would be a total fashion faux pas,” she notes.
Darker denims and subtle stitching are great if you want to dress the jeans up for a more formal look.
For a more casual, relaxed look a lighter wash and the bold “whip stitch” (big, bold stitching in thick thread), which is characteristic of both LA Idol and Laguna Beach jeans, create a very contemporary look for both men and women.
Back pockets are all important, says Jodi, not only because most brands of jeans are recognisable due to the pocket design, but also because they affect the way your behind looks. Jeans with no pockets are most flattering on those with bigger behinds, while big pockets can create the appearance of a rounded butt where there may be none.
Heavily embellished pockets will draw the eye to that area, particularly if, like some of the brands Funky Monkey carries, there is the option of a little bling in the form of beads or diamante detail. “A little bit of bling around the pockets can change a pair of jeans from totally casual to a more formal look,” notes Jodi.
While some premium brand jeans may cost upwards of $200, it needn’t always be the case, she says. The LA Idol ladies jeans, for example, start at just $65 a pair.
The perfect pair of jeans – one that is comfortable, looks good and can be dressed up or down - is not always easy to find, so when you do find that perfect pair, you are likely to hold on to them for life – or better still, invest in a second pair! WH