Your Updated Denim Guide

Before I started my styling business, I was a “blogger”. I wrote articles for my website, then articles for a magazine and then when social trends moved, my writing dwindled to captions for an Instagram post. But, after more than 10 successful years in business, I realized I really missed writing. I missed writing about trends, style tips and what the latest and greatest finds were in the world of fashion. So here we are again, but writing for my new Substack, Abbywoodwear, which includes quite literally what Abby Wood (that’s me!) would actually wear. Starting with…denim and what my clients and I are actually wearing.

There is just something SO SATISFYING about finding the perfect denim for a client. Is it because trying to find denim is historically most women’s nightmare shopping trip? Possibly. But after seeing thousands (literally thousands) of pairs tried on at fittings, I have uncovered what the best fitting jeans are for all sorts of different styles and body types. Take it from me, you will love these styles!

The most flattering and updated: The A-line

Remember those a-line skirts back in the early 2000’s? Flattering on “almost” everyone? Welcome to the jean version of this. Why is it flattering you say? The shape.

Snatches in your waist
because it typically fits at the natural waist,
has a bit of stretch or give,
fitted through the hip

and that diagonal keeps on going making even the shortest legs go on for days.

Most widely called a wide leg (but I really wish it wasn’t because that can be very misconceiving.) If you want a wide leg, but want it to be flattering, save yourself some time and try all of these universally flattering styles. Best paired with a slimmer shoe or something with a more narrow toe like a pump or boot, slim line sneaker or ballet flat.

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1) Paige anessa- mid stretch, fits at natural waist. True to size

2) Slvrlake grace-more rigid feel (no elastane but a softer cotton that does give), fits at natural waist, runs a bit small-always my favorite

3) Citizen of humanity Lyra- lots of stretch, could possibly size down

4) Le Jean Julliette Wide leg jean– true to size

The non barrel barrel jeans

Every time I bring up the word barrel, people wince. Why? Because it seemed so out there, so crazy that no one thought it would stick around. Well friends, here we are 3 years later and the barrel is still going strong. The only difference now is that this style has new names-curve, arc, shaped, but you guys, that is just marketing. They are all still just some form of the barrel style.

The non-barrel barrel jean

Snatches in the waist
Relaxed through the hip which accentuates the snipped waist EVEN MORE
Comfortable
Tapered to the ankle but not tight.
Great with MULTIPLE styles of shoes

And why is this style still around? Because it is ultra flattering. As long as you get the right fit and use the correct proportions when styling, these can be a home run for anybody. The trick, make sure they are a bit more relaxed (but not baggy) in the waist. If they fit too tight in the waist or booty, it will not be the look. Pair with sneakers, flats, sandals. As long as you show off a little foot or ankle, you are good. Relax, if you invest you are not investing in a micro trend anymore!

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1) Agolde luna pieced-true to size

2) Pistola lexi-true to size

3) Agolde low curve-runs bigger but really depends on where you want the jean to hit you on your torso- more low rise, regular size. If you want them to hit higher at your waist, size down.

4) Citizen ayla-depends on wash-always check the fabric ingredients! Anything over 2% elastane is going to be quite stretchy. But usually runs big.

5) Mother lemon twist-true to size and the winner of this season.

Are you a fashion girly wanting to keep up with the trends then cuff it!

At first, these were triggering. The last time I wore cuffed jeans was in 2005. I was in my Nordstrom era, proudly wearing the current elliot boyfriend jeans. But…..after consuming them for the last few weeks, I am slowly coming around. It’s really all about how you are styling them. The trick-make sure they are flattering-not too tight, relaxed is always better. And make sure they are hitting the right part of your leg. Ladies with shorter legs, these might be problematic if they hit below the ankle…we don’t want them cutting you off. If the cuff hits at the ankle bone, you should be good.

I have seen styles that are more fitted through the hip, a more classic look. Or if you want to go ultra trendy-a bubble jean cuff. IMO, cuffed jeans need to be paired with a shoe with height or something very slim lined to offset the heaviness of the cuff.

The cuffed jean-