…with the right pair of jeans. Vinodini Rao shows you how.

A good pair of jeans is the most versatile fashion item in one’s wardrobe. You can wear it to work, a dinner with that special someone or even a cocktail party. But if your jeans are the wrong style for your body shape, you’ll look sloppy and dumpy, instead of sassy and stylish. How do you know which pair flatters your figure the most? Fashion designer Ashley Rebello guides you...

HOURGLASS:
You have great curves to accentuate. Don’t hide them!
The perfect fit: Skinny and definitely low waist jeans are your pick! Denim capris look good too.
Pair it with: Funky t-shirts; tube, printed or off-shoulder tops; or a nice fitted shirt. A well-fitted crisp white shirt with blue jeans looks sexy and smart.
Slip into: Gladiator sandals and shoes; they are very big! And stilettos never go out of style.

PEAR:
Wear dark colours to slim out your silhouette (since you are bottom heavy).
The perfect fit: Low waist, boot-cut or slightly flared jeans are perfect for you. Flared bottom minimizes thighs and balances out a wide hip or behind. They should be semi-fit, and not very tight fitting. Avoid a tapered fit.
Pair it with: Preferably longer tops and kurtis, which are fitted at the bust.
Slip into: Large heels, wedges.

PLUS SIZE:
There is a tendency to go for a fitted pair, but don’t pick one that hugs every curve.
The perfect fit: If you are big all over, then boot-cut jeans are the style for you. Capris and three-fourths look great too. Avoid thicker denims; go for stretch ones. 
Pair it with: Tops, kurtis flared at the bust.
Slip into: Black sandals, chappals.

APPLE:
Look out for slimming styles (as you are top heavy).
The perfect fit: Definitely stretch jeans with a fitted waist, as it gives a good shape to your figure.
Pair it with: A-line or biased cut tops, which are flared from the bust; avoid very tight tees.
Slip into: Flat tie-ups or ballet shoes; wedges or boxy heels.

PETITE:  
Try the teenage zone when shopping for jeans.
The perfect fit: Ideally, slim, straight fit (but not figure hugging) and boot-cut jeans will suit you. Avoid cuts which are tapered at the bottom.
Pair it with: Semi-fit or tube tops, fitted at the bust.
Slip into: Any kind of heels.

TALL & THIN:
Your goal is to give the illusion of curves.
The perfect fit: Show off your flat tummy and slim hips in low waist skinny jeans with a very narrow ankle opening.
Pair it with: Nothing too tight. Short tops, kurtis and shirts.
Slip into: Flats and ballerina shoes.

HIDE YOUR FLAWS

• Big belly:
  Choose a pair of high-waisted jeans to help create a smooth plane over the entire stomach. Camouflage with nice tops, and don’t cut on the flare.
• Short legs:
  Skinny and boot-cut jeans will add to the stockiness of short legs.
• Thunder thighs:
  Go for a style that skims (but doesn’t hug) your leg. Stretch, flares and boot-cuts are good because they elongate the leg and give some heft to the ankle area to even out proportions. Avoid stretch jeans that are skin tight and baggy jeans with no shape.
• Big hips:
  Regular jeans with a slim fit and boot-cut. Avoid back pockets.
• Small waist:
  Pick high waist jeans to enhance your waist.
• Very slim:
  Hip huggers with boot-cut/ slight flare is great. It will create the illusion of curves.

DENIM DOS:

• Stretch jeans look good on just about every body type.
• The darker the denim, the thinner you will look.
• Big embroidery prints and waist trimmings are a big no-no. Embellish, if you have to, with fancy belts. 
• Denim usually shrinks during the first wash. Should you need to get it altered, have it done after washing and drying, or you may end up with jeans that are too short/ tight.