A Woman's Guide to Wearing Skinny Jeans

Skinny jeans continue to be a top trend this year, but the style and overall look isn't appropriate for all body types. While fashion models can pull off the look with ease, skinny jeans aren't as figure-flattering for the average woman who is naturally curvy. Skinny jeans are a trend plucked right out of the '80s, a style that creates a long-legged look, and when paired with a high waist, can lengthen the torso as well. If you're considering squeezing into a pair this season, you'll need to wear them with the right shirt and shoes for balance. Here's what you need to know about wearing skinny jeans:

The Best Body Types for Skinny Jeans

Women who naturally have a boyish figure--a straight silhouette from shoulder to hips--are the best candidates for skinny jeans. The tight fit around the ankles makes hips look wider, so ladies who are trying to minimize the size of their hips need to steer clear of this trend.

Women who are apple-shaped can also get away with skinny jeans if they have toned legs. Apple shapes generally carry extra weight around the middle, and skinny jeans draw attention downward to the ankles and calves. Women who have slender legs but a wider waist can benefit from the skinny jeans trend as long as they're wearing the right size, and pairing them with a loose top.

What to Wear With Skinny Jeans

For shoes, the best option sit to pair skinny jeans with slouchy boots, stiletto heels, or just a pair of the season's ankle-length booties. Any heels will lengthen the legs, and the skinny-legs look works well by adding height.

For tops, the best option is to wear skinny jeans with a voluminous top that doesn't sit at the waist. The season's babydoll-style tops, tunic lengths, and flowy blouses are perfect for this look since they usually extend down to mid-thigh. Skinny jeans should not be paired with midriff-baring shirts or any type of shirt that requires tucking in. Tucking a top into high-waisted and skinny jean combos will make it difficult to create an attractive silhouette. Balance is key, so you need to find the opposite (i.e. loose) top to make this look work.

Other Tips for Wearing Skinny Jeans