Thursday, 24 June 2021

Women's Jeans: The complete buying guide

Author of this post - Sanskriti Kapoor

Jeans are a wardrobe mainstay, and there are tons of options to consider when choosing a new pair. But lots of options means lots of decisions to make, and sometimes those choices can be overwhelming. Enter our denim experts! These aficionados cover all types of jeans, share their favorite styles and fits and offer tips on how to find the best-fitting jeans for your body type. Their insider advice will have you shopping for jeans like a pro in no time.

You may have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find that one perfect Prince and the same goes for buying the right kind of jeans. Jeans shopping is always a challenge. Good jeans cost a lot and buying what everyone else is buying is the recipe for looking the worst. You will have to know some, try some and go out and buy some to get it right finally. Most of the people buy relaxed fit jeans with a mid-rise (the standard) and are happy with their purchase. But when it comes to other styles that suit their body shape particularly, they are confused. They are right to be confused, there are so many different styles.

This post may guide you in finding that perfect jeans that is comfortable and fitting and just right for you.



How to get the Fit right?

The most important things to look out for in a jeans are your waist and hip size (does the zip close comfortably without you sucking in the breath), the cut of the leg opening (depending on your body shape), length of the jeans (does it skim the top of your shoes) and the length of the rise and overall fit.

Measure yourself first. Using a flexible measuring tape, Measure around hips and waist (loosely). You need to measure the natural waist and low waist measurement (some jeans brands have this). Measure the inseam length (from crotch to down). You need to get a jeans which fit you where you are the largest. If it does not, the jeans is of no use to you.

Types of Jean Fits

  • Skinny Fit. We love skinny jeans for their universal appeal—anyone can wear them. Plus, the silhouette pairs effortlessly with so many styles of shoes and tops and can be worn for both work and play. If you're looking for a slimming effect, go for a dark wash. Interested in a more fashion-forward pair? A deconstructed style adds a little edge.
  • Flare Jeans. A bit of a nod to older, simpler times, flare jeans hug the waistline, but then flare out beyond the knees. They can range from the subtle flare to something designed to catch the eye. While flare jeans work for any figure, they’re particularly flattering on women with broader shoulders or narrow hips.
  • Relaxed Fit. Concerned that relaxed jeans are too casual to wear regularly? We're here to convince you that they can be very versatile. Once you've found a pair of jeans you like, there are two tricks to keeping the look polished and feminine: cuff or roll the hems to show off your ankles, and buy true to your size. Relaxed-fit jeans have that broken-in feeling built right in, so stick to your size for the best fit. Pair with heels or flats, a blouse or a tee—the possibilities are endless!
  • Cropped Jeans. Women's cropped jeans feature an inseam of 26" or shorter and typically stop about one to two inches above your ankle. Wear with heeled booties to give your look lift and to show off your ankles.
  • Ankle Jeans. Women's ankle jeans feature an inseam that measures 27"-29" and typically fall right at the ankle or just above. They're super versatile and easy to pair with just about any style of shoe.
  • Straight Fit. There are two primary types of straight jeans: fashion and classic. If you're looking for denim that stands out, a fashion-focused style is for you. We love a pair with unique front-and-center seams or a vintage-inspired fit designed to show off your curves. If you prefer a more streamlined style, go for a classic silhouette. Its clean lines make it easy to take from day to night—just swap out sneakers for stilettos and you're set for a dinner out with the girls or a date night with someone special.
Finding the Perfect Jean Rise

The measurement of your jeans' rise (front and back) affects the fit and overall look of your denim. Low, mid, high and ultrahigh—discover which rise of jeans is right for you.

  • Low Rise. Low-rise jeans feature a 5"-8" rise and typically land a few inches below your bellybutton. This rise is ideal for those with shorter torsos—there isn't as much fabric, so they're more comfortable for this body type. 
  • Mid Rise. Mid-rise jeans measure 8"-9" and will hit right at your hips, about an inch below your bellybutton.
  • High Rise. The most flattering rise! Depending on your torso, women's high-rise jeans will sit right at your bellybutton or just below. Measuring 9.5"-10.5", the rise defines your waist and gives the illusion of longer legs. 
  • Ultrahigh Rise. This rise delivers the same benefits as a high rise but measures just a touch higher at 11"-12" and hits right above your bellybutton.
Finding your Wash

Great news: When it comes to wash, it’s all blue skies for you—there’s really no wrong or right when it comes to wash—it’s all about your personal preferences. Generally speaking, darker washes are best for going dressy, and lighter washes are great for beachy vibes. But your blue (or black or grey or white…) up to you.

  • Dark Wash. A dark wash pair of jeans is universally appealing to all shapes & sizes (and wears over time like a dream). Look for dark blue and black washes to add to your collection. Make sure you know how to wash black jeans properly so they don’t end up fading.
  • Light to Medium Wash. We like to call this the workhorse wash. From day to night, summer to winter—it’s always appropriate. What’s a wash tip to keep in mind? The lighter the wash, the more casual the vibe. Pro tip: Look for a seriously faded wash and pair with a light neutral top for a monochromatic look.
  • Coloured Denim. Elevate a basic jean-and-tee look with a darker hue like burgundy or olive. Punchier colours are great for warmer months.

Now, having given a consideration to the types and classifications of Jeans, let us take a look at some important tips that may make your Jeans shopping experience a lot more fruitful -

Some Tips to go shopping for jeans

Some people go jeans shopping and find that one good pair with just that one little flaw – the rise may be way too low or way too high, the waistband could gap while it fits everywhere else, the length could make you look stocky and short, the cut of the leg is not to your liking, it could be too long, too short, too flared, too baggy, too tight, or whatever. If you end up like that, look more. 

Do not buy with the intention of altering this one aspect – it does not work that way. You have to get it right as you take it out of the showroom. Get it right at the hips, waist, and leg length – if it is a minor issue like length you can alter it -may be the shop itself will do it for you. But major issues like an ill fitting waistband is not worth the trouble to alter it.

Important factors to take into consideration other than the above concerns are the quality of denim fabric it is made of, the strength of its stitching, the finishes done on it like distressing and washes done on it to make it what it is and of course the brand name. 

Here, I am mentioning some of the Jeans that fits almost all the above parameters. In my experience as a fashion designer, I have come to find the designs mentioned below to be in trend these days. You may take a look -

Monday, 3 May 2021

A woman's guide to dressing well

Author of this post - Sanskriti Kapoor

It’s Friday night and you’re searching through your wardrobe to put together the right outfit, but you just can’t seem to find anything that matches. Sound familiar? This is the kind of struggle all women have, but things don’t have to be too complicated. You can make your life a lot easier with some clever fashion tips that allow you look your best in any occasions. You can adjust your choices based on your personal style, body type and personality, but most of these tips will work for any of woman out there.

Shopping for clothes can turn out to be a rewarding and relaxing activity or a daunting experience. It all depends on your attitude and approach. So as not to be disappointed in your purchases, you have to be careful and pay attention to little details and after eight years of being a fashion designer, I’ve seen how easily a woman can advance her shopping, image, and fashion skills. With that in mind, I’m sharing my best styling tips to getting your style un-stuck so can you feel even more like the confident, gorgeous, powerhouse woman you already are. 

1. Know your measurements

Whether you're buying clothing off-the-rack or having it tailored, it's best to keep your exact proportions in mind. Use a tape measure and write down the exact numbers. Here are the measurements you should take:

  • Circumference of your head for hat sizing.
  • Upper arm for sleeves.
  • Neck, which is more important in men's clothing.
  • Widest or fullest part of your chest or bust.
  • Natural waistline.
  • Hips for women's clothing.
  • Inseam, which is the distance from your groin to the bottom of your ankle.


2. Know why you like it, to wear it

People that have incredible style are attuned to their tastes and effortlessly build a wardrobe out of them. They build a wardrobe out what feels right. By refining your understanding of why you like an item you'll have more success choosing the pieces that make you feel pulled together. The next time you like or don’t like an item of clothing (your own, a colleagues, in a store, etc) take note of why.

When we are attracted to or repelled by an item, there are details that make you go yay or nay. Regardless if it is the color, the pleats, the fabric, or the way it moves, it's your job to understand why you kinda love it or hate it. As you start paying attention to why you like something you'll notice patterns in your style preferences. These patterns are valuable information to dressing yourself smarter. Our awareness of why we are attracted to something is a tool in creating more of that in our lives. 

3. Start broad, then edit. 

Whether you’re shopping online or at a brick-and-mortar clothing store, add all the items you like to your shopping cart, then edit down your options from there. By bringing many pieces together, you’ll be better able to compare them and decide which ones you like. There are bound to be pieces that don’t work out and other pieces that surprise you. By branching out a little, you can find hidden gems.

4. Try bright colors in your accessories

Incorporating color is often a challenge for anyone who has stuck to wearing neutrals. Experimenting with bright shades in your accessories is a simple way to wear more color and find what you love. You can do this with just about anything: a bright bag, shoe, or earrings. It could be a scarf or a hair clip. It works because almost all bright colors pair back to a neutral effortlessly, removing any skepticism of how to match.

Apply it now: All neutral outfits + bold bright accessories = colorful style.

5. Make a list of items you already own

When considering a new item, make a mental list of the pieces from your closet you’ll be able to wear with it. Unless you’re building a brand-new wardrobe from scratch, you’ll probably want this new piece to play well with several items you already own. If a cardigan you’re coveting doesn’t work with any of the clothes you have at home, consider why that may be.

Are you trying to move your style in a different direction? If a piece doesn’t go with anything else you own, it may not be right for you. Of course, there are exceptions—statement pieces that work all on their own, or clothes for special occasions. When you get home, try on the piece with your other clothing. If it doesn’t work, return it.

6. Check how clothing looks from behind

This step is crucial in finding flattering clothes that a lot of people skip. A dress or a suit can look like a perfect fit from the front but terrible from behind.

  • If you have a phone with a front-facing camera, take it with you to the dressing room to check how the back of each garment looks on you. See if it looks baggy or too tight. Make sure that it is flattering on you, meaning it's not hugging the wrong curves and that it isn't showing anything it shouldn't.
  • After you check how your potential new garment looks on you from the front, turn around so that your back faces the fitting room mirror. Switch your phone to its front-facing camera mode and hold it in front of you, higher than your shoulder and tilted down slightly. You should be able to see your back's reflection in your phone's screen.
  • If your phone doesn't have a front-facing camera, bring a small hand or compact mirror when you go shopping instead.

7. Diversify your wardrobe

It’s easy to gravitate toward the same safe pieces. But there’s only so many black dresses or dark-wash denim jeans any one person needs. Having multiples of the same item can add unnecessary bulk to your closet, making it harder to get dressed. If you find something you like but already own something similar, ask yourself: Do I like this version better than what I currently have? How many of these do I really want? The answer usually isn’t more than two, except when it comes to your work uniform.

8. Add a belt

Adding a belt to your look is one of the easiest ways to make any outfit look more put-together. It's also a great trick for bringing balance to a look that otherwise might not work—like a long cashmere sweater and billowy midi skirt.
  • Classic. Whether it comes in black or in brown, the classic belt is a must-have in every woman’s wardrobe. This belt is a versatile piece that exceeds its practicality. With a simple design and buckle, the simplicity of this belt makes it adaptable to a gamut of occasions. This belt when in a good quality leather will add polish to your office separates and your denim.

  • Woven/Braided. Leather is the usual material of choice for this type of belt given its earthy style connotations. However, the ease with which this belt can be styled has made it an easy pick for fashionistas to cross over to style even their preppy looks. In my opinion, this belt looks best when worn over flowing tunic tops and maxi dresses as well as more polished pieces like pencil skirts and sheath dresses.

  • Statement. This belt is especially appropriate for evening occasions and can be relied upon to make a major impression. From a belt that sparkles for the glam queens, to a studded belt if you’re more of a rock chick and an animal print if you’re a dramatic gal, the choices are endless. The key here is to find a style that resonates with your style so you can wear it with confidence.

  • Skinny. Skinny belts are subtle accessories that can easily spruce up your outfit and make it look complete. It’s also easier to play around with colorful hues and bolder prints since it’s width makes it understated. When styling this belt take note of proportion since the belt is so skinny wear it with jeans or skirts that are more fitted. Loose and flowing pieces will drown out the belt and it will lose its chic appeal.


Here, I am mentioning some of the apparels that I have come to find to be in trend these days. You may take a look -







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