Denim JEANS Guide & River Island

Let me start by stating that this is probably the hardest, most tantrum-inducing blog post I’ve ever written. When River Island approached me and asked me to compile a denim jeans guide – my reaction was  ‘yesss, that’s really interesting’. Well, it is, I don’t dispute that, what I didn’t think about is the fact that if you’re compiling a true, honest guide, well then, that means showing off the jeans from ALL angles. Yes ALL angles – that includes the bum and of course, this is for ALL jeans types including the ones that don’t suit me.

Now this isn’t a cry for flattery but the truth is, I don’t like my legs or my bum – I wish my legs were longer, my hips slimmer and my bum less round. I’m generally all about ways to give the area less attention not more. So, when I started seeing the photos of my bum in all it’s glory – that the hubby was patiently shooting – well lets just say it wasn’t pretty. But as they say life goes on and I guess if I had a body that looked brilliant in every pair of trousers, it might not be much of a guide…so without any further ado – I give you the not-so-skinny, guide to jeans at River Island.

First up is the style most flattering to pears – KICK ASS FLARE. Flared jeans are actually this new season’s hottest jeans trend. This is a particularly nice pair and I really like the dark, smooth wash. The amount of flare is just right, it balances out the hips and bum if you have any and at the same time, it’s not a huge flare that makes the jeans too much of a statement piece. These are also very comfortable, they look best on heels – a definitive favourite.

Next Up is the skinny jeans section – those jeans that are mostly unflattering for pears but perfect for those girls that tend to carry more weight on their upper half and skinny girls. These first ones below are the ALICE SUPER SKINNY. I wasn’t a big fan of these, the wash isn’t my favourite but I believe it comes in other options, I don’t really like the lighter tinge in the front of the thighs. Besides that I didn’t really like the way they set on the thighs but I really believe these would probably look great on someone with small thighs though, even a bit of extra height would make a big difference.

Next up is the skinniest of all – TUBE PANTS, these are similar to jeggings. This particular pair are high waisted though which is quite a nice touch. I thoguht I would hate these, but they actually look quite good from the front. However, if you do look at the back..these are a big no no for any girls with rounder, fuller bums. Having said that, for girls with small bums and no hips these will look amazing. I believe these would also work really well on those girls that actually want to  give the illusion of a rounder bum.

One thing to point out, is that since these are high waisted, they are not good for apple shapes – these need a flat stomach. BTW – warning – these are insanely comfortable – you might end up living in them if you purchase them.

Next up is MOLLY JEGGINGS – similar to the above tube pants in style and fit. In terms of which body shapes they would suit, it’s pretty similar to the previous except , these are not high waisted, so they can easily be worn by girls whose stomach isn’t flat. The knee cutouts is something that’s really in trend at the moment so that’s a plus and this wash always looks really nice in Spring and Summer.

Next up is EVA cigarette pants – cigarette pants are a bit different to plain ‘old skinny jeans – mainly in terms of the leg opening – if you notice, they’ve got a wider leg opening so they can fall down past the ankle. This extra length can add a bit of height illusion. The fit is also slightly looser than skinny, skinny jeans. These are great for apple shapes but on pear shapes I find the fit to be a bit restrictive and tight around the hips and in general not that flattering.

And we’ve got another super skinny – LANA SUPER SKINNY… I actually really like these. I’d need to wear them with a loose top to make the discrepancy between my waist and hips appear smaller, but they’ve got a lovely fit and I love the patches. The tight fit makes them feel less comfortable and a bit restrictive but not as much as the previous ones. Of course the restrictive feeling would differ on a different shape. In general, I think these can be worn by women with different shapes but if you’re a pear like me, remember to add bulk to your upper half.

Next up is a standalone boyfriend jeans ASHLEY BOYFRIEND SLIM – love, love love these , the fit is relaxed but not too relaxed, the wash is a really nice shade and there’s also just the right amount of torn patches. I can also vouch for them being as comfortable as my pjs  – ten points all round. These should suit most body shapes, just don’t pair them with something too slouchy on top, unless you;re very tall as this might overwhelm you.

Another standalone these are – MOM VINTAGE SLIM – another big love. They’ve got a few torn patches in the front (which I missed – sorry !!) but you can take my word, adds a great style touch. O Other plus points – the turn up at the hem (which can be removed if desired) is also a lovely feature, the crotch is a bit loose – meaning really, really comfy, it’s high waisted and love that little v at the back. These get points for fit, comfort and originality.

Next Section is the Straight leg section. These are the style of jeans that people wore before skinny jeans existed when they didn’t wear flares or boot cuts. I remember owning straight leg jeans as a child but by the time I was truly caring about and buying my own jeans they were gone.

This first style is the DAISY SLIM – love the torn patches, love the turn up, but wasn’t happy with the fit. Technically speaking, as a style, these are meant to suit my body shape more than skinny jeans but I much prefer the way the LANA SUPER SKINNY fit, these do something weird to the bum – not a fan. I think the problem is the combination of hips and bum but mainly I think these should look best on small / less round bums.

EVA GIRLFRIEND is up next and I liked this style. I love the patched denim feature most of all but I also liked the fit from all areas. Plus they’re comfortable! These also get points for looking great with both flats and heels – they get my vote.

Last order of the day is JENNA straight and although I like the dark, flattering wash, I’m not a huge fan of the way they fit, they don’t really shape the bum, it seems as though they just kind of fit on top of it. These will be best on girls with small hips. A small bum is not a necessity, a round ,toned bum will also look good but I don’t think hips should be present for this one.

So after trying on all these jeans and huffing and puffing for a while as to how fat I look, I decided I really wanted new jeans and I should keep a pair for me – which do you think I chose ? 

Anddddddd now I’ve got something for you guys – because I’m pear shaped, this guide was a bit pear-centric which might be a bit unfair.  I’d like to compile the same guide with a different (read opposite) body shape to mine.  

I’m looking for a female reader with an apple or straight body shape that is ready to compile this same guide and get her photos taken in the exact same way by Kurt Paris.  For your time and energy, you’ll get my gratitude and the chance to keep whichever pair of jeans you want. 

Soooo send me an email on caroline@carolinefashionstyling.com if you’re interested !!

For more juiciness – this Saturday only in Sliema and the Point promoters will be giving out River Island denim cards with a 20% off promo code – BUT they need to be used there and then e.g. the card given will be going to expire in say 2 hrs time — so watch out for these guys and go bag yourself one of these pairs of jeans – there are 11 to choose from !!!