How to Style Jeans

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Build A Better Butt

High-tech fabrics and smart designs instantly make you look a size smaller—and give you a good rear view, too.

"If you find the right pair of skinny jeans, they look super sexy but feel like pj's or leggings." —Ericka Pittman, 39, Vice President of the Chairman's Office for Combs Enterprises

Ericka wears the True Shape Favorite Fit Slim-Leg Jean, made from premium stretch denim that retains its shape and resists bagging for the most flattering fit.

Jeans: L.L. Bean, LLBean.com, $59
Shirt: Escada, $950 ; 212-755-2200
Bag: Zac Zac Posen, ShopBop.com
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik, ManoloBlahnik.com

Check out 7 other pairs that'll boost your booty: Jeans That Make Your Butt Look Great

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Black-Ish

Your basic black jeans just got a fashion-forward update: Faded, distressed and artfully washed out, they're as versatile as pure black, but with a rock 'n' roll vibe.

From top to bottom:

Mother ; $189 RevolveClothing.com
Sandro ; $315 us.Sandro-Paris.com
Banana Republic ; $120 BananaRepublic.com
Max Jeans ; $59 Max-Jeans.com
Mossimo ; $30 Target.com

Photo: Jesus Ayala/Studio D

Do the White Thing: Pale Shades

Soft, textured pieces in oatmeal, cream and beige give white a luxurious feel in chilly weather.

Coat, $198; AnnTaylor.com
Scarf, $65; MonsterAtDelucca.com
Sweater, Nic + Zoe, $158; NicAndZoe.com.
Shirt, Toggery, $65; ToggeryBrand.com.
Jeans, St. John's Bay, $44; JCPenney.com
Booties, Splendid, $148; ShopBop.com
Bag, Dooney & Bourke, $595; Dooney.com

Photos: Jesus Ayala/Studio D

Do the White Thing: Jewel Tones

White contrasts beautifully with rich colors in leather and suede. Knits and layers amp up the coziness.

Belt, H&M, $6; HM.com
Jacket, Obey, $211; Lulus.com
Sweater, J Brand, $348; JBrandJeans.com.
Shirt, CAbi, $89; CabiOnline.com.
Boot, $179; CalvinKlein.com
Bag, $145; DeuxLux.com

Photos: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Come Undone— Save, Spend, Splurge

Could this be a backlash to the ubiquitous rolled jean? The latest trend in hems is to leave them undone. I'm seeing it in everything from ripped slim-leg numbers to wider silhouettes, and they're available at every price.

Save:
Mossimo, $30; Target.com

Spend
DKNY Jeans, $79; DKNY.com

Splurge
CJ by Cookie Johnson, $195; CJByCookieJohnson.com

Photos: Kevin Sweeney/Studio D

Crazy for it: The New Denim Jacket

Check out the latest riffs on this classic—there's a style to suit every mood. Wear it as you would a blazer or a leather jacket.

Embellished

"The oversize jacket is a very interesting look. You can wear it with flats for day or with high heels for a night out." —Valentina Zelyaeva, 32, Lifestyle Blogger

Tribal-inspired beading ups the cool factor of this jean jacket.

Jacket, $1,200 ; Figue.com.
Jeans, $154 ; ParkerSmith.com.
Clutch, Rebecca Minkoff, RebeccaMinkoff.com

Softly Draped
Ann Taylor, $159 ; AnnTaylor.com

Moto
Nic + Zoe, $194 ; NicAndZoe.com

Photos: Kevin Sweeney/Studio D ; Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Polish It Off

Denim may be the most casual of fabrics, but that doesn't mean it can't clean up nicely. These polished pieces—crisp trousers, a structured peplum jacket—go from desk to dinner, especially when worn with grown-up accents like a silky blouse, a gold watch, a top-handle bag and a classic pump.

Pants, Lee Jeans, $56; Lee.com
Jacket, $160; ArmaniExchange.com
Watch, $325 ; CitizenWatch.com
Blouse, White House Black Market, $88; WHBM.com
Pump, $79; NineWest.com
Bag, Michael Michael Kors, $298; 866-709-KORS

Photos: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Pull-On Jeans

Usually, jeggings are not your friend. But these pull-ons have all the attributes of skinny jeans—denim fabric, seaming details—sans the button and zipper. Just make sure your top covers the waist area and pair with killer heels, and no one will be the wiser.

All Under $100!

Clockwise from top left:
Gap $60; Gap.com
Gloria Vanderbilt , $48; Kohls.com
Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. , $20; Walmart.com

Photos: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

The Long and Short of It: Denim Skirts

I love a good denim skirt, but there's a fine line between boho-chic and sister wife. A few rules of thumb: Keep the washes classic and the silhouettes on the slim side (no dirndls, please!); the taller you are, the longer you can go. Here are three stylish options.

The Maxi

A fitted silhouette is most flattering, though a little flare at the bottom enables shuffle-free walking. Wear with an off-the-shoulder top, a fringed bag and sandals for an on-trend '70s vibe.

"I've never owned a long denim skirt before, but I love the bohemian look." —Valentina Zelyaeva

Skirt, $195; CJByCookieJohnson.com.
Blouse, $268; Joie.com.
Bag, Vince Camuto, VinceCamuto.com

Midi:
Black Orchid by Julien Jarmoune, $141; BlackOrchidDenim.com

Mini:
Lucky Brand, $128; LuckyBrand.com

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

How To Wear—The Mechanic Suit

Jumpsuits can be tricky to pull off, but I love the relaxed-chic look of this denim number. Choose a darker wash with a loose but not baggy fit, and pair it with sneakers or heels for a fab weekend look.

"I love pieces that are comfortable but have a little attitude!" — Cachee "Kitty Cash" Livingston, 26, DJ and Producer

Jumpsuit, $45 ; Forever21.com.
Shoes, Converse, Converse.com

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Cream of the Cropped

With so many flattering new styles, it's easy to think beyond capris. Here are my favorites, along with the right shoes for each.

The Culotte
Balance the voluminous style with substantial shoes, like stacked-heel sandals.

Jeans, Wilfred Free for Aritzia, $110; Aritzia.com.
Shoes, Michael Michael Kors, $165; 866-709-KORS.

The Skinny Ankle
Make your legs look even longer by pairing formfitting jeans with pointy-toe heels.

Jeans, Lucky Brand, $139; LuckyBrand.com.
Shoes, Manolo Blahnik, $595; Barneys.com.

The Cropped Bootcut
Play up the cool-nerd effect by coupling high-water jeans with stylish oxfords.

Jeans, The Great, $265; Barneys.com.
Shoes, $275; ViaSpiga.com.

Photos: Kevin Sweeney/Studio D ; Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Stain-Proof White Jeans and AMO Denim

Stain-Proof White Jeans

Yes, you read that right. These white jeans from Joe's Stay Spotless collection repel spills like wine and coffee. The fabric is treated with a coating that makes liquid bead on the surface—simply use a cloth to wipe it off. Genius!

Joe's , $179; JoesJeans.com

AMO Denim

The ultimate fashion team, designers Kelly Urban and Misty Zollars, went gaga over this vintage-inspired line that fits and feels like your favorite broken-in pair (twist seaming gives a tapered look). A portion of profits go to an L.A. animal welfare charity.

AMO Denim, $262; ShopBird.com

Photos: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Adam's Jean-ius Tips

The denim is in the details. Here's the definitive way to roll, cuff, and style.

Roll With It:

It's all about the three Ts: taper, twist, and tuck. Taper the bottom of your jeans, twist the inner edge to tighten, tuck, and roll up the entire hem twice.

Jeans: Michael Michael Kors, $150; MichaelKors.com.
Shoes: SJP , $375; Couture.Zappos.com.

Mix Master:

The trick is to juxtapose pieces that are utilitarian (the denim shirt) and dressy (the tulle skirt). Statement heels and jewelry complete the look.

Shirt: Claridge + King, $135; ClaridgeAndKing.com.
Skirt: $345; PinkTartan.com.

Off The Cuff

Fold the sleeve once so the cuff just reaches the elbow, and then roll the bottom of the fold until it's the desired length. Let the cuff "wing out" on the outer part of the arm for an artfully disheveled look.

Shirt: Banana Republic, $79; BananaRepublic.com

Photos: Marko Metzinger/Studio D ; Kevin Sweeney/Studio D

Split-Knee Denim and Bejeweled Jeans

Forget jagged tears and wayward threads—the latest take on ripped jeans is a clean slice right at the knee. The effect is more peekaboo than punk.

Split-Knee Denim

Aeropostale, $30; Aeropostale.com

Bejeweled Jeans

These glittery pairs are the perfect combination of grunge and glam—and will make even a plain tee sparkle.

Save
Chicos, $109; Chicos.com

Spend
Michael Michael Kors, $295; 866-709-KORS

Splurge
Escada Sport, $475; Escada, 212-755-2200

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Find the Right Flare

If you think flared jeans are only for the tall and willowy, think again! I've found the perfect pairs to flatter every body. One thing to remember no matter your figure: Make sure the hem falls no more than a quarter inch higher than the bottom of your heel so that only the toe area is exposed.

Plus

"These NYDJ flares are so stretchy and comfortable, and the waist is higher without being too high." —Mary Eden, 27, Playwright

NYDJ, $110; NYDJ.com

Average

"I love the dark denim in these True Religion jeans. It's just a little more dressed up." —Suzi Jones, 47, Creative Consultant at Warby Parker

True Religion, $198; TrueReligion.com

Petite

A 32" inseam (35" is standard) is great for petites!

"Flares make you look taller! Just wear a long pair with high heels. And a midrise waist adds length, too." —Zhu Zhu, 31, Actress and star of Netflix's Marco Polo

7 For All Mankind, $198; 7ForAllMankind.com

18 Denim Trends and Styling Tips You Need to Know Now