Sponsored by Shoe Mall and Eddie Bauer

Fall Denim Guide

It's important to follow trends when choosing your fall wardrobe. And don't get me wrong, I'm a slave to the runways. But lately I've been bombarded with images of ladies (and girls) who have chosen the WRONG SILHOUETTE for their bodies, usually as I sit, quietly minding everyone else's business, in a public place looking for ammo for this column. I've decided a refresher course in choosing the right shape for your body is in order, particularly as it affects your denim selection for the season (and I know you live in your jeans, don't try to fool me). So if you've ever felt flummoxed as you stand in the harsh greenish light of the dressing room, without a friend to tell you if you've crossed the propriety line, wondering if these jeans make you look…well, you know, read on.

The outlines have changed, ladies. This year, the look is all about cut and proportion, not color. Blousy or long over skinny or cropped, or slim and cropped over full and drapey. There's a shape out there that's right for you, and you should really put some thought into your choice, because the wrong one will really be capital-W-Wrong. Let's get started:

SKIRTS. The denim mini is back, but please be careful. IF you're over 35, as Stacy and Clinton advise, please give it a pass. Go for a denim pencil skirt instead, which is so versatile it's crazy. Flip-flops and tank tops for those of you still in the summery heat, or knee boots, tights and a big sweater for the girls in the fall chill. Dress it up for Casual Friday, or down for Sloppy Saturday, it'll still look flattering on a straight, boyish shape or over hourglass curves. For those with more of a pear shape, an a-line denim skirt will balance the fuller look of your lower body with softness and fullness in the skirt. Leggings under a denim mini let you wear it far into the fall, much longer than with bare legs.

PANTS. And speaking of '80s throwbacks, you must get yourself a pair of skinny jeans. If they look good on you. Which they may not, in which case stick with bootcuts or straight-leg. Here's the test: pants that narrow at the ankle make your ankles and calves look skinny, that's true, but the rest of your leg (read: butt, thighs and hips) looks wider by comparison. So if you feel that the Thighmaster was your best exercise investment to date, you might want to consider another cut. The truly stylish woman knows that trends aren't trendy unless they make you look fabulous. Choose a straight-leg cut to give more balance to your leg line, or for even better balance, go with the now-classic bootcut—it'll make your legs look a mile long, especially with a platform sole or high heel. For girls with wider hips, the best cut is a wide-leg or trouser jean, which will give you one long smooth line on your leg from top to bottom. Steer clear of flares, which will emphasize the width of your rear and thigh, and make you look like you're standing in a bucket.

If skinny jeans work for you, then you're right on trend for this fall. The easiest look to pair with this cut is elongated and fuller on top, which looks awesome with layers. Choose this longer shirt in white cotton to layer under a jacket and even a vest with slim-leg or straight-leg jeans, and a great kimono tunic to dress up skinnies for evening.

Fall's fluctuating temperatures also give you the chance to experiment with a shorter length, and cropped jeans look perfect with either a chic flat (very Audrey) or a boot when the chill sets in. But the theme of the cut holds: stick with a looser, more leg-skimming shape if you carry more weight in your lower half, and if you're full-size, please choose a full-length hem. Short pants will make you look off-balance, even before you add a chunky heel.

DETAILS: Watch for wash and accent details that can send the perfect silhouette crashing to earth. A too-light wash, or too-sanded thighs can emphasize and enhance the visual impact of your upper legs, which most girls want to avoid; a solid wash is most flattering, and we all know that dark colors are more slimming. Lighter washes are also more casual and appropriate for day. Whiskering, those horizontal wear marks at the hip, are the antithesis of slender—remember, horizontal stripes emphasize the width of whatever body part they're on. In the rear view, choose the details to make the most of your…um…assets: to boost your bottom line, choose a lighter sanding, a patch pocket, or a smaller, higher pocket placement, or even no pocket at all, and no rear yoke. To reduce the impact of your derrière, choose darker denim, a larger, lower pocket, and a rear yoke to minimize the visual size of your tush.

OTHER: Grab a denim jacket as a topper, either a standard old-school style or a more sophisticated asymmetrical jacket, to wear with nearly anything, but NOT WITH DENIM. Please, oh, please, avoid the denim tuxedo at all costs. There's a point when reliving the '80s just has to stop, no matter how "in" Pat Benatar's look becomes again.

So there you have it: the road map to the best blues of the season. Love 'em or not, they're the uniform we've all come to live in. Make the most of your budget and your body by picking the pair that puts the swing in your step—you won't believe how great the right cut makes you look and feel. Shop happy!

Shop Girl

Got a fashion dilemma? Go to the Ask She She Blog! This is where She She Girls go to find the latest styles and the hottest trends; where your fashion, beauty and lifestyle questions are answered, and the thoughts, ideas and comments of all She She Girls are encouraged and welcomed!

Be sure to check out the newly designed homepage for updates from She She Me. Also, don't miss the great girly merchandise in our Chic Shop.

Order Your She She Holiday Cards Now!

Set of 10 Cards: 5 Styles - 2 each

Celebrate the upcoming festive season in true She She Me fashion! Your dearest friends and family members will love receiving one of our chic new holiday cards. Choose our variety set, with two cards in each of our five girly girl styles, or choose an entire set of your favorite design!