How to Find Pants That Fit and Flatter

editor@thinkfashion.com (Erika Salyi) — Tue, 5 Dec 2006 11:02:36 GMT

by Erika Salyi
Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Finding that perfect pair of pants that not only fits well, but also flatters your body, can be fashion's equivalent of the Holy Grail. With so many cuts, styles, lengths, fabrics, and fits out there, it's no wonder that most women find themselves overwhelmed when they go shopping for pants. Read on for some tips on how to narrow down your search for your perfect pair.

Long Legs

Look for classic cuts and styles like a classic trouser or men's-style pant. You can pull off cuffed styles, and look great in cropped pants that will give your legs a long, lean, line. Try to avoid straight skinny styles- they will make you look lanky.

Short Legs

Try on pants that have a streamlined design. Look for styles that have a straight leg or a boot cut- your goal is to have a long uninterrupted line from hip to toe. Avoid styles that sit too high on the waist, a lower waist will help lengthen the leg. Tip: wear pointy toed shoes with pants that end at the instep- this will help your leg look longer. Make sure your hem isn't too short; it will visually shorten the appearance of your leg. Cropped pants, pleats, and wide silhouettes should be avoided.

Thick Waist

Search for pants with a waistline that hits just below your bellybutton. If the waistline is too high, it will create bulges, too low and your waist will hand over the material. Avoid pants with extra volume at the bottom like cuffed styles, and extra wide legs.

Large Hips

Try to find pants that are fuller through the thighs and pants that fall straight from the hips to camouflage heavier thighs. Low-rise cuts sit directly on your hips and draw attention to that area, so they must be avoided at all costs.

Petite

Check out low-rise, boot-cut styles and experiment with different textures, patterns, and colors.

Plus Size

Look for straight-cut, slightly flared pants in darker colors. To achieve an overall slimming look, choose one color head to toe like black. This will lengthen your body visually and make you look taller and slimmer.

Trends

Skinny Jeans

Skinny jeans look best on long legs tucked into boots, but girls with heavier thighs can wear them too. Pair skinny jeans with a longer tunic or sweater dress to hide any lumps and bumps.

Wide Leg Trousers

These look best on boyish figures, but they can also help balance out large hips. Wear them cuffed or uncuffed.

Shorts

Shorts can be surprisingly flattering- you just have to find a great cut and length. Hems that hit just above the knee are extremely flattering and for a work appropriate look, try on trouser shorts.

Capris

Wide legged capris will create a long, lean line, and skinnier styles flatter taller, slim styles. Avoid capris if you legs are short, they will make the leg seem even shorter.

About the Author

By Erica Salyi-Pannozzo, Fashion Writer for Think Fashion, an online shopping portal featuring celebrity news, top fashion tips, and all of the hottest designers like Louis Vuitton!

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