Ask The Expert
Jeans for Pear Shapes
Skinny jeans can be tricky to wear, especially if they're low slung (muffin top anyone?). Our fashion expert Debbie Rix advises one pear-shaped UKTV Style user to give skinny jeans a wide berth in favour of some more figure-flattering alternatives.
Dear Debbie,
I have the classic British pear shape figure with big hips and bum in comparison to my waist and chest. I often struggle to find jeans that fit my figure - if they fit around my bum, they gape around the waist, and I suspect I shouldn't really be wearing the skinny jeans that I do! What sort of shapes should I be wearing to stop me looking bottom heavy? Also, is there anything else I can do to even out my figure?
Thanks for your advice,
Samantha
UKTV Style's Agony Aunt replies:
Hi Samantha,
My goodness we women do have a lot to contend with! We're never allowed to be happy with our bodies for a moment. We're either too fat, too thin, bottom-heavy, top-heavy, have bingo wings or flat hair. I suspect none of us think we just look OK - and I have to say skinny jeans don't help much either. Very few women can really get away with this look apart from the near perfect Miss Kate Moss. But, fortunately, fashion is full of looks that will suit your pear shape. So take heart and start shopping!
Wide legged trousers and A-line skirts are all over the shops, both of which look great on women with slim waists and broader hips. Just beware choosing something that is highly patterned. Trousers are best in plain linens or cottons, and if you want a patterned skirt, opt for something muted - like the ones they have at Jigsaw this season. Patterns will put too much emphasis on your lower half so try to keep it simple and team the skirt or trousers with a patterned t-shirt or top, which will hug your bust and waist - emphasising the bits you want to show off.
The empire line is also a great look for women who are either apple or pear shaped. Chosen correctly, it can emphasise the bust, drawing attention away from the rest of the body. Just beware the whole 'pregnancy smock' look. Some empire line dresses and tops have too much fullness and can easily make even the skinniest model look senen months gone. Empire line tops can look great over trousers too - although the wide legged trouser doesn't work well with flouncy tops - there's altogether too much going on. But they are great with cigarette pants or jeans.
You say you are having trouble with choosing jeans and I certainly agree that you should bin your skinnies. Opt instead for the classic boot cut. This is by far the most flattering shape for most women. Go for a pair that are cut higher on the waist too. The low slung look has rather had its day and anyone with an ounce of fat above the hip bones ends up with the dreadful muffin-top look. Spend as much money as you can afford on jeans and if necessary, devote a whole day to choosing the right pair. Find a store with three way mirrors and be critical of yourself. There is a pair of jeans to suit everyone, but it can take time to get it right. Most of us suit a particular make and once you've found them, never let them go. For me it's Armani - which is rather a shame, as they're ridiculously expensive! But they always look good and fit well and on a cost per wear basis, they are probably the best buy I make all year. So spend time and money.
I would also suggest that you bring a personal shopper into the equation and get someone else's opinion. All the big department stores offer personal shoppers now. Selfridges would be a great place to start. They have a bewildering array of fashion, but a personal shopper would be able to find the right shapes of jeans and simplify the whole process. Top Shop also now offer a personal shopping service and they sell a huge range of jeans.
The bottom line - if you'll forgive the pun - is that you sound like you have a great figure - with a tiny waist and great top half. So emphasise your best features and opt for fabrics and shapes that flow over the bottom half.
Best of luck!
Debbie
I have the classic British pear shape figure with big hips and bum in comparison to my waist and chest. I often struggle to find jeans that fit my figure - if they fit around my bum, they gape around the waist, and I suspect I shouldn't really be wearing the skinny jeans that I do! What sort of shapes should I be wearing to stop me looking bottom heavy? Also, is there anything else I can do to even out my figure?
Thanks for your advice,
Samantha
UKTV Style's Agony Aunt replies:
Hi Samantha,
My goodness we women do have a lot to contend with! We're never allowed to be happy with our bodies for a moment. We're either too fat, too thin, bottom-heavy, top-heavy, have bingo wings or flat hair. I suspect none of us think we just look OK - and I have to say skinny jeans don't help much either. Very few women can really get away with this look apart from the near perfect Miss Kate Moss. But, fortunately, fashion is full of looks that will suit your pear shape. So take heart and start shopping!
Wide legged trousers and A-line skirts are all over the shops, both of which look great on women with slim waists and broader hips. Just beware choosing something that is highly patterned. Trousers are best in plain linens or cottons, and if you want a patterned skirt, opt for something muted - like the ones they have at Jigsaw this season. Patterns will put too much emphasis on your lower half so try to keep it simple and team the skirt or trousers with a patterned t-shirt or top, which will hug your bust and waist - emphasising the bits you want to show off.
The empire line is also a great look for women who are either apple or pear shaped. Chosen correctly, it can emphasise the bust, drawing attention away from the rest of the body. Just beware the whole 'pregnancy smock' look. Some empire line dresses and tops have too much fullness and can easily make even the skinniest model look senen months gone. Empire line tops can look great over trousers too - although the wide legged trouser doesn't work well with flouncy tops - there's altogether too much going on. But they are great with cigarette pants or jeans.
You say you are having trouble with choosing jeans and I certainly agree that you should bin your skinnies. Opt instead for the classic boot cut. This is by far the most flattering shape for most women. Go for a pair that are cut higher on the waist too. The low slung look has rather had its day and anyone with an ounce of fat above the hip bones ends up with the dreadful muffin-top look. Spend as much money as you can afford on jeans and if necessary, devote a whole day to choosing the right pair. Find a store with three way mirrors and be critical of yourself. There is a pair of jeans to suit everyone, but it can take time to get it right. Most of us suit a particular make and once you've found them, never let them go. For me it's Armani - which is rather a shame, as they're ridiculously expensive! But they always look good and fit well and on a cost per wear basis, they are probably the best buy I make all year. So spend time and money.
I would also suggest that you bring a personal shopper into the equation and get someone else's opinion. All the big department stores offer personal shoppers now. Selfridges would be a great place to start. They have a bewildering array of fashion, but a personal shopper would be able to find the right shapes of jeans and simplify the whole process. Top Shop also now offer a personal shopping service and they sell a huge range of jeans.
The bottom line - if you'll forgive the pun - is that you sound like you have a great figure - with a tiny waist and great top half. So emphasise your best features and opt for fabrics and shapes that flow over the bottom half.
Best of luck!
Debbie
