The Best Jeans for You

Feb. 7, 2009 — -- Before throwing on your weekend jeans this morning, try this on for size: Joe Zee, Elle magazine creative director, sifted through the jeans department so no one else has to, and found pairs that make everyone look thinner, taller, even younger. Best of all? They're all under $100.

Don't dread the dressing room mirror, Zee said. When it comes to jeans, finding the right fit, for the right price, can make fashion victims out of everyone. The biggest mistake people make when shopping for jeans, Zee warned, is buying for a trend instead of what looks best on the body.

Zee says moms go wrong by wearing jeans that are high-waisted, and too short and skinny. Instead, they should wear mid-rise straight leg jeans like these from Express for $59.50. A straight-leg jean looks great with ballet flats for running around during the day, advises Zee, but can also transition into night with a great pair of heels. The jeans pair nicely with a white button-down shirt and ballet flats for a casual yet pulled-together daytime look.

Style Secret: Lycra Smoothes Silhouettes: The style secret for moms is, for a little more money, buy jeans with lycra in them because it slims and smoothes the silhouette and makes everyone look thinner.

Dads are equally as guilty when it comes to jeans. The biggest mistake unfashionable fathers make is wearing jeans that are too tight and short. Instead, Zee says they should wear a relaxed fit, medium wash jean like these from Calvin Klein for $79.50. The medium wash is less formal than dark denim yet more polished than a light wash. Dress up a pair of relaxed fit jeans with a v-neck sweater or button-down for a look that's comfortable and casual but still pulled together.

Style Secret: Wear V-Neck Sweaters Anywhere: V-neck sweaters look good anywhere. They can be dressed up or down and look appropriate for any occasion.