We can’t wear red carpet gowns all the time, yet we want to look red carpet stylish everyday. To that end, we asked celebrity wardrobe stylist Mary Gonsalves Kinney to weigh in on the best denim around, right now. The advice:
Which are the best jeans out there? I get asked this loaded question all the time. First of all, there is not one jean that works for all women. If that were true, you wouldn’t need my advice. The most important thing to do is to try as many designs, washes and brands as you can. I am in the business of telling the fashion truth so I will do my best not to steer you astray in the Battle for the Best Denim.
If you are tall, lean and long in the torso, you can get away with wearing Stella McCartney’s high waist, wide-leg jean. The cuff of the jean hits the ground with a grand throwback, ’70s inspiration that makes me swoon. Super euro chic, this jean can be dressed up or down. My suggestion: wear it like Stella would with a matching denim shirt or a boy blazer. Victoria Beckham makes a similar style with front pockets and button details that are so cute I could kiss them.
Frame denim is one of my favorite brands for various reasons, but most importantly because of the stretch each pair provides and the variety in washes and colors. They look good on most of my clients, particularly the designs that taper at the ankle allowing for boots, booties or stilettos; shorter skinny versions available for the spring and summer. Of course, they also have wide-leg and boyfriend options. If you are feeling particularly saucy, give their distressed skinny denim a try in black or gray. They’re sexy and a little rock ‘n roll.
Mother denim is another great option for those looking to tuck and accentuate. I like to call it the Mother ship of denim since the company took the lead in curating an on-trend jean that was well made with thick fabric and in flattering styles. It was no surprise to me that in February 2015 Mother chose bombshell Candice Swanepoel to collaborate and create her own capsule collection for the brand. You know when a Victoria’s Secret Angel takes to designing she will cater to your curves. Plus, it’s 90s inspired, which makes it so very on trend. Please don’t stop with Candice’s designs, try them all, you will thank me.
Finally, I find that Current Elliott and J Brand can both come in and clinch the win when nothing seems to fit right. If you have wider hips or a shorter torso, these brands seem to have your number. Makes sense, considering Emily Current and Merritt Elliott started as wardrobe stylists. They know the female body and they make a boyfriend jean that knows it, too. J Brand is one of Kate Middleton‘s favorites and you know she has tried them all! Easy to wear, great stretch and more conservative, J Brand also provides a dressier jean option for the woman who wants a cleaner look.
There you have it – the arsenal you need to lock it down and win the endless denim battle. So, go on, get your jean on and if you need a second opinion, you know where to find me.
