I never thought I’d be the person advocating skinny-leg jeans. When they blew onto the fashion scene in my first year of uni, I hated them. I imagined that they would be supremely uncomfortable and unflattering. Last year, I caved and purchased my first pair of skinny jeans. I was drawn to them because of their hot-pink hue. I wasn’t sure whether I would actually get any wear out of them, but they were cheap and pink, so I snapped them up. Now, they’re a staple in my wardrobe, and I’ve figured out plenty of ways to make skinny-leg jeans wearable.

Skinny jeans are great for highlighting your legs. If you’ve got a gorgeous set of pins that you want to show off, skinny leg jeans are for you. They’re particularly excellent if you don’t feel comfortable is dresses and skirts, but you want your legs to take centre stage. Many women think that you have to be skinny to wear skinny jeans, and this just isn’t so. Skinny jeans can look brilliant on curvy women as well. The key pulling the look off is choosing a pair that fit well, and then creating a flattering ensemble using them as a base.

You must make sure that you select a pair that fit you well. The jeans should be quite tight, but not so snug that you feel like you’re being squeezed out of a toothpaste tube. They should hug the curves of your thighs and backside and be well fitted to your calves. If you find that the jeans are a little long, you could take them up, roll the cuffs or just let then ruche naturally for a casual look. To avoid the dreaded ‘muffin-top’, make sure you buy a pair of jeans that sits somewhere between your hips and navel, which fits firmly but not too tightly.

Skinny jeans look best when your midriff is covered. If you leave your stomach exposed, they can look a wee bit skanky. Pair skinny jeans with longer tee shirts or jumpers for the best effect. Many women with larger hips and round stomachs avoid skinny jeans because they don’t think that they suit them, which is just nonsense. If you’re on the curvy side, balance the tightness of your jeans with a voluminous top. This will skim over any bulges and accentuate your legs even more. If you’re busty, a hint of cleavage is the perfect way to take the outfit to minxish heights.

You can pair your jeans with most shoes to great effect. Choose slouchy sneakers and boots for a daytime look, or wear them at night with sky-high heels. You can even pair them with ballet flats and a boat-necked top for a mod-style outfit.

Be creative with your skinny jeans. Don’t just stick to plain blue denim, buy a pair in a fabulously bright colour. Coloured denim is easy to wear and it’s a great way to add some interest to your wardrobe. You could also customise your jeans by adding rips or embellishments.

Belts are a great way to dress up your jeans. Skinny jeans do have a tendency to slip down, so a funky belt will make sure that they remain exactly where you want them. Try a studded belt for a rock-chick vibe, or thread a thick ribbon through the belt looks for a dash of girly fun.

Here are a few outfits I’ve put together, to illustrate just how versatile skinny jeans can be.

Are you a fan of skinny jeans? If not, how come?

If you have a tricky item that you’d like me to style for you, feel free to drop me an email at vkbowen@hotmail.com. I’d be glad to be of service.