Girlfriends: Choosing the right jeans

September 4, 2009 Erin McPherren of E Street Denim in Highland Park hears that all the time. She has some tips on finding the perfect pair of jeans.

(All merchandise available at E Street Denim, *unless otherwise noted.)

Erin McPherren, General Manager, E Street Denim, wearing:

  • DL 1961 Kate slim straight jeans $168.
  • Beyond Vintage lace top $165.
  • ZIGI Clint boots in Stone $199.
  • Martine Ali vintage recreated brooch necklace $165 (*available at EXTRAS).

Buying tip: Erin chose the DL 1961 Kate slim straight because the denim has four way stretch technology which fits and feels great, but doesn't gap or stretch out. The Kate has a classic 7 ½ inch rise and a 13 ½ inch leg opening, which makes this straight leg easy to tuck into boots or wear over a shoe.

Lisa Silverberg, owner, EXTRAS at E Street Denim, wearing:

  • DL 1961 Milano boot cut jeans $158.
  • Parker off the shoulder silk top $162.
  • Willy & Irv Heart Locket $176 (*available exclusively at EXTRAS).
  • Vintage shoe buckle leather cuff $105 (*available at EXTRAS).

Buying tip: Lisa wears the DL 1961 Milano boot cut which is a four way stretch denim fabric that allows for a comfortable yet sexy fit that will never stretch out. This is a great jean to wear out a night because of the darker wash. It could be your "dressy jean," which is worth the splurge at $158.

The leg is slim through the thigh and gets wider at the knee for a perfect 19 inch boot cut bottom. The 7 ½ inch rise is standard for most brands and works for many different body types. The DL 1961 Milano has been dubbed the "magic pant" or "sisterhood of the traveling pant" because it fits everyone! Pairing these jeans with an off the shoulder silk top and one of a kind accessories like the vintage shoe buckle leather cuff is a look sure to get you noticed.

Tera Washburn wearing:

  • BLANK Skinny jean $89.
  • Torn Brooke Draped top $88.
  • Smathers & Branson Jolly Roger belt $165 (*available at EXTRAS).
  • Martine Ali multi chain and silver disk necklace $176 (*available at EXTRAS).

Buying tip: Tera is wearing the BLANK black skinny jeans. Black denim is a staple to have in your wardrobe for fall, a look which is fashion forward and slimming. Tera really likes BLANK jeans because they have a nice amount of stretch, which is so important when buying skinny jeans. They also have a higher rise in the back, which allows for a curvier hip and bottom to fit without cutting uncomfortably low or embarrassingly gaping. The dark wash and lean style of this jean create an elongating look on a petite figure.

A big trend for fall is ornamentation. Here you get the look of a studded trendy jean, but at a great price point of $78. Pairing the jeans with a statement necklace and edgy yet preppy belt like this one with the iconic fashion symbol, the skull, makes this look very high fashion.

Karen Devaney wearing:

  • BLANK Boot Cut jean $69.
  • Elmer Ave Punk Vest $198.
  • Zoa racer back tank $28.
  • Nouveau Motley Scotch liquor label necklace $121 (*available at EXTRAS).
  • TREESJE Mortale Pouch in black $118 (*available at EXTRAS).
  • Vintage shoe buckle leather cuff $105 (*available at EXTRAS).

Buying tip: Karen is wearing BLANK's classic boot cut jean. It is a great jean to dress up, with a comfortable amount of stretch but still a figure hugging fit. The moderate rise comes a bit higher in back, which Karen loves because it cups the butt nicely. The jean is flattering to her curves and accentuates her small waist. The rock and roll vibe Karen created for a night out is complete with an Elmer Ave "punk vest" and little luxuries like the Treesje Mortale Pouch in gunmetal and a vintage Scotch liquor label necklace, which is affordable because she only spent $69 on these jeans.

Lauren Kazun wearing:

  • Celebrity Pink skinny jean in red $62 (*available at Charlie's Garage).
  • BCBG Necklace Tee $95.
  • BB Dakota Colbert boyfriend blazer $84.
  • ZIGI Girl Meredith motorcycle boots $199.
  • Black beret $18 (*available at Charlie's Garage).
  • Snake bangle and stretch cuff $12 each (*available at Charlie's Garage).
  • Double K Jewelry Lennon earrings $48.

Buying tip: Lauren is wearing Celebrity Pink skinny jeans in red. Colored denim is a fun alternative to a traditional blue jean for fall, and at $56 you can't go wrong! Don't be afraid to go bright. These jeans from Celebrity Pink feel almost like a denim legging. They have a lot of stretch so they really conform to your body. Lauren loves these jeans because they can be tucked into a boot for fall or worn with flats and even a pump at night. Colored denim is a great way to brighten up your fall wardrobe and add a little funkiness too.

Taylor Kannett wearing:

  • LTB Miranda boyfriend jean $84.
  • William Rast Leather jacket $485.
  • Feelgood tank $29.
  • Elmer Ave Necklace Tee $48.
  • Brown woven belt $18 (*available at Charlie's Garage).
  • Nouveau Motley Key to my Heart necklace $48 (*available at EXTRAS).
  • Willy & Irv Heart Locket $165 (*available at EXTRAS).

Buying tip: Taylor is wearing LTB's Miranda boyfriend jean. This lived in look is great for all shapes and sizes. Known as the "instant problem solver" to outfits, boyfriend jeans accomplish the put-together-in-style look with a comfortable fit all in one. Boyfriend jeans range from full length to crop so they can be worn during any season. This look can be paired with casual daytime outfits, or with heels and a nighttime top!

Although styles and trends pass very quickly, the boyfriend jean is a classic, slouchy look that flatters any figure. Whether you have something to hide or show off, you can wear them looser, lower on the hip or roll them up to show some leg. They really work for every body type. Taylor paired her LTB'S with a William Rast leather jacket and fun accessories like the Key to My Heart Necklace, which again make the look very "of the moment" yet also easily wearable.

  • E Street Denim is located at 1876 First Street, Highland Park, IL 60035; 847.433.8338.
  • EXTRAS at E Street Denim is located inside the Highland Park store; 847.668.9286.
  • Charlie's Garage is located inside the Highland Park store; 847.433.8338.

Find out all about E Street Denim, EXTRAS, and Charlie's Garage on the Copyright © 2024 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.