If you're petite like me, you'll already know that shopping for jeans can be a total nightmare. But it's worth the persistence when you slip into a pair that makes you look and feel great. For me, the skinny jean is an absolute must-have in my wardrobe. Whether I pair them with heels and a blouse for drinks with friends or team with ballet flats and a simple tee for a day out shopping, I can make them work for almost any occasion. Luckily, many high street stores have cottoned on to the fact that not all of us stand at model proportions and specialist petite lines can be found in most shops. Here are some of my favourite picks that work on my petite frame.
Skinny jeans
After dabbling with every style of jean known to man I've come to the realisation that skinny jeans are surprisingly one of the most flattering shapes for my height and figure. Although I adore the look of ankle skimming jeans on my taller girlfriends, they cut off my legs and make me appear shorter. Skinny jeans should skim the top of your shoes to create the illusion of longer, leaner legs. My favourite pair right now are these 1969 always skinny jeans by Gap. Although not exclusively from a petite collection, they do come in a range of leg lengths. The low waist also creates the illusion of extra curves, which I love.
Flared
For curvy petite women, flares or boot cut styles are universally flattering - especially when paired with wedge heels. I recently decided to step away from my usually skinny jeans to try something a little different and these petite flare jeans from ASOS, gave super-flattering results. The boot cut balances out larger hips and when paired with heels or wedges, they make your legs look incredibly long.
Deep blue
As a general rule of thumb, dark jeans tend to be most flattering because they lengthen shorter legs. I usually opt for black (perfect for dressing up with heels) or deep blue washes that I can wear with almost anything. Dark blue jeans are a wardrobe staple that look smarter than many other denims. For inexpensive jeans, New Look offer great value and a good selection, with many styles starting at a 28" leg.
Bold colours
Although I did say that deep colours tend to be flattering, I've recently been trying out some brighter hues as we move into spring. I've opted for colours like bottle green and maroon that have a cool retro feel about them. Brighter jeans instantly perk up my mood and give my look a playful feel. Miss Selfridge do a really good range of colours, like these scarlet red jeans from their petite range.
Super soft jeans
We may think of jeans as being exclusively denim but there are lots of softer fabrics available on the high street that are seriously comfortable, whilst maintaining the look of traditional jeans. Topshop's Leigh jeans may look like regular denim to the naked eye, but they come in a soft blend of cotton, polyester and elastane that makes them flattering for the figure and cosier to wear. The petite collection features a range of different colours that are perfect for spring.