Jeans look good on anyone, no matter what age. They are clothing classics but you have to be careful to choose the correct style for your body type.

However, everyone’s body is different and you may have certain ‘problem’ areas you want to downplay. Taking that into account, jeans’ manufacturers have designed a wide variety of styles of jeans to cover or disguise areas you are not happy with. A recent eSearch found that 77% of women surveyed said they wore jeans regularly. However as the sizes got larger, the percentage got smaller. If you are reluctant to wear jeans because you aren’t a zero, take heart. The following suggestions will make wearing jeans and looking good a breeze.

Look for a jean with a spandex blend for support and comfort. Wear dark denim with added lycra. Black is always slimming and black or dark blue is the jean version of your little black dress and will go with anything. Find a jean that is marked ‘easy fit’. They will give a straight and slimming look even if you’re not a size ‘0’.

Go for a bootcut. Avoid large flare legs, they add bulk while bootcut has just the right amount of curve at the bottom to make your legs appear longer and look great on everyone. Buy jeans with a back pocket that is proportionate to the rest of the jean. They take the eye away from your derriere. Avoid tiny pockets and sparkly designs; they just draw attention to that area.

Cropped pants, especially when worn with a great shoe, shows off your ankles. Just make sure the leg is straight and not tight.

Sizes and cuts vary in the different brands of jeans; you may have to try a size larger in some brands. Don’t be afraid of going up or down a size, a good fitting pair of jeans that fit looks the best. When shopping for jeans, make a day of it with a friend you trust who will say ‘yea’ or ‘nay’ and who truly wants you to look your best. Don’t pass up a jean you love if, for instance, what fits your hips gaps at the waist, or the jeans fit your body but are too long. Altering is an inexpensive way to have a custom-fit jean wardrobe. Always wear shoes with the size heels that you will be wearing with your jeans. Your jeans should cover a good part of your shoe to give a leaner-looking leg. Remember you jeans shrink in length as well as width so err on the long side of length.

The area from the top of the waistband to the crotch is called a ‘rise’. Pay attention to the rise when trying on jeans. If you have what is commonly called a ‘muffin top’, a mid-rise (8-9”) is very flattering. If you have a longer torso, try jeans with a higher rise, conversely, if you have a short torso, try a lower rise.

Jeans should fit snugly when you first put them on because they stretch and relax within the first 20 minutes of wearing.

As you can see, there is a wide range of styles and brands in every price range available to you; the following are suggestions for styles to camouflage any problem area you have.

If you have an ample derriere, the following jean styles will make that area look slimmer.

Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, $118.00

Forever 21, $18

If your figure is larger below the waist than above, try these styles to make your body look more aligned..

DKNY, $48

LL. Bean, $50 (stretch denim slims)

Want more oomph in your derriere region? The following two styles will help you.

Levi’s, $44 (flap pockets lend interest)

Express, $70 (stitching adds interest)

Want to camouflage a tummy. Try these two styles.

Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, $108, (Wide waist band keeps everything where it should be)

Motto for QVC, $34 (hidden elastic manages to keep tummy hidden)

These two styles will flow over your thighs and elongate and slim them.

Lee, $47, (slight flare makes legs seem longer)

Nautica, $80 (this is one exception to the general rule of straight legs, in this case the wide leg skims and slims)

Now that you're wearing a chic pair of jeans, pairing them with tailored tops such as sweater sets, body-fitting turtlenecks and tank tops or a button down fitted blouse. Add loafers or kitten heels with a structured handbag or a carryall to finish the casual look. Or, add a sparkly top, some eye-catching jewelry, and high-heeled sandals, and you’re ready to shine.