Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer

Various styles in jeans - photos by Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

A pair of jeans is the mainstay of a casual wardrobe. They are durable, easily worn and can withstand dirt.

Every woman, (well almost), looks fabulous in a pair of jeans. Yet, a common faux pas is usually committed. That is, not choosing the perfect pair that will complement your figure type.

Jeans are not all manufactured the same, and every woman's shape is not identical. Hence, like shopping for shoes, a pair of jeans should be selected on fit that accentuates the contours of your body.

The following are tips on selecting the perfect jeans to accentuate your shape.

To cover A flat belly

Choose those that are medium to high-rise (not higher than the navel) and are dark coloured.

Want to be curvy

Select low-rise pairs that are cotton-Lycra blend, the clingy fabric hugs the body. Also, choose a pair that has been lightened at the thighs and knees to make legs look more shapely.

A small behind

Choose a design with detailed pockets or that has embellishment at the back. This will draw attention and give an effect of roundness and lift.

Illusion of smaller thighs

Choose only dark colours and those that are flared or bell-bottomed. This will create the impression that thighs are smaller and longer.

Create smaller hips

Being gifted at the hips can be a sin when selecting the right jeans. "They never fit at the waist, just the thighs. I always have to take-in (adjust) my pants' waist," said Kerry Roberts. Select jeans without front and back pockets and those of dark colours. Stay away from designs and embellishments.

Be taller

Petite women can basically wear any style or patterned jeans. However, to seem taller, wear flared jeans and high-heeled shoes.

Since the creation of denim jeans they are constantly changing in style and cut.

The Skinny Jeans

Mamma Mia! This cut brings a new excitement and sex appeal to wearing jeans. Called the cigarette jeans, this cut is fitting all the way down to the ankles. Some brands also have pants that reduce in size from waist to ankles.

The boot cut

Slightly flared at the legs, this cut is flattering for any body type but especially so for women with curves.

Straight-leg pants

These come in wide-leg and slim-fitting cuts. If you are short or have short legs, do go ahead with slim-fitting straight-cut jeans with a higher waist to create the illusion of longer legs.

Low-Rise

Labelled as the sinful jeans that reveal all, low-rise needs a diva's personality to wear them properly in order not to reveal butt-crack. Low-rise jeans sit on your hips approximately three inches below the belly button. Low-rise jeans tend to thicken and lengthen the waist, narrow the hips and shorten the legs. If these are exactly the flaws you are trying to hide, you should avoid the low-rise.

Cropped jeans

These end somewhere in between the knee and ankle, depending on the style. They give the appearance of being short.

Credits: Clothing, shoes and accessories from Go West, Village Plaza, Constant Spring Road, St. Andrew. Models: Simone, Keisha and Lisa courtesy of Miguel International. Stylist: Norma Soas

Additional source: http://www. shopping lifestyle.com.sg/beauty/ article.asp?id=88&ap=303 and http://www.sideroad.com/Clothing/ jeans-body-type.html.