Jane Hall catches up with stylist to the stars Jay Hunt to get her tips on buying the perfect pair of jeans. ********* Finding the right fit and style of jeans can seem like mission impossible. Indeed, many regard it as the greatest fashion challenge of the modern age. When Levi Strauss invented jeans back in 1873, he certainly didn't have a woman's figure in mind. But denims have come a long way since then, available in so many styles and cuts today that a woman of any style or cut herself should be able to find a pair that fits her perfectly. And yet ... How many times have you tried on a pair of jeans to find they are too long; that the low slung waist leaves nothing to the imagination; your bottom is being sliced in two because the cut is all wrong; you are baring a three-inch swathe of skin above the waistband; you can't see your shoes because the flared bottoms are so wide; or, when you bend over you are displaying a bum that would make a builder proud? It's not uncommon, according to Jay Hunt, the 39-year-old presenter, writer and stylist who is best known for her work on the BBC's Would Like To Meet, where she helped perform radical make-overs on those wanting to impress on the dating scene. Which is why she has teamed up with TK Maxx, the labels for less retailer which has over 100 different designer and brand name jeans on offer, to provide an essential guide to buying denim. Follow her advice and in the words of one of David Bowie's biggest hits, you too can become a Jean Genie. * Visit the TK Maxx website at www.tkmaxx.com to find out more about buying jeans to suit your shape. Curvy girl Making the most of your figure in jeans means making sure you buy the right size. It is essential to shop for a pair that fit properly around your waist and don't dig into your tummy, even when you sit down. Go for a plain colour denim and don't even be tempted near the ones with the whiskering details that fan out from the crotch. Remember, if you can see the outline of the front pocket through the denim on the tummy, you need to go up a size. And do put your hands in the front pockets to check they are shallow cut, you don't want any extra bulk here * Do make sure you go for a low slung style of jeans, they should ideally sit no lower than an inch below your belly button. * Do look for a button fly that has more strength to hold in a bigger tummy and denim that has some stretch to skim over any bulges. * Don't go for Britney Spears-inspired low cut jeans where any hint of a tummy will be accentuated, be realistic and team with a belt with a large buckle to help hide your biggest bit. * Don't wear your jeans with tops that are too short. Shapely bum Don't think that jeans are not for you, they are and can be the crown jewel of your wardrobe if you get it right. But take time to find your perfect fit. Try classic or relaxed-fit jeans, which mean they offer ease and a generous cut in the bum area without being big all over. Go by the fit not the size label. If you need to go up a size to get them to look really great just do it. Team your jeans with tops that flatter: avoid ones that end at your widest point and look for tops with uneven hems to break the outline. * Do study the back of the jeans and go for styles which have large pockets and a double stitched middle seam to help minimise the junk in your trunk. * Do think about what to wear jeans with. Make tops and shoes the focus. * Don't be tempted to go for stretch denim, it tends to squish a large bum up. Little miss You need to look out for jeans that are cut simply and that are not miles too long. Trends now mean hems are fine to sweep the floor with flats and should wrinkle across the top of your shoe or boot when you wear heels. Take a look at jeans with an antiqued finish and don't be afraid of lighter shades to add variety. Make sure your tops and jackets don't overwhelm your frame, avoid big patterns and stick to pretty detailing on fabrics. Don't forget to pay attention to your shoes; simple is key for that uncontrived sexy thrown together look. * Do look at straight leg jeans that can elongate your body silhouette. * Delicate jewellery and small bags keep the balance right * Don't go for any variation of cropped jeans. * Don't be tempted by jeans that are baggy in the rise. Jeans need to really fit here and not hang down too low. Long and leggy It is worth looking at the most expensive jeans you can afford to get the extra leg length you need, as designer pairs do tend to come up longer. You can carry off leg detailing on jeans easily, so get rifling through the racks of sand blasted, antiqued and embroidered jeans with confidence and below the knee details are especially great for your leggy frame. Team jeans with bold pieces to avoid a head-to-toe one colour look, so think about putting tops together with a shorter cardigan or wrap as layering can make you look more in proportion. * Do look at bold flared shaped jeans, you have the height to carry these off brilliantly. * Do wear bold print dresses or sexy satin slips over jeans. It's a modern look that stops you looking lanky. * Don't be tempted by a great pair of jeans if they are slightly too short. * Don't tuck jeans into boots, look for cute flats or bright espadrilles. Boyish charm You are used to looking cute, so sex up your look easily by using a new pair of jeans as a versatile base. Make sure any feminine touches on jeans work to your advantage. Look at ones with crystal embellishments, lace trimming, rope fastening flies or even sandblasting on certain areas. You need jeans that you can wear with a variety of tops to accentuate your top half. Grab balconette bras and patterned tops if you are flat chested, add some statement heels and use a large hipster belt to broaden your hipline. * Do look at turn up jeans. You can add sexy boots or girly heels to them so easily to make a very feminine statement. Pretty pear Simple is the key with a heavier lower half, so leave all the trimmings and trappings alone and go for a uniform darker denim that is really the epitome of today's modern style. Look for wide bottoms - the standard leg is 17in - so never be tempted to buy a pair narrower than that. Jeans need to fit really well on the hips and gradually taper out as they go down. Test the denim by scrunching it up in your hand and go for a pair with a softer feel that will flatter more. Divert attention from heavy thighs by using colour: bright shoes, bright bags, bright scarves and longer length jackets and tops you don't tuck in. * Do sit down in your jeans in the changing room to check that you don't get a massive gape at the back of the waist once your have got them over your thighs. ********** Jay's denim styling tips to stay ahead of the summer's latest trends: * Jeans that you can roll up when the sun comes out, teamed with glittery flats. * Paler washed finishes look great with plain white vests and cowboy hats. * Frayed hems on flare shapes look great with casual flip flops. * Dark denim jeans with espadrilles and a big pair of shades are a great staple when you need to dress it up. * Crystal and rhinestone detailed jeans are perfect for that cowgirl boho look. *********** Jay's denim buying advice: * The key to buying a great pair of jeans is to look for cut and fit for your figure. Don't be tempted by the latest denim finish or newest lengths if it won't work for your figure. The shape of the jeans is your number one priority and with such a choice this season it's easy to get both fashion and fit in just one pair. * If you are looking for just one pair of jeans that can take you from weekend cool, to trendy nights out and do a smart casual day in the office, go for a boot leg cut dark denim pair for maximum versatility. * Don't think jeans only come in blue, this season is a great time to experiment with white cotton denim, crystal trimmed flares, antiqued stone finishes and cropped shapes. This summer's all about bold colour statements. * Everyone from size 8 to size 18 has body issues that make it necessary to try on masses before you find your perfect pair of jeans. When you've taken the time to find your dream pair note down the label. * Finishes and denim thickness will change each season but the essential cut should stay the same, so you know you've got a brand that is always right for you. * Keep your darker jeans looking good by washing them in cold water without detergent. Hang them out to dry rather than tumble drying and always iron them inside out so that you avoid that horrid shine that's never in fashion. | 
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