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Well-fitting jeans are an essential in every girl's wardrobe. If you're petite, finding jeans that fit poses special challenges. Petite girls can be slender, curvy or plus-size, but all need jeans with a shorter waist and inseam. Fit is critical, but quality also matters. Even the best-fitting jeans will be frustrating if they sag and bag by the end of the day.
Skinny Jeans
Skinny jeans fit snugly from hip to ankle. Many skinnies contain a lot of spandex, helping them to bounce back and avoid droop. You can wear skinny jeans whether you're slender or curvy, but they do need to fit without bunching at the ankles. "Lucky" magazine recommends the spendy Paige Verdugo Jeggings, but you'll also find short lengths for all waist sizes at Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle and Express, according to "Redbook" magazine. Pair your skinnies with heels for extra height.
Boot-Cut Jeans
If you're not a skinny-jean girl, boot-cuts can elongate your legs. Choose a boot-cut designed for petites, like the "Shape" magazine-recommended Express Bootcut Stella Regular Fit Jeans or Banana Republic Curvy Bootcut Fit Jeans. Choose a boot-cut that hits between your waist and hipbone for a long-legged look. Go dark or opt for jeans with a vertical fade down the thigh. A little bit of spandex will help these hold their shape.
Straight Legs
While a skinny or bootcut jean requires a petite cut, you can hem straight-leg jeans without damaging the look or line of your jeans. Choose a jean with a rise that fits your frame and visit your seamstress or dry cleaner for a new hem. You might find a better fit in the junior department, especially if you're slender. Looser straight-leg styles will hold their shape best if they have a fairly sturdy denim.
Trouser Jeans
Opt for trouser jeans for a work-ready look. Try the "Lucky" magazine favorite 7 For All Mankind Georgia Trouser Jeans, or check out styles at Express or Banana Republic. If you can't find a petite length, these can be hemmed or you can pair them with heels to make the length work for your legs. Choose a crisp denim without too much give to keep these jeans looking their best. Take trouser jeans to the office on casual Friday or to dinner with a bare-it-all top.
