Photo: Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images
When you're a plus-size petite, finding the right style of jeans can be tricky -- you need something short enough for your height, but wide enough for your curves. Don't let your shapely legs and shorter stature get you down, though, because the right jeans are out there waiting for you -- and if you know what you're looking for, you'll spend a lot less time in the fitting room and a lot more time rocking out your new look.
Washing Up
One of the best ways to deal with curvy legs is to outfit them in dark jeans. Go with something dark blue, like indigo, or even black denim -- these looks slim down and flatter your legs. And skip out on the embellishments like whisker marks, faded patches, engineered rips and embroidery -- none of these things flatter big legs. Besides, a clean, dark wash is perfect for day or night wear, so you only make your wardrobe more versatile by skipping frayed or light-wash jeans.
Illusion of Length
The cut of your jeans depends on your height. Boot-cut and flared jeans make your legs look longer, but if they are too long, hemming them at the ends distorts their shape and ruins the effect. Only go for flared jeans if they are already the right length. As for pockets, go with large back pockets -- they look more proportionate on a bigger butt -- and skip the side pockets altogether. You won't have anywhere to put your cell phone, but jeans without side pockets make your legs look longer.
Rise and Shine
Your jeans have to end somewhere -- where that is, though, depends on your overall shape. If you just have bigger legs, you can get away with low-rise jeans. If you feel like you're always fighting a losing battle against a muffin top, though, skip the low-rise -- it isn't doing you any favors. Instead, opt for mid-rise or even high-rise jeans. They contain any spillover and flatten your tummy, and if you wear a longer shirt, nobody can really tell the difference anyway.
Elevate Yourself
If you can't bear to part with boot-cut jeans but just can't find any that accommodate your figure, go ahead and get them anyway -- you have other ways of getting taller. Pair boot-cut jeans with heels, for example -- the look is more flattering than bunching up your pants around your calves and shins. If you prefer the DIY route and want to hem your own jeans, get straight-leg jeans. They retain their shape and style even after being hemmed. No matter what style you try, though, commit to hemming your jeans instead of cuffing them -- cuffed legs make you look even shorter.
