Please talk me through jeans!

[smother]

Ok, need to buy some jeans having got back to my normal(ish) shape after having 2 dcs.... don't think I've ventured out and bought anything but a maternity pair in the last few years.

I just don't know where to begin! please can someone talk me through the dos and don'ts... what are the best shops.... things have changed since I last bought jeans (used to go for boot cut/flared type and now all looking skinny...). I'm certainly not skinny... I'm just average size, with long legs and some hips...ooh yes, and I'm approaching 40 so nothing too cool for me! looking for flattering but not mumsy.

please advise!

I have 3 different types of jeans in my wardrobe

'boyfriend' cut - basically quite slouchy and wider in the leg. I wear with skinny T's and fitted jumpers and trainers or chunky boots. They are good for day to day, chasing around after 2 DC.

'boot cut' - probably the most universally flattering cut. Mine sit on the waist (no nasty over hang then) and they are wider at the hem which balances out your hips. I wear with blouses, T's, cardigans etc... I usually wear with heeled boots and shoes.

'skinny' cut - rather more of an unforgiving cut! I wear tucked in to boots or under jumper dresses. A more flattering alternative that creates a similar look is ' straight leg' cut. You could also try 'slim leg' cut.

thanks so much Meggles - I was beginning to think nobody cared! that's really helpful, I do need to go right back to basis.

My old favourites are Gap Long and Lean which are quite nice but I want to try and venture away from boot cut...

Can you recommend best shops and brands? I've read about topshop Marthas on msnet and was going to try some of them, but any other suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thinking about skinny or straight leg cut - can you wear them with shoes rather than boots, e.g. in summer? What shoes work? Are flats ok with skinnies?

Topshop do lots of skinny / slim leg jeans - Martha and Baxter are both good sellers. My advice would be to make sure that they are pretty snug when you buy them as they have a tendency to give and you will be forever pulling them up!

I am a big fan of the Next high waist dark denim skinny jean which others have also raved about on here. They have maintained their shape after washing and are a bargain £25. Have a look at the website.

Gap is also a good choice.

IMO skinnies can be worn with shoes. I lived in mine last summer with gladiator type sandals, leather flip flops etc... I also have some leopard print ballet flats that I wear with them. I am short, so if I am wearing them for going 'out', I wear with high heel shoes - I have a pair of suede platform courts that look good.

go to gap
find a friendly assistant
say "I am not leaving here till you jeans me"

works for me

thank you!

Shammalamma - I think I will go to gap and ask. I'll try to choose my assistant wisely. I feel totally open to someone else helping me find a pair.

Meggles - I wish I could take you shopping with me! Good advice re shoes for skinnies. I think it's just not a look I'm used to as I've never owned a pair of skinnies, but I will go and try some on.....

i found an older woman ( ok so she was 30) and said " wah wah! i feel so sad i really want someont tol help me" kinda

TAKE the shoes you will wear.
you are ONLY 30 somthing so TRY on everything they suggest, dont say " oh thats not me" or I will kill you.

( cna you see i am shopping nazi?)

WEAR A BELT

if you still like the bootcut theirs isnt to flappy, whereas long and lean are.
if you have a bootay then its curvy
BUY TIGHT as they give.