Well, it is that time of year, Fall.  Around this time I always pull out all my jeans, try every single pair on (yes, even those size "0"s I have never been able to throw away - just for a laugh) and try to figure out what jeans will fit me this fall.  But, since most of my pairs are in the style of the 80's I figured it is probably time to update my jean wardrobe a bit. 
But, I have discovered that jeans have changed!  Remember how you WANTED them to fit high up on your waist, when you WANTED to have those horses on your rear end, when you WANTED them to be baggy in the thigh and tight at the ankle!  Well, no more ladies - times have changed and so have jeans!  I have been going on a jean hunt and have found some tips for real women with real bodies so I thought I would share what I learned. 
This is what NOT to do:
Most of my jeans look like the ones on the left. We aren't in the 80's anymore (darn - I have about 35 pairs like this)!  Tapered or high-waisted jeans make your legs look shorter, your stomach bigger, your rear longer, and exaggerate the width of your hips.

And most of the jeans I find today look like the ones on the right!  If you aren't a size  - 2  and under the age of 12 you have no business wearing these!

My personal jean rules:
- Keep it simple: don't get jeans with lots of color changes, glitter, and flashy stuff.  Think classic - you want your jeans to go with a great lacy blouse for an evening out with hubby or a white t-shirt and corduroy blazer for an afternoon of errands.
- Shop used first.  I ALWAYS  shop for my jeans used!  I hate it when I buy a pair of jeans new and they fit well in the store but as soon as I wash them they fit differently. That is so frustrating and a waste of money!  When I find a pair that fits and I get them home I write down the brand & style #.  Then I can go online and buy more of them if I want since I know they fit me once they are broken in.
- Unless you want to look heavier than you are, don't wear really light colored jeans.
- Don''t overlook your shoes!  Chunky shoes at the bottom of slimming jeans will throw your whole look off!  Don't wear a pair of jeans with a high heel unless the jean comes down to the floor and covers the heel.  Don't wear bright white shoes at the end of nice dark jeans - try to make the color flow - as monochromatic as possible!  Make sure your shoes fit the look/style of your jeans. 

Here are some good online resources:
Denim Do's and Don't's
Jeans Therapy
Jeans for Every Figure
Shopbop.com has an interactive guide that shows you different styles on four figure types
landsend.com you can see how jeans fit on a virtual model of your body.

Enjoy!  Dee