Working with your body

Just because a pair of jeans looks great on your same-size friend doesn’t mean they are right for you. Like with any piece of clothing, you really need to try jeans on to see how they work.

If you have curvy hips and are proud of them, Clarkson suggests a super-low boot-cut jean, which sits well on the hips and shows off your figure. Women who want a little room in the thighs and calves should look at styles that don't hug the body, such as relaxed fit or boy-cut jeans. And for extra room in the seat, try jeans with a low waist, low pockets and a bit of a flare around the ankle.

Singing the blues

With a large variety of washes, choosing the ideal shade for your blue jeans can be tricky. But thanks to this season’s to-dye-for look, your task may be easier. "The must-have colour is simply dark with a lot of texturing," notes Clarkson. Look for inky indigos, which can be dressed down for casual wear and dressed up for a night out. To keep your dark denim looking its best, try washing your jeans inside out in cold water and not using the full dry cycle.

Of course you want your jeans to look good, but remember that they should feel good as well.