Build Your Wardrobe From The Jeans Up

A Fashion Editorial on Silhouettes, Closet Clarity & Finding the Jeans That Love You Back

 

Some days an outfit comes together effortlessly, and other days you’re ripping through your closet, changing five times, and ending up in the same sweats anyway. Most of the time, it’s because your closet is full of things that don’t fit your body or your life anymore. They’re not just clutter… they’re obstacles. Pieces that take up space, steal your time, and convince you something is “wrong” with you- when really, the clothes just aren’t right.

Once you edit out the items that never make you feel good, everything shifts. Getting dressed becomes simple. Every piece you reach for fits, flatters, and actually works with your shape. No more 20-minute outfit breakdowns. No more morning panic. Just a closet full of clothes that earn their place- and make you feel comfortable the moment you put them on.

And here’s what I’ve learned: sometimes it’s not you- it’s the silhouette.The shape, the cut, the proportion. The invisible architecture behind why certain outfits feel like second skin while others just… don’t.

We chase trends like high-rise everything, balloon pants, or whatever TikTok convinces us to buy in six colors. But the secret no one really admits? Just because something is everywhere doesn’t mean it belongs everywhere in your closet.

This isn’t about judgment or restriction. I love experimenting. I love trying new shapes. I love curiosity in clothing, but I also love understanding what works-  the silhouettes that support me rather than fight me. So I sat myself down, revisited my styling notes from last semester, did some research, and paid attention to what cuts consistently make me feel my best.

And here’s the funny part:

The silhouettes recommended for my “type” were the exact cuts I’ve instinctively reached for my entire life.

Somewhere along the way, though, I fell into a routine of sweats and the same oversized T-shirt on repeat. And then there were the jeans I adored five years ago- the ones I refused to part with even though they no longer fit the way I remembered.

But maybe that’s the point of growing up: realizing it’s okay to let go of pieces that don’t serve who you are right now. To make space for silhouettes that celebrate your body — not your nostalgia. To wear what feels good, not just what’s trending.




We’ve been hearing about “capsule wardrobes” forever- the pieces that go with everything, save you time, and make getting dressed feel effortless.

And recently, I pulled everything out of my closet because, remember, I’m prepping for a new decade I’m about to enter… ✨ my 30’s ✨.

Laid out in front of me was years of clutter- clothes I wore in high school, colors that completely wash me out, tops I spent too much on that do nothing for my shape, and pieces I bought simply because they were trending.

It hit me that my closet didn’t reflect me at all.

It reflected impulse buys, past versions of myself, and silhouettes I was forcing instead of loving.

So now, I’m being intentional. I want to know what colors enhance my skin tone, what shapes feel good on my body, and what I actually enjoy wearing.

And right now, I’m starting with the foundation of every great outfit: denim.

This blog is all about figuring out which jean silhouette flatters your shape the most- the cuts that make you feel comfortable and excited to put on.

Once we master the denim… we can build everything else from there.

The Silhouette Breakdown

Not rules, not limitations. Just a starting point- a way to understand why certain pieces feel like they were made for you.

HOURGLASS

Best silhouettes:

  • High-rise trousers at the natural waist
  • Soft flares or bootcuts
  • Wrap tops and dresses
  • Contoured waistbands
  • Tailored, waist-defining blazers

 

 PEAR / SPOON 

Best silhouettes:

  • Wide-leg trousers
  • Straight-leg, structured denim
  • Off-shoulder or square-neck tops
  • A-line skirts
  • High-rise waists

 

 APPLE / ROUND 

Best silhouettes:

  • V-necks and open collars
  • Mid- or comfortable high-rise
  • Straight-leg or relaxed denim
  • Longline jackets and vests
  • Draped fabrics that skim

 

RECTANGLE / ATHLETIC

Best silhouettes:

  • High-rise denim with a slight flare
  • Cropped jackets
  • Wraps, belts, tie-fronts
  • Wide-leg trousers
  • Tops with texture or volume

 

PETITE

(Any body type — simply under 5’4”.)

Best silhouettes:

  • High-rise bottoms
  • Slim-straight or tailored denim
  • Cropped jackets
  • Tonal dressing
  • Minimal-break trousers

 

Understanding your silhouette isn’t about rules- it’s about clarity.

Once you know which shapes feel best on your body, getting dressed becomes faster, easier, and more intentional. Denim is the foundation. From there, the rest of your wardrobe becomes much simpler to build.

 

Toodles, 

Jennie 

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