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Find the perfect pair of skinny jeans for your body!

Yes, the '80s are back ... in a skinny way and it's a trend that doesn't seem to be letting go. Learn how to make the most of this hot denim trend for.

By Natalie Bahadur

Love the skinny jean or hate it? Discuss in our forums!

What is it about denim that's so hot, year after year? According to Holt Renfrew's Erica Yeu, contemporary buyer for womenswear, it's because denim is casual, sexy and comfortable. "You can't beat the combination!" she says. While the looks change from season to season, from runway to runway, denim never seems to go out of fashion. The styles may change, but denim is a veritable fashion staple.

"It goes with everything," says Erica. "We can dress it up or dress it down. Plus, the brands are ever evolving to provide us with new silhouettes (like the skinny), new washes and new pocket treatments that continue to pique our interest."

OK, so the hot denim trend is still the skinny jean -- and if the thought of it gives you fearful flashbacks to the '80s, you needn't worry. These skinny jeans are far from tacky. It's slim, stylish and super-sexy. We asked Erica for her expert advice when it comes to shopping for this hot trend.

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ELLE Canada: What should women know about buying skinny jeans?

Erica Yeu: You can't buy skinny jeans without thinking about the right top and the right shoes. A long, lean top that hits at hip level or below is the perfect top. An empire waist top that billows out over the hips will work with wider hips and a leaner, body-skimming jersey top will work with a boyish silhouette. A flat shoe works back to a longer leg with boyish hips. High heels or a heeled boot will work back to a hippier woman or a woman with short legs.

EC: What are your buying dos and don'ts?

EY:
DO:
• Try on everything. A skinny jean from one brand will fit entirely differently from that of another brand.
• There are three widths to choose from -- straight, skinny and super-skinny. The easiest and most widely appealing will be the straight jean. It is closest to a boot cut and will flatter most women. If you are more comfortable, then move on to a skinny.
• To hide figure flaws, try the new skinny black jean. With a lean black top and heeled boots, it will hide those hips and will create a long, lean silhouette.

DON'T:
• Don't be afraid of the skinny jean.
• Don't worry too much about the brand. Worry more about the fit and make sure that you're comfortable with your pick.
• Don't shop alone but don't bring a gang of friends. Bring along that one friend whose opinion you trust the most.

EC: Can every woman find a skinny jean that works for her?

EY: I would say that 80 percent of all women will find a skinny that works for them. It is not an easy silhouette for most women to get used to but with the right top and shoes, it can work for pretty much any woman.

Related articles:
Floaty blouses for spring
ELLE Canada's Spring/Summer 2008 runway report
Style secrets from the experts

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1. The skinny jean demystified
2. How to wear skinny jeans for all body types

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