Originally designed for men, jeans used to be cut only in a straight style. But now, you can find the utilitarian denim jeans in a variety of designs ranging from oversize, slim-fit to tight and cropped.

While the styles allow us freedom to choose, picking just any pair off the peg may not be that easy if you want jeans that's fabulous and truly flattering on you.

Apart from the usual straight-cut, the perennial favourite and perhaps the most versatile is the boot-cut jeans. Suitable for most body types, the slight flare gives proportion and balance to the hips and thighs.  

For those with curvier hips, you might want to try retro-inspired flare-cut jeans as the extra flare will balance the width of your hips.

You may have seen trendsetters like Mary Kate Olsen, Victoria Beckham and Nicole Richie in super slim-fit jeans that look so great on them. However, unless you're blessed with their size 0 figures, stay away from skinny jeans! Meant for the really skinny, this type of jeans will only accentuate figure flaws, even if you're average in size.

If you've got short legs and a long torso, the best jeans for you would be of the high-waist variety. This style will create the illusion of longer legs and shorter body.

On the flip side, low-waist jeans complements those with wider hips and thighs. However, low-waist jeans tend to make the derriere appear smaller and may not be too comfortable to wear. What's worse is if not worn well, you risk exposing your undies because of the low-waist cut.

Equally important elements to factor in before buying jeans is colour, detailing and material. While blue is the classic jeans shade, denim is also available in black, white, red and green even. To get a leaner look, go for dark shades such as deep denim blue or black. As for light-coloured or white jeans, it will only accentuate your size.

Fades ones, especially those around the butt and upper leg area, can make your gams appear longer and your behind wider.

In terms of detailing on jeans, patch pockets on the back of the jeans will give you a butt lift (for those with small derrieres) while embroidery on the top half of the jeans will give the illusion of wide, feminine thighs.

What's popular now are clamdigger jeans or capri pants made from denim. This style spells casual chic and can make legs look longer and slimmer because of  its three-quarter style.

Whichever jeans you choose, make sure you know your body type first and take note of what you want to enhance and what to hide. And, yes don't forget to try on just to be sure.