You can't always hit your goal weight -- but you can look skinnier in jeans right this minute. Most women rely on jeans as a wardrobe staple, often reaching for them when we don't feel comfortable squeezing into other wardrobe options. We've put together a list of fashion tips to help you choose the right pair of jeans that make you instantly look like you've lost weight. Here's our go-to guide to looking skinnier when you wear jeans.

1. Choose a Dark Wash Jean


Blue jeans come in various "washes" or color treatments, ranging from white and pale blue all the way through dark indigo and black. If your goal is to look skinny, you'll want to select jeans from the darkest end of the color range. Slim-fitting, dark wash jeans in deep indigo or black are not only slenderizing but are also more versatile for wearing with both casual and dressy tops. Do keep in mind that dark denim jeans require some care to launder, as they are manufactured with a heavy dye that can bleed into other clothing when washing. Watch our video on how to wash dark jeans for tips on the best way to prevent fabric dye transfer.

2. Say Yes to a Higher Rise


High waist jeans have gotten somewhat of a bad rap, thanks to old-school, ugly versions. When worn correctly, though, high-rise jeans are nothing to fear and can actually do wonders to make you look instantly thinner. This works because a well-fitting, higher-rise jean elongates the lower body, tricking the eye into seeing a leaner you. This style also holds in the tummy, smooth the hip line and eliminates the risk of muffin top. When shopping for high waist jeans that make you look skinnier, keep a few basic principles in mind. You're looking for a pair with a waistband that hits directly above your belly button, comes in a dark wash, and has a classic one-button, zipper closure. Avoid like the plague any jeans that sit higher on the body, come in a button-rise or have an elasticized waistband, all of which puts you squarely in dreaded mom jeans territory. Take a look at some styling options for high-rise jeans and see how you can make this style work for your body type.

3. Pay Attention to Length


When you're dressing to look skinnier in jeans, do pay attention to length. Dark wash jeans that end an inch or two below the ankle will elongate your body, especially when paired with the right shoes (see below). When you go jeans shopping, it's always a good idea to bring along the shoes you'd wear the jeans with, to get an accurate picture of the length. If you want to switch between flats and heels with your jeans, buy a (longer) length that will accommodate the heels while still hitting just below the ankle. You can always roll up your jeans stylishly when you wear them with flat shoes. Here's our guide to how to roll your jeans cuff for a fashionable look.

4. Shop for a Perfect Fit


More than any other item of clothing, ill-fitting jeans can visually pack on the pounds. You'll look your leanest in jeans that are neither too tight, nor too baggy. Skinny jeans should hug your hips, bottom and legs, for instance, without squeezing them too tightly. Boyfriend jeans should be more straight-leg than relaxed in cut if you're trying to look skinnier, whatever your body type. Everyone will benefit from a waistband that firmly but gently holds in their middle, without cutting into the waist and creating an unattractive muffin top effect. Knowing your correct jeans size is important when you go denim shopping, but there's also no substitute for trying jeans on and assessing the fit honestly, as sizing can change between brands. For a skinnier look in jeans, also check the garment label for the spandex count. Stretch denim jeans with between one to four percent spandex will offer a more body-hugging silhouette than regular jeans, while also providing flexibility and movement.

5. Consider the Back Pockets


If the way your rear end looks in jeans is a concern in jeans, pay attention to the back pocket construction. The right design can minimize your bottom for a skinnier look, while the wrong back pockets can make it look terrible. We've put together a guide to the jeans back pockets that flatter different body shapes, so you can find the best pair of jeans to flatter your butt and make it look skinnier.

6. Choose the Right Style for Your Body

Shopping for jeans doesn't have to is a lot easier and takes less time when you start out knowing which styles flatter your figure -- and which to not even bother with. For example, a woman with a well-proportioned hourglass figure will want to choose a different style of jeans to play up her assets (and camouflage other body parts) than will a bottom-heavy pear. We've taken the guesswork out of dressing in jeans for your shape, with our figure-specific guides to choosing the best jeans for your body type.

7. Wear the Right Shoes


To look skinnier in jeans, it's important to finish your look with well-chosen footwear. The right pair of shoes can elongate your legs right down to your toes, while an ill-considered pair can make your legs look shorter and even stumpy. For the leanest look in jeans, pair a dark denim pair with a black or other dark-colored shoe. Pointy high heeled shoes or boots will give you the most leg extension for a longer, slimmer silhouette. If you're self-conscious about your feet looking big in pointy toe shoes, just choose a shoe with a shortened point, rather than a longer one. Learn more about what shoes to wear with various jeans styles. More »

8. Try Jeans With Built-In Body Contouring


If you've ever wished jeans came with built-in Spanx, you're not alone. While shapewear is definitely useful in reining in lumps and bumps under clothing, it can be hot and uncomfortable to wear under heavy denim. Some denim designers have paid attention to women's needs in this area and developed innovative jeans that feature body-shaping panels, stretch fabric technology, and ingenious strategic stitching that makes you look like the skinniest version of you. Take a look at our guide to the body-shaping jeans that will make you look skinnier in denim.

9. Upgrade to Higher Quality Jeans


Investing in a high-quality jean can be a great way to look your best in denim. Premium-quality jeans not only last longer but typically fit the body better and can help you get that skinny look in jeans. You don't necessarily have to buy expensive designer jeans, though there are tricks for finding high-end jeans at bargain prices. If you want jeans that make you look like a million bucks, take the time to learn how to spot superior-quality construction, which can sometimes be found in less-expensive jeans labels as well as designer brands. Take a look at our guide to shopping for high-quality jeans.

10. Use Color to Minimize Problem Areas


Dressing to look skinnier in jeans means paying attention not only to your pants but your entire outfit. You can easily play down larger body areas -- and pull attention to your best features -- by playing with color in your outfit. Since dark colors have a minimizing effect, for instance, you can create an overall slimmer silhouette by creating a monotone outfit in dark skinny jeans and a similar-colored dark top, finishing your look with black high heel shoes. Keep your outfit from looking dull by adding a statement necklace or beautiful scarf. This not only creates visual interest but this fashion trick pulls attention up toward your face, taking the emphasis off

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If you want to look skinnier in Y2k Jeans, there are several fashion tricks you can use to achieve that slim appearance. First, opt for dark wash jeans as they tend to be more slimming than lighter washes. Pair them with a flowy or oversized top to create a flattering contrast.