I love my skinny jeans. And before you say, but that’s because you’re skinny! let me tell you this: I am not skinny. I’m pear shaped; I have small shoulders and no chest to speak of (thanks, Mom!) and I carry most of my weight through my hips and thighs. I have a hard time buying dresses because my top and bottom half are two different sizes.

(And because I know you’re going to ask, the trick is to look for dresses with a slightly higher waist and an A-line skirt, or opt for sheath dresses with a slight A-line shape — cinch the waist with a belt to give the dress a little more shape. Avoid very fitted shapes; your hips will wind up being the focus of the dress, which isn’t what you want. You’re welcome.)

So what’s the secret of skinny jeans? Getting the right jeans. Yes, really.

Old Navy Diva jeans, $29.50 currently $25

You’re looking for jeans that fit properly through the waist and thighs; they shouldn’t be too tight or too loose, for starters. Opt for a slightly lower waist, one that hits you 2-3 fingers below your belly button. And remember Lucky magazine’s sage advice: “The stitching at the top of the jeans will never stretch, so size up it if leaves a red mark.”

Words to live by.

Keep in mind that “skinny” jeans aren’t the same as jeggings; we’re not looking for skin-tight denim here. Instead, you’re looking for jeans that fit your thighs closely, but not so closely that you’re risking cutting off the circulation in your legs. Skinny jeans will stay close to your leg all the way to the ankle; be wary of jeans that taper dramatically, though, or you’ll wind up looking like an ice cream cone.

So what brands are good? I like Gap’s Real Straight jeans; they accommodate my thighs without compromising the slim line of the jeans. My friend Allison is a big fan of Lands’ End UltraFit Audrey Slims (which are smokin’ hott on her).

Once you’ve found your skinny jeans, what do you wear them with? Look for tops or jackets that hit at the widest part of your hips; to create a longer leg line, add a belt at your natural waist (the skinniest part of your torso). Avoid anything super fitted or cropped on top; the goal is to balance the slim line of the jeans.

Pair your skinny jeans with ballet flats or boots, or — if you’re feeling really daring — with a short bootie. If you want to wear your jeans tucked into your boots, look for a pair that are on the short side (ankle length); cuff them once to keep them in place inside your boots.

Are you a skinny jeans girl? If so, what kind are you wearing? And if not, what’s stopping you?