Trendy Gay Hipster: When it Comes to Jeans the Eternal Question is: Skinny or Straight?

Trying to find a really good pair of jeans has always been a whomping pain in my backside. I almost feel like I’m channeling Goldilocks, only with three gay bears saying, “These jeans are too loose! These jeans are too tight! These jeans just suck!”

Well, what’s a little blond girl lost in the forest supposed to do? Eat porridge and crawl into some random bear’s bed? While some of you might enjoy that, I prefer to shop!

No matter how I go about shopping for jeans, I usually end up leaving the store empty-handed and disappointed about the fact that I can never decide which cut of jeans are right for my body type. Yes, my shopping experience with jeans is an excruciating one, but to help you all avoid the Goldilocks escapades I’ve endured, I put together some tips on deciding between skinny and straight cut jeans that will keep you looking fabulous from season to season.

When it comes to an everyday, more casual look, jeans are the foundation of the overall outfit. Whether worn for comfort or to make a statement, the jeans you wear are telling a story about your entire style.

Let's start with jeans basics: straight cut jeans, which are more forgiving of many body types, are typically worn at your natural waistline. (To the men who enjoy wearing them down past their derriere — please be courteous and reconsider. Not everyone wants to see your Spiderman panties.)

When shopping around for straight leg jeans, try sticking to sizes that actually fit your waist. It just looks better, people. And knowing what your actual size is and the length you prefer really makes the shopping experience less stressful.

If the jeans you try on do feel a bit tight, keep in mind that jeans do stretch after wear. They also shrink back after washing, sometimes even tighter than they were in the store, so keep that in mind as well. Asking the store clerk how the particular brand you're trying on expands and shrinks can be helpful in making up your mind.

Also, having the length of the jeans correspond with their width really helps with finding a comfortable pair. Wearing jeans hiked up above your ankles so that you look like Steve Urkel isn't very flattering. Neither are long jeans that have you tripping all over the place.

The straight cut can easily go from a simple look to something very trendy by adding a slim fitted t-shirt, or maybe even a cardigan sweater (and we all know how much I love those). Adding a pair of Converse sneakers can also really bring the look together — simple but still stylish. And if you’re bold, a splash of color can really spice up your look.

For the men who dare to shift into trendsetter status, you can always venture your legs into a pair of skinny jeans. Skinny jeans can go with just about anything — from sweaters to v-neck shirts to even a sport coat with a long collared shirt. This style of jeans are truly multifaceted and stylish.

However, skinny jeans can also be a serious faux pas depending on how they’re worn. As a rule of thumb, skinny jeans aren't exactly a style you should just buy and put on as there is an art to wearing them correctly.

Since skinny jeans are designed to fit quite snugly, I usually find that getting a pair at least a size bigger than your usual waist size makes the fit of the jeans more comfortable, yet still sharp. (I happen to have a little bit more 'junk in the trunk,' so all my brethren with bigger booties please heed be sure to heed my advice.)

For those of us without the average cookie cutter shape, be mindful that skinny jeans are specifically designed for just that – the skinny body type. This means that if you are thicker on top or through your thighs, this may not be the best match for you. Don’t get me wrong; I love me some ‘cushion for the pushin,’ but consider a cut that will be more flattering to your form, like a straight leg or boot cut jean.

My current favorite style of skinny jeans is Levi's new Ex-Girlfriend jeans – or Ex-Boyfriend – depending on which you prefer. (I'm actually surprised Levi's didn't go the L'Oreal route with their marketing. “Because he's just not worth it” really has a nice ring to it. Thoughts?)

Though the Ex-Girlfriend jeans are quite modish, to get into them, I would have to have these jeans sewn onto my body, while having my “treasures” tucked into my inner regions in order to make it work. (My apologies for that disturbing visual. Looking good can be torture too).

Levi's are great jeans, but can be a bit pricey. The Ex-Girlfriend (-Boyfriend) jeans go for $69.50 exclusively on Levi’s website, but there's nothing wrong with treating yourself with a little happy once in awhile, right?

However, if you're on a tight budget, but really want a nice pair of straight cut jeans, try stores like H&M, Target (is that still taboo? Hey, if it’s good enough for Gaga, it’s good enough for me) and even Marshalls. Most name brand clothing stores are going to charge some dough for those classic blue jeans, but you can easily find a pair for as low as $20 at most outlet stores.

And remember, higher price doesn't always mean higher quality, so shop smart!

If you’re looking for skinny jeans that are decently priced, Urban Outfitters is heavenly, especially if you're digging through the clearance racks. Hey, I have no shame when it comes to getting a bargain!

The next time you decide to go wandering through the woods looking for that “just right” pair of jeans, don’t get discouraged! Your little gay fashion explorer is here with pointers that will keep you looking fierce!

Trendy Gay Hipster