It's the ultimate fashion conundrum - how to find a pair of jeans that leave you looking svelte, long-legged and curvy. Oh, and go with everything else in your wardrobe. A number of shops and websites offer fitting services, but you don't have to splash your cash to get an idea of what might look good on you. Just memorise these four steps to finding your dream jeans.

1. Get self aware: It might seem obvious, but jeans certainly aren't ‘one size fits all'. One person's perfect pair might be another's nightmare, so it's crucial to be aware of your figure before you buy. If you're straight up and down then choose a pair with pockets, zippers or embellishment to add curves. Pear shapes should avoid added extras and go for a clean line, while flares are best avoided if you're short. As a general rule, dark coloured boot-cut jeans tend to be the most flattering.
2. Get wise to the rise: The second thing to look at when choosing a pair of jeans is the measurement of the rise - the material between the waistband and the crotch. A too-short rise leads to unsightly figure malfunctions such as muffin tops and the under your armpit look, while a rise that's too long will tend to droop unattractively. It's important to make sure that the rise fits your figure.
3. Material: Ever found a pair of jeans that look perfect in the shop and then shrink as soon as they get wet? Avoid this annoying problem by going for good quality material and avoiding stretch jeans which tend to lose their shape more quickly. Strange as it may sound, it's worth paying attention to the washing instructions before you buy - some materials will naturally shrink a little in the wash and you should buy a slightly larger size to compensate. Saying that some materials can actually loosen with age so sometimes you might be best going for a tight fit!
4. Find your style: Jeans are one of those things that are difficult to buy online. You may want to look around on the high street for sizes and style before buying your perfect pair - but don't be fooled into thinking that expensive means best. Websites like New Look offer a great selection of jeans, so once you've found the pair you're after head online for the best savings. Your perfect pair of jeans will feel even better if you know you got them at a perfect price.