What's the one item that is at the top of just about everyone's fall shopping list? Chances are it's a new pair of jeans. For many of us, jeans have become part of our daily uniform; they can even go to most workplaces. And guess what? Now there are jeans to fit any shape and size on any budget.

But there are a few do's and don'ts. In Glamour magazine's "Big Book of Do's and Don'ts" (Gotham Books), Cindi Leive, Glamour's editor, suggests tips to remember when you're buying (and wearing) that all-time favorite wardrobe staple — denim.

— Do be prepared to try on several pairs of jeans. When you go shopping, don't get discouraged if the first pair of jeans doesn't fit. The Glamour editors encourage you to try on at least five or six pairs. Each brand's fit and sizing vary, and some are cut with only particular body types in mind.

— Don't hesitate to shop for jeans in a variety of stores. Many of us stick to our favorite store for jeans and don't try out new ones. Or we get discouraged and think we can't find any to fit us. Currently even Lane Bryant stores are carrying the popular Seven jeans; larger plus-size women can enjoy wearing designer jeans too.

— Don't forget the view. Always bend over, squat and check the back view before you buy! It is now a definite negative to expose your underwear. If the thong shows, buy a long top.

— Do choose a flattering style. This fall the best silhouette is a subtle boot-cut in a dark color; it is the most flattering jean on every body type, according to the Glamour editors. And it's the jean that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Old Navy's "Flirt" jean was a hands-down winner in a recent ABC's "Good Morning America" search for the perfect pair of jeans for size 0's to 20's.

— Don't overdo it. Excessive bleaching, streaking and inconsistent coloring, rips and holes create embellishment overload. And, yes, the dreaded "Mom" jean pleats are all big denim don'ts. Of course, you never want to cook up a "muffin top" — when rolls of fat hang out over your jeans.

— Do work your jeans. It is acceptable in many workplaces to wear denim if it mimics professional styles: trouser-like jeans with straight- or boot-cut legs, fitted blazer-inspired jackets and A-line or straight skirts. As a general rule, go dark and tailored. Finish off with heels.

—Don't be afraid to get creative. Denim is a great way to stretch your wardrobe for school, work and weekends. Mix and match long denim shorts with tweed jackets, tuck cropped pants into boots, or wear a short jean skirt with tights. Add some colorful accessories to brighten it all up. For evenings out, try a more free-spirited style: wear jeans with vintage pieces and a clutch handbag.

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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