CLOTHING The red-hot blue jean gets a major upgrade

All the latest trends in denim can be found at every price point.
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Once upon a time, jeans were the comfort clothing of choice.
They were broken-in, worn down and perfect for Saturday lounging. It used to be all about dress-down Fridays, complete with jeans and a T-shirt.
These days, denim is getting a major upgrade. Fridays, it's all about taking jeans from the boardroom to a dinner date. In Hollywood, jeans are walking off the runway and onto the red carpets.
Jennifer Lopez unveiled a $2 million pair at her Sweetface fashion show (the button is a 17-carat diamond). Uma Thurman stole the spotlight at a Louis Vuitton fashion show in Paris as she entered wearing a silk ivory-ribbed coat and jeans. And Halle Berry admitted to a love affair with Juicy Couture jeans.
Vince Flumiani says you can thank everyday people for that.
Street smart
"Any great trend comes from the streets, whether it's New York, Los Angeles or downtown Kansas City," says Flumiani, co-owner of Standard Style Boutique, a designer denim haven in Leawood, Kan.
"When denim made its rise again about five years ago, it was people going to thrift stores buying used denim and deconstructing them and adding their own signature to it."
But many women are spending $100 to $250 for popular high-fashion denim designs, like Blue Cult, Seven for All Mankind, Rock & amp; Republic and Citizens of Humanity.
Brianna Middleton of Kansas City says $100 is reasonable for a pair of jeans with a good fit, especially because they have a long closet life.
"I have a favorite pair of jeans that fit perfectly that I have had for five years," she says. "I think a lot of people agree that jeans can get better with age, too."
If you are willing to spend $100 or more, a good pair of jeans isn't hard to find, says Middleton, who owns at least 20 pairs. "There are so many designer jeans on the market right now ... there is a pair for almost every figure type."
Ask Jorge Ramon and he'll tell you that the latest trends in denim can be found at every price point. Every woman can find a pair of jeans for her body if she is willing to look, says Ramon, fashion editor of Teen People.
From denim staples like Lee and Levi's to curvy favorites like Baby Phat and Apple Bottoms, many brands offer the hottest trends for under $100.
"The thing with jeans is you have to try on a whole bunch to find the right fit for you," Ramon says.
Universal choice
One jean that works for everybody: the boot cut.
"A boot-cut jean is flattering on every style from petite to plus size," Ramon says. "It balances out proportion. You can pair them with high heels or boots. It's a great staple."
And taking your denim from day to night is easy, says Patricia McCune, trend and fabric manager at Lee jeans.
Take a cue from the ladies of "Desperate Housewives" or the divas of "Girlfriends" and pair denim with cashmere, twin sets, blazers and sexy V-cuts.
"For a dressier look, opt for darker shades of denim, a longer leg to enhance heels or even a jean with a thin crease," McCune says. "For a super casual look, pair vintage jeans with a casual T-shirt and ballet flats."