how to style flared jeans

how to style flared jeans – they’re my favorite!

madewell flea market flares

Excited to share this post, and how to style flared jeans – which are my absolute fave!

Some interesting conversations took place after my recent “Crushed/Crushing” post – specifically regarding the flared jeans.

Opinions ranged from “SO glad they’re back!”, to “I never got rid of my flares and never will!”, to “How does a woman with normal-length legs wear these jeans without looking like a clown?”.

I’m here to help.

As I mentioned, I have seen several reincarnations of the flared leg. And while my wardrobe certainly has its share of straight leg – and even skinny – jeans, there are always a good 2-3 pairs of flares in rotation. And being a “normal” sized woman I can tell you that they are THE most flattering cut you can wear. The trick is in the proportions – you want to balance things out so that you don’t look overwhelmed by your clothing.

Here are some tips for “wearing your flares” – and some pictures that illustrate their versatility (and overall grooviness):

  • If you’re a “beginner”, go with a modified cut – that is, a slim or straight thigh that flares out below the knee. It is easier to style jeans like this as the top half is closer to the jeans you already own. Here’s a great example of a jean that’s fitted through the thigh, flaring below.
  • The length of your top should hit no lower than your hips. A hip-length tee or sweater (like this or this), boho style peasant blouse or popover style work  best.
  • While there’s no question that flared jeans worn with heels will make your legs look miles-long, this is just not a practical option for many of us. Fear not – you CAN wear flats with your flares! Just be sure to get your jeans tailored so that they’re not dragging on the floor – and then feel free to break out your sneakers, Birks or sandals!

And here are a dozen looks to inspire you!

With the top tucked-in:

flares kendi every day

image credit: Kendi Every Day

glam radar high waisted flared jeans

image credit: Glam Radar

who what wear denim on denim

image credit: Who What Wear

Or worn out:

flares with a striped shirt

image credit: Pinterest

people and styles flares and heels

image credit: People and Styles

what i wore flared jeans

image credit: What I Wore

With a long or loose top:

who what wear sweater with flared jeans

image credit: Who What Wear

anthropologie flared jeans with sweater

image credit: Anthropologie

madewell flea market flares

image credit: Madewell

With flats or sneakers:

harpers bazaar flared jeans with sneakers

image credit: Harper’s Bazaar

coastal style flared jeans with flats

image credit: Coastal Style

zara flared jeans

image credit: Zara

So what do you think? Do you wear flares? If not, would you consider? Which is your favorite look (I LOVE the denim on denim)?

17 Comments

  1. Jill Parrella on March 31, 2015 at 9:52 am

    Yay – love this post! Thank you for the inspiration!

  2. Sandra on March 31, 2015 at 10:08 am

    Love them when worn like you suggest! You always have such good fashion advice.

    • sherisilver on March 31, 2015 at 10:22 am

      Thanks so much Sandra – we are “like-minded”, no? xo

      • Sandra on March 31, 2015 at 10:43 am

        That we are!

        Question – boot cut? Yay or nay? An alternative to the flare?

        • sherisilver on March 31, 2015 at 2:04 pm

          Boot cut is like the most modest flare – just flared out at the very bottom. Love it too.

    • Frieda on January 14, 2024 at 4:58 pm

      Thanks for the post. I am in my early 70’s and the pics have given me confidence to try this styling. The only thing, I thought some of the jeans were too long.

      • sherisilver on January 15, 2024 at 8:32 am

        I think length is such a personal thing. I love a super long length personally but know it’s not for everyone!

  3. sara mayne on February 11, 2021 at 3:29 pm

    I have been looking for flares, in a small size, similar to my 70″s days but not cut too low on hip

    • sherisilver on February 11, 2021 at 5:34 pm

      I’m always looking for “that perfect” pair!!!

  4. Rhonda on April 6, 2021 at 12:09 pm

    Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda bootcut are a perfect fit for me. $40 to $48. Sits at waist, plenty of stretch, nice wash. I’m a size 12 to 14. Love this brand!

    • sherisilver on April 6, 2021 at 5:02 pm

      I will have to check them out! Thank you for sharing! 🙂

  5. Linda on October 21, 2021 at 6:08 pm

    Overall, is it best to wear bootcut or flared jeans so they sit just above the ground? I’m torn as to how long they should be with a heel. Thanks so much for all your good advice.

    • sherisilver on October 21, 2021 at 8:13 pm

      That’s a tough one if you are going to wear both flats and heels. If you’re going to wear with flats I’d have the hem sit just above the ground. This way they won’t get all scuffed up (which I hate!) but will still look cute with a heel!

    • sherisilver on October 21, 2021 at 8:15 pm

      Good question – I rarely wear heels so I look for hems that will sit just above the ground for my flats. Usually that’s long enough so that they still look cute with a chunky heeled boot. I hate when the hem drags on the ground so I make sure that it rises just above with even the flattest shoe!

  6. Betty Beck on December 9, 2021 at 7:39 am

    Thanks for your advice .

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