how to style flared jeans – they’re my favorite!
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:
image credit: Kendi Every Day
image credit: Glam Radar
image credit: Who What Wear
Or worn out:
image credit: Pinterest
image credit: People and Styles
image credit: What I Wore
With a long or loose top:
image credit: Who What Wear
image credit: Anthropologie
image credit: Madewell
With flats or sneakers:
image credit: Harper’s Bazaar
image credit: Coastal Style
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
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Hi! I'm Sheri!
Welcome to my little corner of the web where you’ll find easy, delicious recipes, the best kitchen hacks and simple tips for turning your home into a clean haven that is free of toxins. So glad you’re here!
Yay – love this post! Thank you for the inspiration!
Thanks friend! It was fun! xo
Love them when worn like you suggest! You always have such good fashion advice.
Thanks so much Sandra – we are “like-minded”, no? xo
That we are!
Question – boot cut? Yay or nay? An alternative to the flare?
Boot cut is like the most modest flare – just flared out at the very bottom. Love it too.
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.
I think length is such a personal thing. I love a super long length personally but know it’s not for everyone!
I have been looking for flares, in a small size, similar to my 70″s days but not cut too low on hip
I’m always looking for “that perfect” pair!!!
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!
I will have to check them out! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
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.
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!
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!
Thanks for your advice .
My pleasure!