We need to talk about flares. Every since I posted the photograph (below) of yours truly in old Levi's and a tunic dress, it's been on my list of things to do. But now that list has it's own list, talking about trousers has taken some time. Anyhow. Enough of my work-life-blogging balance; at the Paris shows earlier this year Emmanuelle Alt switched from trademark super skinny to ankle-flapping jeans. And if the Queen of Lean has made the transition, then we need to consider proportion-changing too.
The best way to wear flares is to balance the wider leg shape with a neatly proportioned top half - so a tucked in shirt, biker jacket or simple t-shirt. Think seventies-style Jane Birkin and you're on the right track:
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| Photo: MiH |
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| Ines rocks out with the Rolling Stones. Photo: Daily Mail |
And as la Birkin proves, you can wear flats. Here are four of the best pairs of flares (some are bootcut but sssh):
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| MiH Bodycon Marrakech available HERE |
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| J Brand Eva available HERE |
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| The starter's flare: M&S kickflare available HERE |
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| J Crew bootcut available HERE |
Are you flapping about in flares?
Never stopped wearing them. My taste in clothes isn't influenced by fashion. Flares rock. x
ReplyDeleteMe neither, I love a good flare. And you rock, Vix.
ReplyDeleteNever started wearing them!!! Which probably means I don't rock, hey ho....
ReplyDeleteFlares usually don't work well although you've assembled fine examples here and anything that moves us away from skinnies and the 'why are they still here' distressed jeans is progress we should all applaud.
ReplyDeleteMy own personal flare experience is not a pleasant one. Xmas day 1977 as 13yo GSL was once again surprised his Mum could gift him an outfit even worse than the previous year: a neon mustard yellow cable knit poly/rayon turtleneck with fringed Led Zeppelin elephant pants with Mum's comforting assurances that "it's the latest style". My nieces giggle themselves to tears at the thought of Uncle G in that get-up.
Flares usually don't work well although you've assembled fine examples here and anything that moves us away from skinnies and the 'why are they still here' distressed jeans is progress we should all applaud.
ReplyDeleteMy own personal flare experience is not a pleasant one. Xmas day 1977 as 13yo GSL was once again surprised his Mum could gift him an outfit even worse than the previous year: a neon mustard yellow cable knit poly/rayon turtleneck with fringed Led Zeppelin elephant pants with Mum's comforting assurances that "it's the latest style". My nieces giggle themselves to tears at the thought of Uncle G in that get-up.
I'm 5ft 2in tall......I'm not wearing flares. They look fab on the tall and lean of limb. You also need to wear serious heels with them and I only wear flats.
ReplyDeleteGreat minds... I like them short like the Louis Vuitton's, then they don't look so literal---out of the 70s bin.
ReplyDeleteI think I don't want to wear them again, but no doubt I will. These are great modern looks! xo
ReplyDeleteI love bootcut, but not flares. And then only as a break from slim or skinny jeans. I'm chuckling over GSL's elephant pant outfit! I remember calling super flares elephants pants...back in the day.
ReplyDeleteLike Preston, I like them cropped to above the ankle and only slightly flared (for me.)
ReplyDeleteI love old seafarers. Have a nice old pair that are like palazzo pants. I don't know if it's a matter of height---I think it might be a proportional thing. I love wearing wide flares with a snug little blazer or leather jacket. I am not tall-5'4".
ReplyDeleteWide I can do, but flares are a difficult to carry off look, I'd need to see some on models more my shape to be convinced.
ReplyDeleteThe great thing about being 'older' is I already have all the jeans in all the leg widths...
ReplyDeleteJCrew boot cut are just enough flare for a curvy figure. Love them!
ReplyDeleteWhat is the difference between
ReplyDeleteflares... boot cut.... bell bottoms????
I guess one could say there are flares, and, then, there are flares! Degrees of flap.
They are all pictured in today's post.
Got them all!
I bought a pair of Mavi Flares and loved the look of them. I'm 5'8", and wore them with heeled ankle boots. However, when I washed them, they ended up in the dryer and shrank a bit, and now I really think they are too short. Unless I can wear them with a heel, I feel out of sorts. xx Nancy
ReplyDeleteI will probably pick up a pair with at least a subtle flare, but I live in a very wet climate and a flared pant can soak up rain like a sponge. . . Hard to look chic when your pantlegs weigh 10 pounds each and you're flinging water in all directions with every step. . . I know, #practicalisboring
ReplyDeleteI wore them to work all the time. That was a year or two ago? Or bootleg at least. Still have them. But then boyfriend/straight leg came into style and I haven't looked back;).
ReplyDeleteNever say never, the more you see them the more you will want to wear them.
ReplyDeleteI'll do bootcuts and very slight or cropped flares, but with my short stature, more pronounced 70's-style flares tend to create difficult proportions to manage. I also find that I can more easily work bootcuts into a long-over-lean silhouette.
ReplyDeleteI love a nice tailored flare or boot cut Jean as long as the top half is neat and not too flouncy! And i prefer them with a high heel as opposed to a pump. I don't think it should be about what's 'in fashion' just now. Flares never really went away. I think it's good to have a really good pair of jeans in all cuts so that, depending on your mood, you can dress to make yourself feel fabulous! Lorraine x
ReplyDeleteAgree with you, Lorraine. I have jeans in all the different leg shapes and wear them when I please - though tend to avoid flares in the rain!
ReplyDeletejust got a white pair for summer
ReplyDeletei think anyone can wear them - it's just a matter of getting the proportions right as you pointed out.
i think the trick is not to be too literal with the 70's interpretation and tweak the look a bit to make it more modern. 'specially if you wore them back then:)