Flared Jeans

After such a long run of skinny and boyfriend jeans, flares are in–they’re bitchin’–they’re where it’s at man!  But exactly how to wear them in the 21st century?  In the continuing democratization of fashion we get to decide–we’re seeing flares hit anywhere between the ground and the knee.

The most natural inclination is to wear them traditionally, full-length like I wore my Chemin de Fers in high school.  Flared jeans bring out a cool nostalgia, and recollection of a gentler, kinder (aka younger) time. Wearing them with platforms or a chunky heel still feels right.  But the trick with this look is to mix it up with an opposing vibe on the upper half.  Anything that references a distinct period, like flared jeans, can look costumey if not done right.  I like to temper them with something more buttoned-up like a gorgeous blouse, or a t-shirt or turtleneck with a blazer.  Flats with flares take me back to Ali Macgraw’s chic style.  And if you wear them with sneakers, it’s a laid-back, free mood.

 

Photo:  StarTracks

Photo:  Diego Zuko @theoutsider.us

Photo:  Diego Zuko @theoutsider.us

Photo:  Diego Zuko @theoutsider.us

Since last summer, the cropped flare has taken over the fashion scene, and it still feels fresh.  But as you go up the leg and get shorter in the length of your jeans, it can get a bit trickier to keep them flattering. If the proportion isn’t right for you, your legs will look stumpy.  Once you figure out your best length, cropped flares are even more versatile than to-the-ground flares, because the heel size doesn’t affect the length of the jean.
Frayed hems are everywhere, especially on denim.  Fringy fray is neat on cropped jeans, as it leads the eye down the leg highlighting great shoes. I DIY’ed this most summery look by taking scissors to a pair of inexpensive, high-waisted H&M flares. Doesn’t frayed denim remind you of cut-off shorts?  Just the way you did those yourself back in the day, just cut your jeans where you want them. A benchmark for where to cut is right above, or a few inches above the ankle bone.

As you go further up the leg, they also look great about a quarter or a third of the way up. If you’re not exactly sure how short you should go, start out around the ankle, cut, and look in a mirror to see if the proportion suits your body. Keep cutting upward until you find the best spot for you. Be patient with it, you’ll have a kind of intuition and know when you’re at the right length. After a few washes your jeans will have a great fringy hem that you’ll love.

 

Photo:  Diego Zuko @theoutsider.us

Photo:  Diego Zuko @theoutsider.us

Photo:  Diego Zuko @theoutsider.us

Photo Top Image:  Tyler Joe/Photo Cover Image:  Diego Zuko @theoutsider.us

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