The Key to Flare Jeans

The 70s trend has been going strong for several seasons now, particularly the flare jeans trend.

I had been hesitant to try the trend for some reason unbeknownst even to me. As I thought about why I hadn’t tried it yet, it dawned on me: Pants that are hemmed to the wrong length are a fashion pet peeve of mine!

Now, some styles like skinny ankle jeans don’t require an especially precise length. But flare jeans demand a specific length if you want to nail the look. If your flare jeans are too long, they just look sloppy as they drag along the ground and you risk drowning in denim. If your flare jeans are too short, you counteract their leg-lengthening magic effect.

The key to wearing flare jeans is to get the length right!

What is the proper length, you ask? While opinions on this can vary slightly, the general consensus is this: the hem should be no more than 1″ off the ground. I personally prefer even less, like half an inch off the ground, just grazing the top of my shoe. That creates the desired long, lean silhouette, while still showing just a bit of shoe as you stride.

Bonus tip: shoes matter.

1. Choose which shoes you plan to wear with your flare jeans.
2. Get the jeans hemmed to go with those shoes.

Heels and platforms work best with flare jeans. Again, it’s all about elongating the silhouette. Remember, once you choose a heel height to go with your flare jeans, you have to stick to that. You can’t alternate between heels and flats. It just won’t work.

For more tips on wearing flare jeans, check out these great resources:

1. How to Wear Flare Jeans by Glamour
2. A Primer on Flares from Refinery29
3. Flare jeans outfit ideas from Who What Wear

Top 12 Flare Jeans

Have you tried this look? If not, give it a try. The look is casual because it is after all denim. But yet the flare gives the look a dressier feel. The flare jeans act more like pants and can be styled as such. It’s a fun look anyone can rock, if you get the length right.

To help you in your search for the perfect flared jean, we’ve rounded up our top 12 selections here. Happy browsing!

Get My Look

Seafarer flare jeans | Blumarine sweater (similar pieces here, here, and here) | Aquazzura Woodstock fringed suede knee boots (booties version here, in black here) | Elena Ghisellini bag (exact bag not available yet; similar here) | Valentino cat-eye sunglasses | Isabel Marant bracelet (older) | OPI lost on Lombard nail polish

Let me know what you think of this look. I’d love to hear. Wishing you a great week ahead! Thanks as always for stopping by!

 

Photos by Justin James Photography; make-up by Misty Templeton