The decade-long reign of the skinny jean is coming to an end, after an unashamed mutiny from the ‘Mom’, ‘Boyfriend’ and ‘ Flare’ variety. Good riddance I say, gleefully purging my wardrobe of any bottoms remotely skin tight. You see, my curvaceous silhouette (even as a petite size 8 ten years ago) has never looked quite right in them and I have long held the opinion their suitability is limited to those of a more gamine disposition.
The problem, however, has been choice, for the longest while you could either look fashionable in skinnies or wear dated boot-cut or straight jeans, followed more recently by the mom and boyfriend jean silhouettes to save the day. While flares have been spotted every now and then, the trend didn’t build up much traction. That is until now. Now that the fashion world has brought 1970s fashion to the forefront of everything cool!
I love flares for 3 reasons:
1. The 1970s and the 1930s are my favourite fashion decades (coincidentally linked in aesthetics)
2. My fashion flavour has always been more Soul Sister then rock chic
3. They are universally flattering and accommodate hips, thighs and behinds with stylish aplomb
How to look cool in flares – take note from L-R Meredith Melling-Burke, Style Pantry, Miranda Kerr and Miroslava Duma
DO
- Dress up with heels (stilettos, platforms or wedges are a great choice)
- Dress them down with sneakers or sliders and you’ve got an awesome Acid-Jazz (showing my age here, but think Jay Kay of Jamaroquai and every 90s’ teen) look for when you’re on the run.
- Go matchy matchy, especially with double denim
- Dip your toes into the trend with a wider leg option, more Palazzo pant style.
DON’T
- Resurrect the low-waist, keep the early 00’s back in the fashion time warp it should forever remain and wear your flares high waisted.
- Tuck in your tops if you have a mum tum, as they’ll make your stomach look more pronounced, instead make like Celine and wear under loose tops or long tunics instead.
- Be afraid to venture out of flared jeans, go smart with tailored options or comfy with jersey or wool alternatives
SHOP IT!
Some of my favourite flares for you to snap up and enjoy!
From L-R
1. 70s Leather Look Flares £40, River Island*
2. Moto Miller Flared Jeans £40, Topshop
3. Flared Suit Trousers £39.99, H&M
4. Floral Jersey Trousers £17.99, New Look
5. Limited True 70s Flare £35, Marks & Spencer
6. Coach Cotton Flared Pants £355, Net a Porter
The post TREND WATCH! THE SKINNY IS DEAD LONG LIVE FLARES appeared first on STYLE AFTER NINE.