Get Groovy...

Just when you were finally getting used to skinny jeans and jeggings, the jean pendulum has swung completely the other way... Flares and bell bottoms are all over the place, giving a 70's chic vibe to Spring this year. 

Like skinny jeans, the flare style can be very flattering, or very bad.  Let's not forget how the world stopped at the sight of Jessica Simpson's camel-toe in her too-high, too-faded, too-tight flares. 

On the other hand, the overall cut and shape of flares tend to flatter a woman's body... They hug at the hips and thighs, then "flare" out at the bottom, creating a balancing effect.  If they're worn with chunky heels, wedges, or platforms they lengthen the leg perfectly, and make legs and hips appear much thinner. 

Katherine Heigl frequently wears flares... And she always looks stunning in them!! 

Jennifer Aniston in a less-intense pair of flares... I would probably consider these "bootcut".  If you're used to skinny jeans or jeggings, this wide bootcut/skinny flare might be a good transition point for you.

This isn't quite fair because Gisele is... Gisele.  But it's a great example of how you can dress down your flares.  Gisele looks comfy and casual in her sneakers and tee.  (Tall girls can get past the heels/platform requirement the rest of us have to live by!!)

Most importantly, what you wear on top matters.  With my skinny jeans and jeggings I always favored loose, flowing tops and tunics that hit at my hip or thigh.  With flares I always make sure my top goes no longer than the top of my back pockets or I wear my tops tucked in.  This varies with body type, but in my experience, accentuating my waist is always key to pulling off my flares.  If I wear a loose, long tank or top my waist gets lost and I end up looking like a blob.

Here's an example of how the style of your top can really affect the overall look of your flares:

Here, you can see that Kourtney has kept her top short... You can see her belt and the definition of her waist.  But Kim (ahh... I hate to say this, she's my fave) looks a little sloppy because her waist gets totally lost in the volume of the big, blousy top.  

While I still don't think this is as flattering as some of her cropped jacket-and-flares combos, Rachel Zoe looks cute in her flares even though she's wearing a longer top because she is so tiny and petite... And she wears sky-high platform heels.  As you can see, if you are very petite and have pin-thin legs, you probably don't have to be as vigilant of what tops you pair with your flares. 

Here's a look I put together... I think this would be a great way to wear flare jeans, and it looks cute, casual, and makes me think of Spring!!!

Isabel Lu Lace Spaghetti Top in "Peach" - Piperlime, $118  (Find it HERE.) 
J Brand 1197 Martini Flare Jeans in "Mayflower" - Piperlime, $178  (Find it HERE.)
Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Lil Shifty Bag in "Spinach" - Piperlime, $358  (Find it HERE.)
True Religion Sage Wedges - Piperlime, $175  (Find it HERE.)
Marc by Marc Jacobs Goldtone Blade Watch - Piperlime, $225  (Find it HERE.)


Here are some other great styles of flares...

Paige Denim 

Lou Lou Tulip Jeans 

shopbop.com (Here.)

J Brand 

Martini Flare in "Pure" 

revolveclothing.com (HERE.)

 

 Paige Denim 

Bentley Flare Jean

piperlime.com (HERE.)

 

 SOLD

Houston High Heeled Bell Jeans

piperlime.com (HERE.)

 

 J Brand

Lovestory Flare Jeans in "Osaka" 

piperlime.com (HERE.)

 

Don't forget to take your heels/wedges/platforms with you to a tailor to get your jeans hemmed to the perfect length.  The most flattering length will hit the top of your foot, just before your toes, in shoes.  This will make a huge difference, and you'll wear your jeans much more, I promise!! 

Are you guys ready to get groovy?!  Will you be working your flares this Spring??

Happy Friday :) 

Xoxo B.