Flares can be tricky to wear, can't they?
- They can shorten, not only the leg, but the whole body.
- They can make thighs look chunky, and give a 'turned in' appearance to the legs.
- They are (usually) only wearable with one heel height, making them less versatile than other jean styles.
- If they are not the perfect length for your chosen shoe, they look awful. Dragging on the floor? Yuck! Half mast? Double yuck.
- They can flap about and feel a bit silly, especially if (like me) you are used to wearing skinny jeans.
- They scream 70's...even when you don't want to!
With this pair of flared jeans, there is only one height of shoe that will work.
{See how I wore them with chunky boots, here}
Much as I would love to wear these jeans with some flat sandals (or converse-style gutties) I am tied into platform-height shoes.
There is no point in fighting it, platforms are the only way to go!
So, I paired these flared jeans with some platform strappy sandals.
I didn't want to go for the full-on 70's look, but it does not matter what you wear with these jeans, everything (especially more casual items) takes on a 70's vibe.
I decided to wear a simple vest top, and pop a open-knit sloppy jumper over the top.
Partly for that easy-breezy feel, but mostly to give more coverage.
I found myself reaching for my huge, suede, tassel bag again.
It was hard to resist!
I can get everything in it, and it is so sloppy and satisfying.
A few bangles, and a pair of sparkly hoops, finished things off nicely.
Are you a fan of flared jeans?
How do you style yours?
Please share in the comments, or tweet me @samantha4blair
Linking up to: I will wear what I like (Monday), Visible Monday, Turning heads Tuesday The Pleated Poppy (Wednesday), Colour and Grace (Wednesday), Top of the World Style (Thursday), Brilliant blog posts (Thursday), Hat Attack (Friday), Forage Fashion Friday , Mummy's got style (Friday), Fun fashion Friday.
SHOP THE LOOK
I also find flares (and boot cuts) a bit confounding. Love that sweater!!
ReplyDeleteThey are so tricky aren't they?
DeleteI have (relatively) long legs and still find them hard to pull off.
I am glad you like my jumper....it is as old as the hills but still a favourite. X
Like Susan, I find them challenging to wear. But you look fab, and the sweater is divine. xo
ReplyDeletePatti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Thank you Patti. :oD
DeleteIt is so old now (this jumper)...must be 15 years or more....but I still reach for it every season. XXX
I LOVE this look! And that's funny coming from me because for the longest time I really disliked anything 70s (probably because I grew up in the 70s and my mom chose most of my clothes, many of which I did not care for...).
ReplyDeleteI have one pair of flares and I love them. I wear them with the highest platform sandals I own (which aren't all that high...).
I am so glad you like it Andrea! I often feel that way about certain looks, they remind me of bad outfits (on adults I knew) from the past. Platforms are my only option with these jeans! XXX
DeleteGreat outfit! This crocheted top is a perfect match for your flared jeans. I love flared jeans! I even love the cropped flares that on trend. I agree about the length of long flares. You definitely are stuck in heels...I can't wear them in the rain either because I hate when my hems get wet and the water manages to creep all the way up your leg! But I love flares nonetheless.
ReplyDeleteShelbee
www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Oh Shelbee, you are right! Soggy hems....triple yuck!! :oP XXX
DeleteI used to love flare jeans but they are no longer my favorite for the exact reasons you mentioned. You pulled them off though beautifully. They look super flattering on you.
ReplyDeleteRed Reticule
Thank you Bogi. It is only because my shoes are so high that I am getting away with it. Luckily these sandals are pretty comfortable. XXX
Deletethese jeans...fit you like a glove! love the sweater!perfect for this time of year
ReplyDeleteIrene
www.thedailylace.com
Thank you Irene! XXX
DeleteLike you I find that they can only be worn with platform sandals which is quite limiting.
ReplyDeleteI love the casual boho vibe here.
I used to dislike the 70's fashion but have fallen in love with it now, a big part in thanks to Vinyl.
bisous
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
Thank you Suzanne. I am tempted to chop the bottom off them to wear with trainers and flatter shoes....maybe? :oO Vinyl.... yes what an interesting fabric. So much fun! XXX
DeleteI don't think I have a pair of flares...yet.
ReplyDeleteI must admit, this outfit looks spectacular on you---it seems like you have legs for miles!! If that happens when you wear these jeans---I'm getting me some!!
jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thank you Jodie...it is just the platform sandals that are giving that illusion, but they are definitely worth a try! XXX
DeleteYou so have the length of leg to wear them, Samantha, just like Dawn does over at Fashion should be Fun. And I completely agree - wedges all the way with flares.
ReplyDeleteI love the shape of your flares and the sleek silhouette of the vest underneath the jumper, allows you to wear the slouchy knit without being swamped. Casual yet still stylish.
And that bag is perfect with the flares!
Sorry I've not popped by as often, I had to step away from all blogging related stuff for a while.
http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
It's nice to see you and read your comment..thank you! I hope things have settled down and you will be back in blogging business soon. XXX
DeleteYou look wonderful in the flares. They are really a polar opposite of skinnies so they require some mental and physical adjustment I guess.
ReplyDeleteI was in college in the early 70's and we actually wore really WIDE flares. We were so groovy!:-D. The shoes were usually big chunky heals,not platforms but you're right about needing a higher heal of some kind.
They do Judy, you are right! And these are not even that wide. My dad had a pair from the 70's that were skin tight to the knee then flared with a full circle of knife pleats!! How cool would they have been?! :oD
DeleteEven if I'm a skinny pants girl, I like flared jeans (and bootcut too), but they're tricky and it's really hard to find a flattering pair in my size.
ReplyDeleteI love that you create your own approach to 70's vibe, and your own style rocks!, your sandals and bag are fab accessories!
besos
Thank you Monica. I think they are difficult to wear at any shape/size/height, I know you are not alone in your search for a flattering pair! XXX
DeleteI really do like flares, but I suppose I am not a fan of the dissapearing shoes when women wear them..The long flare that grazes the ground and then you are like, where's their feet? Ha! Love that I can not only see you shoes but love the se black strappy wedges you are wearing, woohoo. Pretty sweater, love the lightenss of it and your fringe bag. Very hip Sam< and pretty! you look great in flares.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up with Turning Heads Tuesday!
jess xx
www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
I'm not a fan either Jess!
DeleteToo long? yuck....too short? Yuck!
They are so hard to get in the right length, aren't they?
I'm so glad you like this look. XXX