Fashion Challenge: Flared Pants
Photo Credits: 1 – Heidi Klum, 2 – Behnaz Sarafpour, 3 – Style Scrapbook via Lookbook
The ’70s are back in a big way, especially in the denim world. If you don’t believe me, check out MK and Ashley’s new denim collection TEXTILE Elizabeth and James (Victoria Beckham is also a flare fan). Skinnies have become the norm (and will probably stay that way), but if you are looking for an alternative to your favorite straight-legged bottoms, this Fashion Challenge is the one for you.
Tips and Tricks for Rocking Flared Pants
- Just try it! The best part about this challenge? Flared bottoms are universally flattering: Anyone can pull off this trend and look amazing doing it.
- Take advantage of length. Wear your bell-bottoms long with heels to extend your legs for miles, like Heidi Klum does above. (Although it doesn’t hurt that her legs already extend for miles…)
- Try a little flare beyond denim. Although it may be easier to find flared denim, the trend works for other bottoms as well. For examples, see the Behnaz Sarafpour slacks in Picture 2, or these gems (interestingly enough, both looks are neutral and styled with structured handbags):
Photo Credits: 1 – Gucci, 2 – Chloé
Get The Look
Product Information: Flared jeans – The Outnet, Belt – Joy, Striped bodysui – Urban Outfitters, Bib Necklae – Charm & Chain, Blazer – Topshop, Wedges – Piperlime
This is my take on Andy’s (from Style Scrapbook) look in Picture 3. I chose a striped bodysuit (on sale!) for a super sleek effect when worn with the high-waisted McQ jeans. Wedges keep things summery, but if it gets cool, a slouchy blazer pulls everything together. A chain-link bib necklace adds interest a la Ms. Palermo.
Just as a side note, I think dark, high-waisted flared denim would be the perfect foundation for a perfect casual Friday outfit (Sarah’s Diary of a PR Intern posts have me thinking chic work attire. Are you guys following her adventure too? I feel like I’m getting the super-secret inside scoop!)
So, will you take the Fashion Challenge?
What are your thoughts on flared bottoms? Any thoughts on TEXTILE Elizabeth and James (it got a few poor reviews, but I really like the collection–so does Kristin Cavallari)? Already work this trend? Send us pictures of you in your flared pants and we’ll feature them here!* As always, we are open to suggestions for future fashion challenges and we’d love to hear from you!
* Send your outfit pictures to fashionchallenge AT collegefashion DOT net! – be sure to include your name and where you go to school, as well as a description of what you’re wearing in the photo! (See examples here and here!)
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Posted on on June 30, 2010 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: 1970s, bell bottoms, Featured, flared jeans, flared pants
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Liv
Wow, for once I’m the first to comment! I remember flares from middle school, and this trend kinda brings me back in a fun way. I like the look of flares on Kristen and Victoria, so I might have to try them out myself. I’ll let you guys know how it goes…..
Sally
I also remember wearing bell-bottoms and flares constantly in middle school. The cooler you were, the bigger your pants flared! Haha, sadly, I really dislike this look today. I’m not going to run out and buy flares. But, hey, maybe they’ll grow on me?
thisizkim
haha! yeah I remember flares from middle school too. All the cool kids had flares… but nowadays i wouldn’t wear them. They just aren’t flattering on me. I guess it just depends on your body type.
Brittany
I like wide-leg pants better than the flared pants.
Rebecca
I think I lived in flared jeans and tank tops during high school… I still love them, even if I don’t wear them much anymore :P
Christina
I remember those from middle school too. I used to rock them with the best of them lol… It’s funny that you posted this today as I ordered a pair of trouser(flair-ish) jeans with gold studs at the waist and a pair of camel colored pants with a slight flair two days ago. They were both on sale. Can’t wait to get them in the mail!
alex
I like this trend, it makes jeans look a little more dressy. I think flared jeans should only be worn in darker shades.
FashionStyleAdvice
I like them, but I’m sticking to my skinny jeans for now :)
Milana from FashionStyleAdvice
Ronnie
i would totally wear flared jeans if I were taller, but at 5’2″, I think they would probably drown me.
Jen
I don’t think so, especially after seeing the middle picture.. I’m sure there’s a good way to do this, but the girl in the middle almost seems to be swimming in that outfit! Too risky for me.
Cathy
Oh how these pants, that we referred to as “bell-bottoms,” bring back memories of middle school! I remember having flared jeans with embroidery on them. Two trends in one back then. I tried to be cool…
I have a pair of Seven jeans that might fall into this category. I’m not sure. What exactly makes a a “flare” jean a flare?
Robin
As a pear shaped girl, all I can say is YAY!!! I can’t wait to balance this hips out again!
Laura
I used to think that skinny jeans were not for me, especially since I could never find affordable ones that are long enough, yet skinny enough for my waist, so I lived and still live in flared jeans. I finally got a nice pair of skinny jeans in the Netherlands a couple weeks ago, where people are taller and skinner than Canada and America. I love my flare jeans, although they are getting significantly worn from wearing them too much, and one wrong dropped pen may rip the bottom clear off, but I love them anyways. Good to know that people may join me in my flare-dom
Sari
Hmm, I may have to start out by wearing trouser jeans. I won’t be buying denim anytime soon, but I’ll keep this in mind for back-to-school.
Rose
I never stopped rocking flares, lol. Seriously, they look great on any body type and the match with basically everything. Try Deb’s- they have a denim style called “ultra flares” that are extra wide on the bottom, like classic 70′s bell bottoms.
Skinnes are cute, but flares are timeless. :)
Renee
Oh they make your legs look like 2 meters especially when wore with high heels! I’ll definety try this trend!
Laura
I dunno, they kind of make my legs look short! I’m 5’4.5″ and have a looong torso. I find skinnies to be really flattering (I’m really slight) and I *have* a few wide leg pairs of jeans, but I just don’t know! AHHHHH!
Shmee
I have always felt that skinnies were more of a fleeting trend than flares/bootcut/trousers were. I’ll admit the full bell-bottoms can be a bit dated, however the slimmer flared legs have more staying power. They simply look better. I feel pretty sad when I remember how skinny jeans stopped being another option to try and became the only acceptable denim bottom in style.
When I finally stopped caring about being “in” and started caring about really looking nice and owning my own signature style, I realized that trouser cuts were still being sold, even by really nice clothing brands.
Button down shirt, corduroy trousers, 5-inch oxford heels, blazer, leather belt, red lips, Hermes scarf: this has been my signature outfit for the past two years and I couldn’t be happier with how I look.
Eurotrip Tips
This trend looks really flattering with heels. Although the high wait is sometimes unforgiving with the extra tummy.
Caro
Ugh, I hate the way flared pants look on ME. On others, it can be done. But I’m only 5 feet tall and I have tiny feet (size 5.5), so my feet get lost in them completely, you can only see the very tips. It’s a terrible look for the short girls with small feet like myself. Plus I can’t wear heels at work (not recommended for safety reasons because you have to run around the huge store and walk up and down stairs a lot) but I can’t wear my skinny jeans either! :( So I’m stuck with these pants that only flare out slightly anyways, I tried to find the straightest leg, but for me, it’s too much. I have skinny legs and a thin body…..what to do?
judy
i am smart!!– held onto these from years ago..both new and vintage!!… i will wear them with fitting tops, vests and crochet…will rock my wedges and platforms also!! luckily i am fairly thin and not too tall..you have to be young looking to make this trend work!!! be careful not to use more than ONE vintage item!! or else you will look like you came outta the time tunnel!!!
Jessica Goodenough
Wearing them with heels? I can barely find a pair to wear with the flattest of shoes, never mind anything with a bit of height. I can make skinnies look like they are intentionally short, but that looks really dorky with flares. I do own a pair that I like a lot, but I feel quite self-conscious when I wear them, constantly pulling them down.
Start making jeans for girls with long legs people! I want to enjoy the 70s love too!