Flare jeans are some of the BEST jeans to wear! They are fun, flirty, retro, and so comfortable. What’s not to love? Well, there is one thing…
HOW do you style these? The number of times I have tried on a pair of flares and been like….now what do I do is insane. I also have received so many questions on instagram asking what I would pair with flare jeans. I totally get it. Styling flares can seem impossible or only for those that are super tall with long, lean legs. BUT, I’m here to tell you that’s just not the case.
I got these flare jeans (and adorable tank top) from Runway Seven. I am absolutely in love with the elastic waistband! I am wearing a size small and they fit so so so good. Runway Seven always has the cutest new arrivals (new arrivals DAILY).
Flares are great for all body types. If you are tall, girl you will ROCK these. If you are petite, these will make it look like you have legs for days. All it takes is finding the perfect pair and a few of my simple styling tips.
Top and Jeans from Runway Seven || Necklace
Tip #1: Ratios
When it comes to styling flares, the number one tip I can give you is to think of your ratios.
Busty/Curvy: If you are “busty” on top or more curvy, opt for a shirt a little more fitted. This can be a tank top, body suit, crop top…whatever makes you feel most comfortable. Because flares open up so wide at the bottom, it is important to keep your top proportionate to the bottom. Adhering to this ratio will really help create an hourglass figure.
Smaller frame up top: If you are smaller up top (athletic, square, etc.), then pairing these jeans with a flowy top would look super cute. I always do a little front tuck to showcase the waist, and maybe have the top hang off your shoulder for a feminine touch.
Petite Gals: If you are 5’3″ and under, it is super important to accentuate your waist. This will make your legs look super long, too! I would pair a body suit or form fitted tank top and tuck it into the jeans for a feminine look. Throw on a belt to showcase your waist even more.
Tip #2: Shoe Game
Ah, the infamous question when it comes to styling flare jeans. WHAT shoes do you wear?!
First off, find a pair of flares that are your inseam. If you are petite, I wouldn’t get a pair that are made for tall gals. Sometimes, brands don’t have specialty inseam lengths (why do they only make them for guys??). In this case, I would either get them hemmed (it makes the BIGGEST difference and is 1000% worth the investment) or wear taller heels.
I always wear wedges with my flares, but if it is colder outside, I have worn ankle booties. This looks really polished (great for the workforce, too!) and is sensible for winter.
Tip #3: Wash is KEY
If flare jeans aren’t big in your closet yet, I would grab a pair of medium to dark wash first. Dark wash denim is so versatile and goes with so many different tops. This color denim is perfect for all seasons. If you just want to test out a pair of flares, dark wash is the way to go!
After your initial pair of flares, if you know you just LOVE them, I would grab a white pair next. I’m biased because that is what I did, but white is so crisp and again, looks good in all seasons. I love wearing my white ones to brighten up my outfit.
Black is also an amazing addition to your closet! It definitely depends on your style preference. Black would be fun for game days or concerts (no stains..haha!).
Washes to avoid: While the 90s and early 2000s are coming back into style, I would avoid the light wash flares if this is your first pair. Light wash jeans have a way of widening your leg, and since flares already have an obtrusive hemline, I wouldn’t try to widen your leg any more! HA! I just see Lizzie McGuire in my head when I picture light wash flare jeans…
The jeans in this post are like a medium wash. This is GREAT if you like the lighter wash, but you don’t want to go too light.
Additionally, I would avoid a gray wash pair of flares. Gray is a trendy denim color, but just like light wash, looks better as a skinny pant and not wide/flare.
Final Thoughts
What do you think? Personally, I LOVE wearing flare jeans. They’re comfy, retro, and really make an outfit stand out!
