How I Style: Flared Jeans

It's safe to say that for me, flared jeans are quite a wardrobe staple. I can't stand people who peg them as a 'lame 70's throwback', because they are quite frankly one of the most flattering styles of jeans around. Whether that be the uber wide leg, the slim flare, or the kick flare, there is no denying that they are flattering, and a statement, at the same time.
Of-course, flared jeans did first appear in the era of disco: the 1970's. I, for one, am over the moon that seventies fashion has made a comeback in the last few years, as I'm quite a nerd for that era in time: disco (hello, Saturday Night Fever), hard rock, glam rock and punk (who doesn't love a bit of Led Zeppelin, Queen or Sex Pistols) and brash colours and patterns.
​If you love a bit of the flare, but aren't quite sure how to style them yet, here are a couple of my go-to looks.

1. Going classic with the Slim Flare

Denim Jacket - Vintage (similar here)/ Jumper - Wah London x Asos / Jeans - Topshop (similar here) / Bag - Furla / Sunglasses - Rayban (Round) / Boots - Serbia

These flared jeans from Topshop have been a wardrobe staple for me since I was seventeen years old. The high waist and the slim flare starting from the mid calf are super leg lengthening and flatter any body shape. I'm only 5'2'' and I can even wear these flares with trainers! My favourite way to wear them is by pairing them with chunky ankle boots (hence these patchwork suede ones), a roll neck or high neck jumper (I love this pale lilac slogan one) and a casual jacket (hence the vintage denim jacket with faux fur collar). A great nod to the 1970's, and not too hard to style.

2. A bit more modern with the Kick Flare

Shirt - Whistles (similar here) / Coat - Mango (similar here) / Scarf - Accesorize (similar here) / Ankle Boots - Office (similar here) / Bag - Furla / Sunglasses - Toyshades (at Topshop) / Jeans - Topshop (Dree, find in store)

​If you're still a little bit wary of the flare, and want a jean-style that is currently in fashion and super easy to style, then a cropped, or 'kick' flare is always a good option. This particular pair are from Topshop, the 'Dree' jeans, and they wear more like a cropped straight leg jean, which is great for those who are still a bit uncertain when it comes to flared jeans. 

3. All out retro with the Wide Leg Flare

Coat - Zara (similar here) / Jumper - &OtherStories (different colour online) / Flared Jeans - & Other Stories (similar here) / Boots - Serbia / Hat - Urban Outfitters / Sunglasses - Rayban (Round)

If you feel confident going all out with a pair of wide leg flares, I highly recommend styling them up with a pair of retro ankle boots, a fluted sleeve jumper and a hat. A great seventies inspired combination, which reminds me of some of Diane Keaton's iconic looks from that time. 

4. Kooky and Fun with the Patterned Cropped Flare

Jumper - Denner Cashmere / Leather Jacket - All Saints (Wyatt) / Bag - Furla / Trousers - Topshop / Ankle Boots - Russell & Bromley (similar here)

And last, but certainly not least, are these printed cropped flares. A statement in themselves, they're great if you love incorporating pattern into your wardrobe and if you love fun, retro styles. This particular pair are from Topshop, and I know that there are some similar styles still available in store. Due to the flattering cut of the trousers, they're actually suprisingly easier to style than they look. I've worn them with roll neck bodies and jumpers, v-neck fluted sleeve shirts, plain t-shirts, ankle boots, trainers, the lot - and the great thing is that they look great dressed up or down. 

A few of my top picks of the moment...

1. These easy to style and flattering kick-flares from Whistles 
2. Bold and brash with these cord delights from Swedish Hasbeens  (also available in other colours)
3. Classic and leg lengthening with these from &OtherStories
4. Fun patterns with these from Topshop
5. Luxe velvet and retro with these from MiH via Asos