How To Style Cropped Flares

The cropped flare presents a fashion conundrum for me that causes me great stress. I look at the frankly, awkward length and wonder “What the hell?”  How do I wear these without my husband wondering aloud where the flood is?

While out with my two besties for brunch, the topic of conversation turned to the cropped flare. They are a tough bunch.

Bestie #1: “The Cropped Flare. Oh sure! Run out and buy expensive jeans that are too short to be actual jeans and too long to be capris. Great! I’ll just pair it with the $2800 bag I’m supposed to buy to look current.”

Bestie #2: “Don’t forget to buy the mid-calf boots you need to make them look passable. I believe only those Acne boots will do too.”

Bestie #1: “Should I get a cropped sweater too? I better hit the gym because you know, you need abs.”

OUTFIT DETAILS

Camel Coat – c/o Zaful | Turtleneck – Club Monaco | Cropped 501s – Levi’s | Boots – L’Intervalle (no longer available)| Dionysus Bag – Gucci | Striped Marmont Bag – Gucci

I stare at my own skinnies which are apparently passé and wish Aimee Song was here to guide us. As I scroll through her Instagram feed I mentally calculate all of the things I need to buy to make a pair of cropped flares look good. My head starts to hurt.

What even are cropped flares? Well, they are pants that seem to hit right above the ankle, depending on how tall you are. They flare slightly too. Think “too-short boot cut jeans”.

A few days after brunch and after an hour of stalking Negin Mirsalehi online, I head to the Levi’s website, take a deep breath and buy a pair of Levi’s 501 cropped jeans. I hope and pray that they fit and don’t make me look like a fashion victim. I chickened out and ordered a straighter cut too…just to be on the safe side.

They Are Just A Pair Of Jeans – Why Stress So Hard?

Why am I letting a pair of pants stress me out so bad? Well, because I love my skinnies. They are flattering and sexy. Vogue tells me they are out and I should move on. I don’t want to though. I love how they make my legs look – long and lean. Also, they accentuate your curves, especially your butt which is always a good thing. They also tuck in nicely to winter boots and high-waisted versions make your legs look a mile long.

Cropped flares seem to do the opposite. They can cut you off, making you look short and squat. Don’t they limit your shoe options to heels or mid-calf boots too? Aimee Song pairs them with Manolos and trainers, but I’m not that cool!! This is hard, man!

Tips To Make You Look Great In Your Cropped Flares

I really wanted to try this hot trend (hence me buying a reasonably priced pair from Levi’s), so I turned to my other best bud, the Google Machine, and asked how to style this questionable look. Here is what I found out:

Right Above The Ankle, Please

When choosing a pair of cropped flares, get a pair that hits you right above the ankle. It’s the most flattering and lengthens your legs.

Chunky Heels Are Your Best Friend

Chunky, blocky heels look really nice with this look. Not only are block heels fresh and very right now, it will lengthen your legs making the cropped flare easier to pull off.

Frayed Hems Are Very Fetch

I love the look of frayed hems with cropped flares. It’s really cool and to me, gives a polished, clean look – something that I wouldn’t expect.

The Higher The Waist, The Closer To God

High waisted options further lengthen the leg and accentuate the waist, giving you a super figure-flattering look. Tuck in your shirt too in order to show off that waist.

Ooooh – Nude Heels!

Nude heels further lengthen your legs and provide a clean line, especially if you opt for black cropped flares. Go that extra mile and get nude mules. Very feminine and flattering.

The Office Look

Want to wear your cropped flares to the office? Pick a pair made of wool or some other suiting fabric and pair them with a blazer for some structure. Grab a pair of polished heels too and finish off your crops with a great belt. Again – tuck in your shirt!

Are you a cropped flare lover? What is your fave way to wear this trend?