Ask CF: How Do I Make Flared and Bootcut Jeans Look Fashion-Forward?

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Because skinny jeans aren’t the only jeans out there.

Non-skinny jeans have never looked so chic.

Welcome to the latest edition of Ask CF! Every two weeks, we select a reader fashion question and answer it here on the site. Do you have a specific fashion question for us? Scroll to the bottom of this post to learn how to send it our way!

Ask CF Question

Dear CF,
I’m a bit bottom heavy and find flared or bootcut jeans to be the most flattering. But among all these skinny jeans I’m at a loss to transform these into an outfit that doesn’t scream hippie or frumpy. Help!
Thanks :)-Lost in the Flare

Our Response

Dear Lost in the Flare,

While bootcut and flared jeans may have been viewed as unstylish in the past, this season, fashion’s most influential trendsetters are wearing every style of jeans but skinnies. That’s not to say that there’s anything wrong with them–it’s just that people have been branching out more and seeing, as you have, that skinny jeans aren’t the only option out there.  

Having said that, although bootcut and flared jeans might be a little bit harder to find at “trendier” shops these days, there are still a myriad of ways to style them that won’t make you look dumpy or like you just stepped out of the ’70s.

So, keep on scrolling to see the outfits that I have put together for you. 

Outfit #1

Products: Blouse – Net-a-Porter, Sunglasses – Kohl’s, Heeled Sandals – Gap, Jeans – Gap, Earrings – Bloomingdales, Bangles – Bloomingdales, Necklace – Popmap, Clutch – T&J Designs

Consider this look to be Spring 2017’s version of how to wear bootcut jeans: With its trendy off-the-shoulder top and gingham print, chic pom pom and fringe clutch, and cool tie-up sandals, this outfit has everything you need to bring bootcut jeans into the here-and-now.

Fun accessories like pineapple earrings add a touch of quirkiness, while elegant cat-eye sunglasses add an element of timelessness to the outfit.  

A gorgeous and colorful beaded necklace (that I would totally buy for myself!) complements the colors of the pom poms and fringe on the clutch, and finishes off your look in a bold and unique way. 

Outfit #2

Products: T-Shirt – Madewell, Sneakers – Lord & Taylor, Jeans – Nordstrom, Earrings – Trouva, Necklace – Madewell, Cuff Bracelet – J.Crew Factory, Tote – Target

While I did mention that non-skinny jeans are harder to find in stores these days, cropped kick-flare jeans are having a moment in the spotlight right now, so you should definitely take advantage of that! 

If your style is more casual, consider pairing some cropped kick-flares with a boxy striped t-shirt.  

Also, can we take a moment to appreciate the awesome zipper detailing on these jeans?  So cool!

In terms of accessories, slip on a pair of cute chambray sneakers and grab a preppy canvas tote for a sleek and simple look.

Lastly, add some subtle shine with modern gold jewelry, like these minimal disc-shaped stud earrings, a cool necklace with fringe attached, and a geometric cuff bracelet.

Outfit #3

Products: Hat – Topshop, Camisole – Abercrombie & Fitch, Cross-Body Bag – H&M, Sandals – Old Navy, Rings – South Moon Under, Earrings – Nordstrom, Sunglasses – Zappos, Cuff Bracelet – Nordstrom

If you’re going for a more feminine and carefree look this season, pair some destroyed cropped flare jeans with a delicate lace-trimmed camisole. 

A set of dainty hammered rings is balanced out by more substantial jewelry pieces, such as a sweet gold heart cuff bracelet and large, on-trend drop earrings. 

Grab some classic accessories such as a straw sunhat, tortoise sunglasses, and slip-on strappy sandals, and round out the look with a pretty taupe-y pink cross-body bag.

Outfit #4

Products: Jeans – Nordstrom Rack, Camisole – Aritzia, Blouse – Aritzia, Nail Polish – Macy’s, Earrings – Nordstrom, Bracelet – BaubleBar, Necklace – Bloomingdale’s, Clutch – boohoo, Heeled Sandals – H&M

You mention in your letter that you don’t want to look frumpy or like a hippie, and, as far as I am concerned, this outfit is the antithesis of that; in fact, this sophisticated look is something I would recommend wearing on a night out with friends, or even on a date.

A dusty rose tie-front blouse layered over a silky camisole lends a luxurious feel to a simple pair of flared jeans.  

Dainty jewelry, including classy small gold hoops, a delicate bracelet, and a sparkly necklace, provides a modern and elegant way to take your look to the next level. The edgier croc-embossed clutch adds an element of fun to the look.  

Finish with some sturdy block-heeled sandals to ground the look.    

I hope that these looks have demonstrated that wearing flared or bootcut jeans can be just as chic as wearing skinny jeans! Thank you for your question.

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What do you think?

Do you prefer bootcut or flared jeans over skinny jeans?  How do you like to style your non-skinny jeans?  Where is your favorite place to buy non-skinny jeans?  Let me know in the comments!

Source: #Fashionblogger #fashiontrends



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