One thing I’ve learned from this job, after having tried on a bazillion things, is that just because something may be flattering, it doesn’t mean it’s your style.
Enter…me and flares. I keep attempting to like them, and this time I wanted to ease back into the trend with a lower-priced pair. My trick for trying out different jean styles? Is to style them up with my favorite boots…but they…are still just not me.
They are leg-lengthening, and they look fabulous on others, but when I put them on I feel even less myself than if I put on a ruffly dress. Yup. Haha. That much of a mismatch.
Similar Tee | Jeans | Boots
My Jeans Style: More Edgy Straight-Leg, Less Glam Flares
If you’re newer around here at The Mom Edit, you may not fully know my style yet. I typically describe it as edgy, sporty and very slightly classic. I like black jeans, high tops, chelsea boots, combat boots, rad jackets, leather, faux leather, fleece, graphic tees and animal prints (though I’m getting even more particular these days about those last two.)
My background is in graphic design, I’m quite the budding sneaker collector, and if I had to choose one city that most inspires my style, it’s London. So, all that being said, I’m much more comfortable in a straight-leg black jean with some chelsea boots and a blazer than I am in what, to me, are the slightly more glam vibe of flared jeans.
Similar Tee | Jeans | Boots
Tried The Flares With My Fav White Chelsea Boots & A Rad Tee
Some of my favorite brands are AllSaints, Zadig & Voltaire, Isabel Marant, FRAME and rag & bone. Speaking of FRAME, my boots are their Le Lexington chelsea boot, and I adore them. They have that rad slightly mod-but-wearable vibe I like. (And for the sake of options, here’s a similar, under $100 pair to the FRAME boots.)
But even they can’t save the flares for me.
Similar Tee | Jeans | Boots
So, I Also Tried The Flares With My Fav Clog Boots & Easy Cardigan
So, I also tried the flare jeans with my other favorite boots for fall and winter…my cozy, lined clog boots (see my recent styling post about them here…and these UGGs are similar and under $200!) I wore these things just about every day last winter, and they also have the height I needed with this longer jean style. I was hopeful…
Sweater | Jeans | Similar Boots | Mug
But, nope. I’m just not into that ’70s style, even in a great wash and distressing like these AE flares have. I’m so picky about washes that I rarely find budget-friendly jeans these days that are passable for me. AE makes some of the few pairs. I was so distraught I had to pull in reinforcements in the form of my Dolly Parton coffee mug. Hahaha.
Sweater | Jeans | Similar Boots | Mug
Sweater | Jeans | Similar Boots | Mug
If flares are for you? This pair I’m wearing from American Eagle are really soft and comfy and under $60. They’re TTS for stretchy jeans. I’m wearing a 4 Reg.
I was honestly hopeful, friends, but I’ll be finding my way back to my favorite straight legs. I’m doing a try-on and deep dive of all the black straight leg jeans soon, so stay tuned as I get back to what IS my style! Until then…
xo,
L
Would love to have you follow me over on Instagram @laurajansenstyle for more rad fashion picks, kitchen dance parties, donut reviews and a side of taking things not too seriously, all from Portland, OR.
Lovely photos by Posy Quarterman Photography
