I have always wanted longer legs. I adore cropped and tapered jeans, but the reality is they just aren’t that flattering on us shorter gals. In the 2010’s boot cut jeans were everywhere and I loved how I could wear them with a heel to instantly elongate my legs. Since then, we’ve had a decade of skinny jeans and like everything else, the pendulum is swinging back.

 Oh, before we get into that, what is the difference between wide leg and flare and even boot cut jeans?

Wide leg jeans flare from the upper, mid or lower thigh to the hem.  

Flare jeans flare from right at the knee to the hem.

Boot cut jeans flare from mid to lower calf to the hem and are usually a more subtle flare.

REASON #3 You don’t usually need to hem them. Although hemming jeans is not that big of a deal, it is a bit of a bonus when you can keep the original hem. And many of these wide leg jeans have a fantastic hem style that is difficult to replicate properly when hemming. So, for those of us who often need to hem our jeans, this is a bonus. With the right heel height, you get longer legs and no hem needed.

REASON #4 They are sophisticated, yet casual. This silhouette is reminiscent of the trouser pant which is incredibly classic. Even though flare jeans are typically associated with a boho look, they can also be very chic and polished. A button-down shirt or blazer is a great top to pair with a flare jean if you want that sophisticated look.

REASON #5 You will instantly have several new looks from your existing wardrobe. It’s amazing the difference between a t-shirt, blazer, and straight leg pants vs wide leg pants. The same goes with so many tops once you pair them with wide leg or flare jeans.

I was surprised at how different my outfits looked just by simply changing the jeans!

After trying on several pairs of wide leg and flare jeans I ended up with these two: Mother Tomcat Roller and Gap 70’s Flare.