Watch out: Flared Jeans Are Back

For as long as I can remember, I have been yelling at my mom for not saving her 60s/70s garb. I would look through albums upon albums full of her in big sunglasses, major platforms and super-duper bell bottom jeans. Talk about may-jor fashion envy.

And save for that year somewhere around 1996 when Paris Blues Super Bell Bottoms made a quick comeback, the flared jean has been buried in the fashion attics along with record players paving the way for skinny jeans and low rise jeans. And besides, let’s be real for a second here…who looked good in ANYTHING in 6th grade?!

But, my fashion obsessed friends, my prayers have been answered. It’s like I actually willed those photos of mi madre to life.

Store after store is showing off flared and bell bottoms of all widths, washes and rises. And I couldn’t be happier! While skinny jeans are great and still have their place, I love having an alternative for days I feel more like Thunder Thighs and an excuse to always channel my inner Raquel Welch circa the 70s.

And the best news is that there is absolutely no need to shell out big bucks on this trend. Everywhere from Old Navy to Target have fabulous (and flattering) options. Here are two bomb yet budget ways to rock the flare. You can dress them up, dress them down, pair with platforms or flats- the options are endless!

The Tailored Flare:
I love a higher rise of flares tucked into a simple shirt. Here we see color blocking (sticking with my favorite 60s/70s color palette) which is another huge trend carrying over from spring to fall. Pair with a shimmery gold belt, some killer platforms in an unexpected not-navy but not-bright-blue (so neutral and bad ass!) and some fun jewelry.