This outfit — or at least some version of it — has been a favorite since 2013. Check it out. Instagram doesn’t lie.
I love it when an outfit has staying power. I mean, you’ll have to check back in with me in 2023 to see if it really has staying power. But so far so good.
Let’s talk about high rise jeans. Are you a fan? I didn’t feel particularly passionate about them, until I tried on this pair. And now they are my favorites.
I feel like I’m going to be saying the same thing about flare leg jeans soon.
I accidentally ended up with a pair of flares in the Nordstrom Rack dressing room when I was shopping for my spring capsule. I thought I had grabbed all skinnies, but nope. I almost tossed them aside … but then put them on, “Because it’ll be like a throw back to high school. Or Gilmore Girls.”
And all of a sudden I was really liking what I saw in the mirror.
I’m not totally ready for them yet, but I mean, maybe in the Fall.
Vest: old from Urban Outfitters (similar)
Tank: old from J.Crew (similar OR similar for less)
Jeans: Madewell
Shoes: old from Sam Edelman (similar)
I picked up a pair of wide flares for my spring wardrobe because I wanted something that wasn’t super wild but was still out of my comfort zone. I’m now fighting the urge to wear them everyday! They are so versatile and flattering. Plus, they are nothing like those “Angels” brand jeans that girls wore in the late 90s/early 2000s… The new styles are definitely modern.
Hey there, love your blog. But I gotta ask: are the jeans in the pic really high-rise? They look midrise (at best) to me. I think high-rise and I think, like, Suzanne Sommers on Three’s Company, or Jaclyn Smith on Charlie’s Angels or something. Am I off-base?
PS Super cute outfit, making me rethink my cardivest for my next capsule!
Mandy, if it helps. . . I have these same jeans: they hit about one inch below belly button. Which is high rise compared to the super low rise jeans of a few years ago! Interestingly, I’m old enough to remember when this rise was considered low (early 90’s): In the 80’s everyone wore the 3’s company version! I consider them a flattering mid rise jean. They suck in a muffin top nicely.
That’s exactly it—the definition of what a normal rise is keeps falling, dragging the idea of high rise down with it.
Now people like me with really really high waists and long torsos have to buy “high rise” jeans just to cover our butt cracks and make sure we don’t show 4″ of lower back area every time we bend over at the office.
I adore high rise jeans! Mine are my favorite pair as well. You look great in them. I don’t know about the flares… Though I did say the same thing about skinnies at first! The main problem for me is that the flare jeans touch the ground and living in Canada means the ground is covered in mud, slush or snow October through April. Skinnies and jeggings fit nicely into high boots (of which I have a variety) making them very practical and weather-proof.
Back to your outfit, I love that vest. I’ve been looking for one similar ever since I discovered your blog.
I love flare/bootcut jeans! I am of the curvy top-heavy variety, so all my curves happen very quickly. Flare jeans not only make my legs look longer, but they balance out my top curves. I’m probably the only girl on the planet that never got on the skinny jeans train, but if I did I would literally have to change my entire wardrobe to tunics and long tops! And that doesn’t really seem to tie into this whole minimalistic plan does it!
Btw, I love your blog! I found it really interesting looking through my wardrobe and realising I actually only wear about 30 items with a couple of switches from hot to cold weather. This realisation and your guidelines have really helped me think more intentionally about how I want to develop my style. Tbh I have the opposite problem with shopping – I never find anything I like and rarely get more than 3 items a year, but it’s been exciting and interesting seeing my perspective towards clothes and fashion change as I’ve read your blog this last year.
So thanks!
Oh, you’re totally not alone in never having boarded the skinny jeans train lol. I definitely prefer the balance a bootcut gives my curves. And the appearance of length they give to my short legs (I’m 5’4″). I tried on skinny jeans when they first started trending and thought they made my rear look like, well, as my grandmother would have said ‘a turnip on toothpicks’. I really like the way I look in a bootcut/flare. Bootcut forever!
You’re definitely not the only one, Abbey! I never got on board with the skinny jean trend. Broomstick legs (need I say more?). In fact, straight jeans are a HUGE step for me. I only ever wear flared jeans. Funny, huh?
Yep, I’m another who never jumped on the skinnies train. I prefer bootcut as they seem to balance out my figure the best. Next up I want to try a higher rise jean.
One of the most fun parts of rewatching Gilmore Girls is looking back at the crazy early millennium fashion!
I’m SO skeptical about flare jeans. I think I will have to see everyone wear them before I even consider trying them on! But now you bring Gilmore Girls to the conversation and change my whole theory! Oh Caroline! hahaha
x Korallia
http:// corallblogs.blogspot.gr/
I do like the look of flair jeans, but I don’t know if I’m the only one who has this problem–the bottoms always get ripped up! I think I’ll stick with skinnies for now :)
I’m all about the high waisted jeans these days. I think we have a similar body type, so high waisted anything is very flattering. I think it’s a cut that works on most people, really. It took me far too long to find skinny jeans appealing so I think it’ll take me equally as long to find flared jeans a viable option. For now they are still a fond memory of middle school!
Kate
Myteacherstyle.blogspot.com
Yassss high waisted jeans forever! Also, I like the idea of going back to flares. They’re so comfy and easier to pull on and off than skinny jeans (if you’re anything like me, skinny jeans mean hopping around until they’re on). Madewell makes the cutest high-waisted ones & they’ve been calling my name!
So satisfying to find something that works so steadily. The beauty is that even as time progresses, maybe some of your pieces become worn and require replacing, the bones will remain the same for as long as they serve your goals.
Also, FLARES! They were my first purchase for my spring capsule and when I got them, I just dived right in. They’re just amazing.
Beautiful outfit! Jeans plus neutrals is just such a great combination!
High rise jeans can look nice but I don’t like them since they never seem to fit on me and always feel so uncomfortable… I’m looking forward how you style flared jeans! Though I’m mainly wearing skinnies, flared jeans were never really out of fashion for me. It’s just a matter of the overall look whether they look modern or outdated.
I bought a pair of madewell high rise on sale. I work from home and needed a comfy pair. FELL IN LOVE and bought a 2nd. So great for every day and even rocked them on a few Friday nights. Not sure I can pull off the flare… but who knows!
I recently found out how amazing high rise jeans are and I can’t go back now! All three pairs of pants in my spring capsule (my first ever capsule!) are high rise. My life involves a lot of crawling around on the floor and cutting large pieces of fabric/crawling around on the floor and playing cars, so I love a pair of pants that stays in place!
lol! I felt the same way about high rise jeans until I tried on a pair. I cannot comfortably wear any other rise without thinking, I really wish these had a higher waist. They are so comfy!
I’ve always had some bootcut jeans even through the many years of skinny jeans. They are so comfy and look good on my short legs. Plus they are more airy than skinnies (does anyone else’s calves get hot in skinnies?) so I like them for warmer weather. Flares can look funny on me if they are too wide since my legs are short.
I really dislike high rise jeans though. They make my stomach itchy. Low rise all the way!! I’d totally get a nice pair of flares in a super low rise (which was basically my high school staple).
I just VERY RELUCTANTLY got rid of my last pair of flare jeans and got all skinnies last capsule. I <3 <3 <3 bell bottoms. They're so flattering and comfy! I was really excited to see some featured in the Spring Fashion week trends.
YES!!! I literally cannot wait for flare jeans to come back into style. Let’s be honest… no other jean is quite as flattering. Who doesn’t like something which makes their thighs look comparatively smaller? Or lets longer since the jean covers up most of the heel you’re wearing. I think skinny jeans are generally just cruel and unusual punishment for most body types (is that mean to say?). Same with high-waisted. Yeah, yeah.. they look great on like 2% of the population. Nothing quite gives that slender appeal as a great flare with heel look!
Haha. I think it depends on what you consider flattering or “looks great.” I love my curvy big thighs and booty and love skinny jeans because they show them off! :-) But dressing in ways that reveal your natural shape takes embracing your natural shape. ;-)
Love those jeans. I have two pairs! Perfect jeans for mom’s who are constantly bending over and don’t want to show the world your goods!
I was SO relieved when high rise jeans came back in! It’s the only rise (9″, specifically) that really works on my body — CoH Rockets are fabulous, and J Crew’s Lookout is pretty much identical in fit and flattery, but WAY more affordable. I’m on the flare bandwagon because they’re flattering to athletic bodies like mine, and am waiting for mine to come back from the tailor tomorrow — if you know your cut/rise/style, Ebay is the perfect place to find some designer ones for a steal.
I recently re-discovered a staying-power of an outfit or two — which happen to be my wardrobe “Uniforms” : Hip-length v-neck tunics w/ skinny jeans and button-down rolled sleeves with skinny jeans and flats. Both work for 95% of my lifestyle, and (hopefully) have staying power…Plus the second one is just so French, I can’t help but feel good in it :)
I went from skeptic to recovering skinny jeans-only wearer with my spring wardrobe. I found an amazing vintage wash pair with a great shape (not too skinny, not too flare and lots of stretch). They will look so slick with a pair of Lotta clogs and my chambray or flowy white button down. Spring to the max! My beef with more flared pants is that I bike to work everyday…so I have to have a way to contend with the extra fabric so that it doesn’t get caught in the chain/get bike grease on them.
The right pair of flares can be really flattering. They are a different silhouette that really balances some figures out. I will be including a pair in my capsule wardrobe. One thing I noticed is that some of my skinny jean shoes and boots do not work with flares and then there is the whole length issue that we avoid with skinnys. I like longer flares but then that leaves out wearing any of my flat shoes. So adding flares has presented a few issues I need to think about with my spring wardrobe.
Also, Into Mind’s post today seems related (and is an important idea, nonetheless): http://into-mind.com/2015/03/25/why-i-dont-believe-in-dressing-for-my-body-type/
Maybe I am extremely unfashionable, but I have stuck with flares forever. I feel that they have always been flattering and so that is what I wear. In fact, I am just now going to be trying skinnies! Ha ha. Oh well. I’ve always worn whatever I like anyway. I say, go for the flares now! They’re great in the right proportion.
I am 50 years old. Can I wear flares without looking like I am trying to recapture my youth?
I’m with you on remembering high school flares (good god the abundance of plumbers crack…). But I can’t stop looking at Madewell’s flea market flares, they look like they can really do a woman’s body good. Soooo happy higher rises are coming back!
Do you have any tips making undergarments less visible she wearing white tops?
I own these jeans and am in love with them! I wish the black version was a richer black and not so faded, because I could use a pair of really dark, black denim.
I like a wide-leg trouser jean, but I don’t think I would like wearing flares.
I keep hearing that flares are coming back in! I haven’t made the jump yet though. I love my skinnies and boots too much to go back to styling flares. Maybe later….
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
Great look! And I’m actually not a fan of high rise since they just feel uncomfortable on me.
My (thicker) thighs are ALL ready for flare jeans! Creates a way better balance for me! :)
I am also super wary of flares / bell bottoms! They just don’t do anything for me (maybe as I am so short?) Haha! Skinnies all the way! Btw, I adore this outfit.
I am loving your hair! I’m hoping you’ll do a post on how you style it, what was your inspiration, etc. It’s a really unusual cut, very modern and different, while still being sexy and effortless! Love!
The thing I still love about skinny jeans, especially ones with a higher rise, is that they can pass as work clothes in the right color. Flare jeans just feel so casual to me, I could never wear them to work. So sticking with skinny jeans really facilitates the day-to-night transition.
But who am I to talk, I just purchased the first pair of light-wash jeans I’ve bought in probably the last 10 years last night. So who knows what could happen?
I think I have those exact Madewell jeans! I have to say– highrise jeans took a little bit of getting used to, but I love them too.
LOVE high rise jeans! They fit my body the best with minimal gaping at the waist (a major problem for me and lower rise jeans). SO so happy that this rise is becoming more popular and there are TONZ of options :)
I’m all about the wide leg trouser pant. I think they look so chic for work with a silk blouse. I think my causal wear will be relegated to skinny jeans for while though. I just like the proportions more since I flock to looser tops. I would love to see you incorporate some flares into your fall capsule though! Bring on the Gilmore Girls! x bonnie @ http://www.cocktailsandquinoa.com
Love those Madewells! And love me some flares! I included a pair of flare Citizens in my spring capsule and I could not be more excited to add them to the rotation. Also, totally digging your new ‘do!
Flares give me bad flashbacks of having hemmed flares that never seemed to be the right length. It’s like you have to hem them to one heel height and you can never switch it up or you will have flares that are too short (not cute) and dragging on the floor (also not that cute). I think skinny jeans was such a relief because I could buy pants without having to get them hemmed.
I tend to have a hard time fitting high rise jeans as well. My waist is a lot smaller than my hips.
I bought a mid-rise jeans for my winter capsule and I absolutely love them. Mine hit just below the belly button and I love how they make me feel more fit in general. For my spring capsule (I just started buying some pieces) I got a high raise jeans, they’re a bit more high, like 2 inches above the belly button and they’re an amazing wash of black/grey.
I think the mid-rise and high rise jeans are a great option, they’re super comfy and they do wonders covering the muffin top :)
I think flares can look really lovely when styled well and I’d love to see how you’d put them together! Chunky heels are a good pairing I think..
Although I am completely with you in the high school flashback. I went through a brilliantly prolonged ‘Avril Lavigne’ phase involving a pair of ridiculously flared jeans and far too many pairs of cargo pants. I don’t think I’ll be bringing that back…
I still have my super special flared Levis I got in Munich on my honeymoon and love them. They’ve been worn and loved so much they’re as soft as the Velveteen Rabbit. I wear them in summer with flat sandals, sunnies, and a tank top. I pass on beads and a headband so as not to appear without irony but I really feel like I can let it all hang out when I don these…:)
I’m liking the look of the more modern flares, skinny through the knee with a nice flare at the bottom. My old flares, from back in the day, were relaxed through the entire leg. The modern look seems more feminine to me!! Like it.
As far as high rise, I really like the look on some silhouettes. Won’t work for me, though, too busty and short waisted! :D
I love flares. Bought a pair in Europe in ’03 and wore them happily for years until they finally wore out. Also wide-leg trouser pants. I am looking for a linen pair right now; my last pair gave out and they are so cute + comfy for spring/summer.
I am a loooonnng person with a long waist and long inseam, so “normal” rise jeans cut me off halfway between hips and waist for an uber-unflattering cinched-in muffin-top look — ugh. Therefore high-rise (or anyway a similar rise the ones you’re wearing here) jeans have been my SAVIOR. I have 2 pairs of these J Brands in different washes and they make me look so much more proportional (not to mention more comfortable – having the waist hit near your waist makes SENSE! http://www.shopbop.com/maria-high-rise-photo-ready/vp/v=1/1587041280.htm
I also think flares can be super modern and they make me feel more “adult” than skinnies sometimes. I wear these with pointy low ankle boots ALL the time:
http://www.southmoonunder.com/Hudson-%27Beth%27-Baby-Boot-Jeans-in-Dark-Stella/16726903690041%2Cdefault%2Cpd.html
Enjoy!
*Shoot, those flared Hudsons aren’t the ones I have… mine don’t have the flashy pockets. Anyway, point is: the flare shape can be subtle and lend itself to certain shoes/boots (“boot cut,” hello) that skinnies don’t.
Do you ever miss your long hair? I love your short hair and bangs and am trying to decide if I should cut mine as well. I’ve had long hair my whole life so I feel nervous. It seems like it might be a nice change though.
Hey Tessa! I know cutting your hair can be a big step, but I always tell myself that change will always feel uncomfortable, whether it’s a good or bad one. Two and a half years ago, I had hair way past my waist and had spent years growing it out to that length. I needed a change and a hair style that was more ME. I’ve spent the past year experimenting– which a lot of people don’t recommend you do with hair. But, since I’ve spent years proving hair GROWS and quickly at that, I’m not so worried. I’ve discovered a couple of darling cuts that I love, some I look forward to trying again (I’d move onto the next hairstyle after wearing one out a couple of months to see how I liked it). So, to keep it brief, I’m at the shortest I can go (it’s all down from here) and I love my pixie. It’s been a hilarious process of meeting and learning to love me and becoming well aquatinted with quick, dramatic change. It’s a tremendous balance of becoming a confident woman who never takes herself too seriously.
Moral of this story: yeah, change is scary! But, inspirational stories of people making daring, wild decisions and loving them aren’t for super heroes (thank God!). They’re to prod us into coming to our very core by cutting all of the fear and pretense we’re cocooned beneath.
I’m a big fan of high rise jeans – no pulling them up all the time! I’m also a mama so anytime I bend over or find myself in unusual positions wrangling my toddler, I’m not worried about any peek-a-boo moments. I have two pairs of high rise jeans from madewell and they’re both favorites!
I’m still looking forward to my first pair of high rise jeans. I really like the look of it on many, many people :)
I love high-waisted jeans (to hide the cupcake-top) and i love flares too. I keep them in my special occasion capsule though because they’re long and have to be worn with heels. And we all know I barely do heels ;)
http://www.thismomsgonnasnap.com
I love flares! Skinny jeans are such a hard look for me to pull off with my figure. I’ll wear what looks the best, fashionable or not, but with my height the pickings can be slim, so I revel in the idea of them making a comeback!
Love the cream on cream and varying textures of this outfit.