Flare-jeans and skirts worth a good, long look

For spring 2011, think fullness: skirts that almost graze the floor and flare-legged pants are in.

What’s the best way to wear these styles? By taking into consideration your proportions and matching a long skirt with the right top and shoes, a woman of any height can carry off long skirts without looking as if you’ve been attacked and rolled up in a bolt of discount fabric.

Go for an everyday casual look by wearing one of these skirts with a white T-shirt or white men’s button down, tucked in and maybe with the sleeves slightly scrunched up. Ballet flats, simple flat sandals or even Converse Chuck Taylors look adorable peeking out from the hem. If you don’t want to tuck in your shirt, then leave it loose and hanging out, but think about winding a thin leather belt around your midsection to define the waist and create some shape, especially if you’re on the shorter side.

If you’re going for a dressier look and want to wear heels, make sure the skirt isn’t long to the floor, but rather more of a tea length (in the front, at least). The way long skirts were presented at the Jil Sander spring 2011 show is also a perfect example of how to take the look into nighttime. The skirts here were more structured and came in a palette of happy, vivid colors. A crisp white T-shirt tucked in and the right statement accessories make for a modern, chic and unexpected evening look.

On the other end of the spectrum, you can bring out your inner grunge girl by putting a neutral-colored skirt in a gray or black with flat lace-up boots, a slouchy shirt and a draped tissue-thin scarf.

Opting for pants instead? Pull on a pair of flare-leg jeans that hint at the extreme bell bottoms of about 40 years ago but aren’t quite as severe.

Flare leg (and a few bell-bottom styles) will be out in abundance once spring merchandise starts landing in stores in February, and although the trend may be enticing, remember not to pile on macrame and a big floppy hat with these jeans, or the whole look will be too costume-y.Selecting flare-leg jeans in a lighter, sun-faded wash (which is also a huge trend in spring denim) will stay true to the 1970s appeal, as well as look more casual. A deeper, darker wash will lend itself to a tux jacket, tailored blazer or dressier blouse for an evening out or important meeting.

For a fun weekend jean that’s still got some flare, a lighter shade looks best. Look for styles that have a high rise coming up all the way to the waist, creating a long, shapely silhouette. But note: Although they are authentic in style, they could be a bit uncomfortable at the midsection for anyone who is used to a lower rise.

The most extreme styles out there fall into the bell-bottom category. Wear them with flats or a platform sandal. If you want a slightly exaggerated bell, seek out pants with that true, triangular-shaped leg opening that juts out from a fitted thigh and knee area for a more dramatic take on ’70s denim. All we can say is dy-no-mite.

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