Raised to squeeze into those itty-bitty skinny jeans and ridiculous jeggings — admit it: you’ve at least tried on a pair — we’ve been trained to slide a leg into one tight-fitting leg sleeve after another. But who’s complaining when our tush looks so good and legs so long? Times are changing, yet again.

The ’70s-style flare leg is back. And unbeknown to many, their reprise during the late ’80s and early ’90s and then again in the early 2000s took on different constructions in a bootcut, low-rise or slouchy fit. Flare leg pants are a tricky piece to adopt in a world of cigarette jeans.

But despite what critics or friends say, whether you’re tall or short, slim or wide, flares suit any body type. As long as you follow these styling tips, flared jeans are a staple, especially in colors. We’ll soon find ourselves shelving away those smothering monsters we call skinny jeans.

Influential fashion bloggers Karen Blanchard of ‘Where Did U Get That’ and Rachel Nguyen of ‘That’s Chic’ balanced the comfort of flares with loose jackets and white T-shirts, mimicking the flowy feel of flares up top and opting to hide their shoes to give the illusion of longer, leaner legs. German model Claudia Schiffer opted to offset the wide legs with a tucked-in, button-down shirt and added a braided brown belt to separate the pieces. She also let her peep-toe shoes peek out, thus giving a go-getter vibe.

The ever-proper and prim Katie Holmes recently personalized the flare jeans trend by adding an airy blouse and chic signature Chanel tweed jacket. Do a quick Google search and notice her pointy shoes make her ensemble exceptionally classy.

Media caught Gwenyth Paltrow styling her flares casually in a New Yorker-inspired outfit, playing with the light jeans in contrast to her dark blazer. The effortless shrug from the scarf over her neck gives off a casual, cool feel. Kourtney Kardashian put a twist into the flare jeans trend by adding a silk detailed blouse, instantly making a normal day outfit appropriate for a night out.

The flare legs aren’t the only ‘70s comeback. Massimiliano Giornetti of Salvatore Ferragamo and Michael Kors are rehashing the floppy-bow dresses, slouchy hats, sheer blouses, maxi skirts and dresses. As young adults, we must shelf away our pants-on-the-ground jeans, hip-hugging, thong-showing skinnies and jump into ensembles that involve more fabric — and taste.

Browse through Style.com’s fall 2011 looks and salvage these classic pieces. Then head to Salvation Army or Thrifty Shopper to see what you can muster up through those cluttered racks of treasure. Thrift racks are especially ripe, as this trend is reluctantly trickling across to our tight-pant loving peers. Don’t be afraid to be daring with fashion; That’s the only way to stand out.

Karen Hor is a senior magazine journalism major with a minor in economics and Chinese studies. She can be reached at khor@syr.edu. 

Published on August 28, 2011 at 12:00 pm