Since flared jeans and trouser jeans are all the rage this season, I’ve put together a list of my top picks so far. We’ll probably see more great styles as the season unfolds.
The list covers a range of price points, styles and washes. I’ve had all the styles on myself and on clients. (Note: I have not included basic bootcut shapes in this list. Please go to the YLF Store for those recommendations).
- Citizens of Humanity “Hutton” Mid-Rise Wide Leg Stretch Denim Trousers ($189): They are stunning. The front rise is a great length and the drape is flattering. Fab front pocket detailing. Unfortunately they are not too kind to your wallet.
- 7 For All Mankind “Ginger” Wide leg Stretch Denim Pants ($155): These are a little dressier than the Huttons and just as nice. They offer more of a trouser vibe.
- David Kahn Wide Leg Stretch Jeans ($168): Mr. Kahn knows how to make a pair of jeans and these are no exception. The front and back rises are extra high and the inseams have extra length. Great for tall gals. My 70 year old client looks KILLER in these when she wears them with pumps and blazers.
- Express Flare Leg Stella Regular Fit Jeans ($69.90): These look more like bell bottoms once they are on the body. The fit is tight to the knee and then flares out quite extensively to the hems. They are probably the most comfortable of the lot because the denim is super soft and stretchy.
- Banana Republic Deep Blue Trouser jean ($89.50): Quite nice, but stay away if side entry pockets are not your thing.
- Gap New Wide Leg Trouser Jeans (pintucked) ($79.50): Very long, very wide and very 70’s. These are the most dramatic of the bunch, so try them if you love 70’s fashion and have a daring fashion streak.
- Gap New Wide Leg Trouser Jeans (faded dark wash) ($69.50): They fit well, are less dramatic than the pintucked style, and are good value for money.
- Ann Taylor Loft Marisa Tanzanite Wash Trouser Jean ($69.50): Playful and fun. I really like the faded wash, front pocket placement and wider leg width. They look best when worn a little roomy all over.
- Halogen “Taylor Cotton Sheen” Pants ($78): Super comfy and polished. No front pockets! They run at least a size big, so size down.
- Jag Jeans “Maine” Trousers ($79): These look ten times better on the body than in the photograph. I swear my client looks so much better than the model. They run true to size and have length. Soft, stretchy and comfortable.
- Lucky Charlie Flare Jeans ($129.00): For those who prefer a low rise, these are fab. Soft and stretchy.
- Express Wide Waistband Editor Pant Jeans ($59.90): I love these. They are my top pick for my own wardrobe from this list. They look dressy and would absolutely pass for business casual – that’s how polished they look. I adore the broad waistband and how the hems drape over my pumps and boots. A great fit on both curvier and straight body types.
- Not Your Daughter’s Jeans “Victoria” Plus sized Trouser Jeans ($118): I am generally not a fan of this brand because the denim stretches out like nobody’s business. But I must give credit where it’s due. These look sensational on the body and seem to retain their shape throughout the day.
- Ann Taylor Denim Trousers ($88): Ann Taylor offers three fits of trouser jeans: modern, signature and curvy. The fabric is divine and it’s a question of trying on the fits to see which works best for you (the modern fit has the straightest cut).They run big so size down. The side entry pocket placement is not ideal, but they’ve added a cool little pocket magnet that prevents the pockets from gaping open. Clever.
Phew! I have tried on lots and lots of flared and trouser jeans this year – enough to last me for the season. I am still happiest in Gap’s Long & Leans because they aren’t too flared and the wash is perfect. I’ll probably add in the trouser jeans from Express because they are a dressier option. And then that will be it for jeans for a very long time.
Feel free to add to this list!
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