When I call something a fringe trend I mean that it’s “new”, quite exclusive and only available in small quantities at retail. One such trend is the cropped flared jean. The style is much like a pair of bootcuts, but to twelve inches shorter. The fit is sleek on the leg and kicks out at the hem, which is different to culottes that fit wider from the hips down. The first five examples below are good representations of the look.
I like the cropped flared jean because of the shorter length, and because it can be worn with a cropped top or tucked top. These characteristics visually lengthen the leg line from the calves and from the hips up, which creates flattering proportions to my eye. I remember wearing a similar style in the late ‘90s in a slightly longer length with a very low rise, untucked longer top and bulky flatform sneakers. That’s not a combination I want to repeat because the visual effect is overly short in the leg.
I adore the short flared crops with heeled and flat ankle strap footwear because it “closes the gap”. But the outfits below with regular heeled sandals, slides and high-top sneakers look good too. The column of colour in the outfit with the white cropped flares creates a lengthened look, and showcasing the waistband of the jeans makes all the difference.
The version of the cropped flare jean below is different because it’s longer than the rest. I don’t like them as much, but I do think that proportions are just flattering enough because of the heeled ankle strap footwear and visible waistband of the jeans. Alternatively, substituting the white tee with a tonal mid blue would create a column of colour that further strengthens the vertical integrity of the outfit.
Different, longer than shorts, less coverage than jeans, a little flirty with the flared hem, and not skintight. I’m enamoured by the trend and have ordered Free People’s Slim Kick Crop Jeans in white. What’s your take? Would you wear cropped flared jeans?
