Jeans and trousers with flared hems like bootcuts, wide legs and bell bottoms are making a strong comeback for 2015. The writing was on the wall (and in my trend report) last year when many designers sent trousers with wider hems down the runways. Flared silhouettes are even stronger for 2015. 

Among my favourite runway looks from the Spring 2015 shows were these outfits from Emilio Pucci’s Collection. I was launched into orbit by the swagger and drape of the flared hem trousers, combined with tailored blouses, blazers and wide belts. So elegant, sharp and chic in a relaxed way. And ultra fresh against the unstructured and slouchy looks that have dominated the catwalks for several seasons. These are the types of dressier ‘70s inspired outfits that light my fire.

Reality struck when I remembered three things that can make flared jeans and trousers challenging for me:

1. The Need to Wear Higher Heels: It’s not essential to wear bootcuts and more dramatically flared hems with higher heels, but I prefer it that way for my own style. I find these looks more elegant with a long leg line. I like my own flared jeans best when I wear them with a two or two and a half inch pointy toed heel, but I’m much more comfortable wearing footwear with heel heights an inch and a half or lower. 
2. Soggy Hems: When you wear flared jeans and trouser hems extra long like I do, almost skimming the surface of the ground like the models are sporting here, you need dry weather. In wet weather it’s a formula for soggy hems. That’s a tall order living in Seattle. And I am non-negotiable about the length. 
3. Tripping Over Wide Hems at Home: We don’t wear shoes in our house. Since my flares are hemmed for heels, this means socks or slippers and tripping over floppy hems. Not so fab. 

Tapered hems are much better suited to my footwear needs, climate and lifestyle. That said, I do have three pairs of flared leg bottoms that fit like a dream and are excellent quality, (black wide legs, grey pinstripe suit trousers, and bell bottom jeans). Thanks to the challenges above they don’t come out all that often. 

I’m not giving up though. I can’t do much about our rainy Seattle weather, but perhaps I can get my head around wearing flares with a one and a half inch heel, and maybe it’s worth the extra hassle of changing out of them when I’m back home for the day.

A new outfit from Kellie of And I Get Dressed, who we introduced to YLF in August 2014.

An arty floral necklace, red nail polish, and white clutch inject subtle colour into this almost all-black outfit. Kellie also created plenty of textural interest to make the black come alive. The mesh-paneled top with tonal floral print, her leather jacket, and shiny patent flats that show ankle skin do the trick. Our blogger’s tousled curls and pale pink lipstick — echoing the pink in the necklace — soften the look. Hard edge with a feminine touch.

We arrived last night and we’ll be here for a couple of weeks. We’ve packed lots of fun clothes with multiple pairs of comfortable shoes and we’re ready to rock ’n’ roll. 

I grew up in Hong Kong and also travelled here regularly to work with clothing manufacturers when I was a fashion buyer. It’s been decades since I was here during Chinese New Year, so it will be extra fun to see the city prepare for those celebrations with Greg on my arm. We’re also excited to see dear old friends in person. It has been a long 6 years since we saw them last. 

In Hong Kong there is something fascinating and colourful around every corner. Varied and delectable cuisine, extraordinary street style, incomparable shopping, energizing hustle and bustle, breathtaking views, and mild weather. Even the public transport is wonderful (can’t wait to take the double decker #6 bus to Stanley Market). This city is always inspiring and very close to our hearts.

The daily posts will continue during our trip, and some of them will be coverage of our time here. We hope to share some dining and shopping experiences, the Chinese New Year festivities, and of course, the fabulous street style. To say that we’re excited to be back in this magnetic, magical city is an understatement.

Here are some pictures Greg took today. There are festive red lanterns everywhere in preparation for Chinese New Year. It’s a mild 15 to 19 degrees Celsius so I wore my old jodhpur jeans and chartreuse trench with new Ted Baker floral pullover and flat white Calvin Klein booties. My white Rosie bag from Boston finished off the outfit, along with watch and specs.

Madewell is expanding, Athleta’s first-ever designer collaboration, a standalone menswear fashion week in NYC, and other fashion news that made headlines this week.

• For its first-ever designer collaboration, Athleta is teaming up with Derek Lam.
• Vogue was named magazine of the year at The National Magazine Awards on Monday evening. 
• A new exhibition explores how wearable technology is redefining clothing and driving brand innovation.
• Target is opening 15 new stores this year, with the one in Boston being the first CityTarget location on the East Coast.
• Scandal fans: The Limited is launching another collection inspired by the TV show’s heroine, Olivia Pope.
• New York City is getting its own standalone menswear fashion week.
• Madewell will start selling some of its merchandise via Nordstrom and Net-a-Porter. The retailer will also open 15 extra standalone stores this year, and will begin shipping internationally through its e-commerce site.

Fun Fashion Fact

According to The Guardian, American sailors were the first to adopt flared trousers in the 19th century. “It is believed that this may have been for practical purposes. They made it easier to snag a man who had fallen overboard and easier to remove when wet.”