9.29 Cropped flares, high shaft booties, to mixed results . - YouLookFab Forum

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9.29 Cropped flares, high shaft booties, to mixed results .

Anonymous

It's funny how trying to work these mini trends can be so all-consuming . This look became the object of pursuit for the past month or so and took on a life of its own ....while I hunted everywhere for a pair of higher shaft boots . I tend to get totally caught up in these things - often to the point of losing perspective on how important they really are/n't . Anyways - I finally found a pair of boots I really like, along with a pair of cropped flared jeans. I have 2 pair of cropped kick flares from summer, but as those of us who have them know, they aren't really true flares, and I wanted something with a more pronounced look. Ideally they would have been in a dark wash , but I haven't found any yet. Anyways - these were bought on the one and only time I've ever had success at H&M - along with this blouse which I have worn probably 5 times in the past 3 weeks , I love it that much. This outfit went out last night to meet friends for drinks, and while it's fine, I don't really feel it's anything special enough to have warranted all the fussing I did over trying to find the right pieces. (jeans, boots) It's also hard to photograph cropped flared pants and get the right angle in a mirror that is on a stand and not straight up and down. I'm seeing the leg shortening effect in the pics (which I didn't feel while wearing them because the boot heel is fairly high so it could just be the photograph) , which isn't a deal breaker, but does make me think this isn't a look I need to pursue further. Glad I only spent what I did on the jeans and didn't invest in premium denim. I'm happy with the boots though as I know I'll wear them with dresses and skirts, and with skinny or rolled jeans. Thoughts on this look and the proportions?

jeans - H&M
blouse - H&M
plummy brown suede boots - Nine West
navy leather moto - Michael Kors
earrings - Anthro
cobalt bag - Danier

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Nine West Women's Dollface Suede Boot

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Kick Flare Regular Jeans

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31 replies

Latest reply was from

viva

Veteran

I hate questions about proportions -- I feel like they require a certain knowledge that I do not possess! All I can say is, this outfit looks GREAT to me. I know what you mean about the photography. My great cropped flare pics were only great because Michael took the pics and could get the distance and perspective to showcase them well. But I think taking pics 1 and 3 together, we can get a good sense for how well they work on you, and with the boots, and with that incredible top.

Again, I am no expert on proportions, but I love the short jacket over long top over cropped jeans with high-shaft booties. This is exactly how I plan to wear mine. And I love all of the individual pieces here.

I know you wish the jeans were darker, but I like how they are a bit lighter here and let the top and jacket really stand out.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I love the concept, Lisa. Gorgeous pieces too.

FWIW personally, I'd give you a quick little semi tuck to soften the effect of the three horizontal lines across the outfit (caused by a higher contrast between the pieces). That way you'd lengthen the leg line.

If all the pieces were low contrast - see my own version below without the horizontal lines - you wouldn't need to semi tuck. Hope that makes sense.

Note though, that how you are wearing the combination here is actually very trendy. I have a very complicated relationship with cropped pants and will spilt hairs about what I think is flattering.

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rute

Veteran

Angie said it all! I just wated to add that I'm in love with that jacket

viva

Veteran

See? I know nothing.

Anonymous

Thanks Angie - this blouse is probably too long for a semi-tuck, and I wouldn't do it anyways. I really, really don't care for the semi tuck in principle as it only highlights a part of my body not worth highlighting and then requires a belt. . I also didn't wear the jacket all night - it was only a to -and- from piece. I think I'll work the lower contrast look though at your recommendation by wearing these jeans with a solid colour soft sweater.

Vivian - thanks for seeing it as I do

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

Ok I love this look. It's one of my favourites I've seen on you this far. I think you wear cropped kick flares very very very well. I don't think they are causing a leg shortening effect at all.

I can also see why you love this blouse! The high-low hem of this blouse is what makes the outfit interesting. Considering that it's preventing a horizontal line across your hips in real life....it's probably why you see the leg shortening effect in photos and didn't feel it in real life. I love the short jacket over the blouse and the boots are great with the jeans!

I know that you aren't crazy about this look and are wondering why you obsessed over it, but I would stop you on the street to compliment your amazing style if I saw you wearing this IRL You look fabulous, Lisa!

And I never thought I'd love cropped flares with boots in theory! However, I do love it on you!

Word Lily

Veteran

I adore this! I think it looks marvelous on you — and I can see why you love that top, it's awesome.

I know what you mean about obsessing about something and then ... it's not all we've built it up to be. For me it reminds me of new much-hyped books. There's so much buzz, and then if it's not off-the-charts good, it's a letdown. The hype takes on a life of its own.

celia

Veteran

I also know nothing about proportions but love the outfit.
ETA I bought the H&M dress with the same pattern of your blouse

JAileen

Veteran

Beautiful jacket, beautiful top, beautiful boots. I can't advise on the pants. This is a look I haven't accepted yet.

Carole

Veteran

What beautiful pieces...loving the print blouse...such lovely colors...and the boots:) wish I could wear a heel like that:( I have no idea about proportions with cropped flares, too advanced for me! YLF

Tania

Veteran

You look very cool! I think this works. Beautiful pieces.

After playing with the cropped pants at home, I am willing to accept some leg shortening but not a ton. I plan on sticking to lower contrast for two of three contiguous areas (boots/pants, or pants/top). I feel uncomfortable when I've worn dark boots, light pants, dark top, although it seems trendy. I think you need to find your comfort point, which will vary.

claire

I think you nailed it, I love it on you. Effortless cool!

catgirl

Veteran

I really like it and it has that sprezzatura devil-may-care look for sure. However, I am like you and see myself appearing quite differently in these cropped looks than everyone else seems to look. I feel I just can't quite get it right.

I think your boots are absolutely key here. Question: do we want pants we can only wear with such specific footwear? My goal is to find more general formulas, rather than specific ones - do you feel like this is too defined a look to just throw together easily? Or do you enjoy the challenge?

kkards

Veteran

I suspect that this will be one of those looks that takes a while for many of us to love....but for what it's worth, I think you nailed it- the proportions look great to me

Anonymous

Una - good question(s). These jeans are longer than the other 2 pair of cropped kick flares I have, and I think I prefer the slightly shorter length. But I am NOT about to start fussing around with hemming and trying to achieve the perfect length here - it just isn't worth the time or effort to me. I've got one or two other outfits in my head for this boot/jean look, so we'll see whether it comes together or not. The shorter kick crops don't really work with these boots (as high as the shaft is) because they pull up when I sit down and look odd. This is really a standing-up outfit only. And no, I don't really enjoy the challenge - as I end up getting too obsessed with it and it's really not the most important thing I need to be doing I'm with you in wanting a more general formula .....and thus will likely be reverting back to skinnies or GF jeans for these boots.

Sal

Veteran

You look great Lisa, love that blouse and the boots are awesome. I love the whole look but if things are too hard it can be annoying. In that case I would work out two ways to wear the jeans and alternate them! You already have one.

Word Lily

Veteran

Could you also revert to bootcuts or full-length flares with these boots? (Sorry if this is a dumb question.)

Aida

Veteran

I think it's fun Lisa, is this a silhouette that could be worn in deep winter for you, say with tall weatherproof boots? If so, then the alternate silhouette option seems VERY worth it since you're stuck in skinnies/boots for so long. I also prefer these with low contrast footwear (light with light, mid with mid, dark with dark). Or a bit shorter, though I know you said you don't want to hem, so that more of the boot shows. Either way, this is certainly a fun trendy way to wear the look (especially with the top untucked, which I quite like). I hope you'll play around with them some more!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

That blouse!!!

When H&M gets something right, they really get it right. Phew! That's all there is to say about that. I also collected the jeans.

Your obsession may save me the bother, so thank you. I think you did this look very well. I do see a smidge of leg shortening but you can handle it and still look fab, and this is a fun update on the 70s to me. Also, to my mind, it's absolutely worth experimenting with for the reasons Aida says. If weather proof boots are a possibility for this look then those of us in the frozen wastes need to get on board.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

It is hard to tell from the picture but in the second one, it looks like the hem is only about an inch higher than the top of the heel. I am looking at the leg in the background as the leg in the foreground is bend and pulling up the hem. I think it is a good outfit and love the top and jacket but the proportions or contrast could use a bit of a tweek.

I am going to watch those of you who are putting the effort into making this look work and see how it goes. I am clearly much lazier than the rest of the YLF gang because unless I get a major brainstorm, I am going to leave it to more imaginative women than I aspire to be.

Anonymous

A foul weather boot is an idea - but if I had been able to find such an animal in this boot shape, I already would have bought it. This type of boot is just not around - trendy or not. Stores here are not representing the look at all. I think you could wear just about any regular slim line boot with these jeans though - they are fairly loose below the knee. H&M calls these jeans cropped, which is a bit of a stretch. They also run really small, although lots does at that store.

Suz, the blouse is ridiculously well made and so, so easy to wear. It's poly, to be sure, but the hand and weight of the fabric are fantastic! I have washed it, tossed it about, and not ironed it at all. All for about $30. I swear if it were available in other prints, I would have bought them all. I have no idea what the print is in the find pic - never saw it.

Wordlily - not dumb question at all. I don't own a pair of full-length flares, and doubt I'll invest in any at this point. It's not a terribly practical style for me weather-wise and I'm pretty sure they'd be a one-hit wonder. Bootcuts have not been in my repertoire in years but that might change. I've never felt like me in them though:)

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Well, I think it looks great! I love that blouse and wish I could find it on the H&M USA site. Darn. I think the proportions work just fine as is.

I am tempted to copy this when the weather cools off, since I also have lighter wash cropped jeans (the Current/Elliot ones). However, it's going to be interesting to try to style those jeans for cooler weather since pretty much all of my booties and boots are dark in color, and therefore high contrast with the jeans. My legs are long enough that my fear is not so much making them look short but rather that the high contrast and a light leg tends to emphasize the (heavy sigh) girth of my hips and thighs. Hmm, maybe with a longer jacket like my black BCBG, or even the new white one from Amsterdam, so I don't look so chopped up and wide. I may have to play around with that one day when I have some time getting dressed. Thanks for the inspiration!

Anonymous

Cheryle - you're right. The hem is only about an inch or so higher than the boot. The jeans are not at all as cropped as other pairs I have. But as I said, I have zero interest in spending time or energy shortening them. I also don't want them shorter than the boot, because of how it would look when sitting. I don't want a bare leg or some sock showing The only leg shortening effect I felt looking in my mirror was from the wash of the jeans on the thigh area (not the most flattering) plus the contrast of the blouse over top. I think I'll wear them next time with a low-contrast angled hem sweater and all will be fine. They were all of $40 so I don't feel bad about not getting into having them hemmed to the PPL - my life is too complicated for that at the moment. I shouldn't even be out shopping to begin with - it's just a distraction from what I really should be doing - lol.

Anonymous

Janet - that's exactly what i was trying to explain myself. . I don't want them shorter, necessarily. I would love them to be darker so the contrast isn't there. I had the blouse on again today for a little while with a deep indigo soft wash pair of girlfriend style jeans, and the difference was remarkable. The blouse is on the US website I think - just doesn't show in that particular print. It took me ages to find it too. There is a dress in this print too , fyi...

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Why don't you dye them a bit darker? Vix posted a thread a while ago with great results dying fabrics and it is pretty easy to do. A shade or two darker might add to your comfort level and you would wear them more. You should still retain the fade difference too. It is a good look for you so why not tweak just a touch.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I like your combination here quite a bit, though I agree it is slightly off perfect with the shirt and jeans lengths.

I have been overly obsessive about the crop flare silhouette this month as well. I just couldn't find the jeans I wanted -- short enough but with an actual flare (I think a lot of the items claiming to be flares are more like a baby boot cut). I thought I had the item I wanted with Topshop (see finds) but the pants I ordered showed up and they were great in all but the waist, which was two inches too small. Sizing up will kill the fit everywhere else. I think I'm done messing with this idea.

All of this is to say, I'm glad someone else gets these odd little fashion hobbyist obsessions and that I'm not the only trainspotter Lisa out there.

MOTO Dree Cropped Kick Flares

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Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I really like this especially without the jacket. Won't analyze the finer points. I am intrigued by these jeans mostly because they are very practical for both rain and heat and allow shoe showcasing, which is an end in itself for me. (And I love the boots but they are definitely too high for me.)

lyn67

Veteran

I saw that blouse by H&M here, too, has some really fab colors (and pattern)! Love your styling and Angie gave some great instructions, too!

Style Fan

Veteran

I love the overall look Lisa and I am useless when it comes to proportions. I just hope for the best. I think you look amazing and I am in love with those boots. I can not wear heels that high.
I am going to check out that blouse. Beautiful.

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