Express denim culottes & cropped flares - k/r

Hi all -

The recent excitement over cropped flares on the forum inspired me to try them too! I initially wanted the BR cropped flares, but they're sold out in my size. I tried them on in a size down and they were OK but I would prefer more ease. I included a pic of the BR ones.

I decided to try the Express cropped flares that were an Angie pick a while back, and also ordered a pair of denim culottes to try as well. They arrived today and I'm not sure...

The flares are more conventionally flattering.
The culottes are not flattering, but they're interesting...
I prefer the feel of the BR flares to the Express ones, but BR flares are a little too tight.

What do you think...
- Do we like the culottes or should I return them?
- Which flare do we like better? Does the BR look too tight? I think it does...

Thanks!

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Express

High Rise Released Hem Denim Culottes

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Banana Republic

Resin Wash Crop Flare

$98.00 $44.99

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Express

Dark Mid Rise Bell Crop Jean

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8 years ago

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

This is really interesting Marianna. All quite different aren't they? I like #2 for a more dramatic look but adore #3 for overall flattering fit and versatility.

Anonymous

You look great in both, but I'm really amazed at how nice the culottes look on you (and they look fab with the floral top). The BR's look good from the front.

Aida

LOVE the culottes on you Marianna! I don't really see them as a "same" type of jean, they definitely have a different look than the cropped flares. Overall I love the fit of the Express flares, but the wash and slimmer flared hem on the BR are a little more conventionally flattering. My vote would be for the culottes and the Express flares

catgirl

I am with Aida, the culottes are my fave of the bunch. I feel like the flares have too much of a curvy silhouette, like too-short bootcuts, although I like the last pic. I am struggling mightily with the cropped look though, so feel free to ignore.

Tanya

Love the culottes on you, very dramatic in the best possible way. I strongly prefer the Express cropped flares, they seem more flattering to my eye.

BrieN

I wish we had a photo of the two cropped flares side by side in the same lighting with the same shirt. That said, I think I like the BR flares the best so far. Did you wear them for a bit? they definitely loosen up, although the rise doesn't get any longer lol How is the rise on the express pair? The express pair does have a slightly wider flare, which is nice for balance.

AviaMariah

I LOVE the culottes!!

Liz A.

I would like to see the culottes in a size down and the BR crops in a size up lol! The culottes look a little big. I do prefer the wash on the BR crops.

marianna

Love all the differing opinions, thank you!

It's really interesting. I don't feel like myself in the culottes. They are dramatic, which I am sooo not. Also, I think Liz might be right... they feel a little big and if they stretch they might be too loose...

I felt most comfortable in the BR flares - they're classic. But... I know I need a size up for them to look *right*. They felt ok, but they're hugging my legs too much. I called BR customer service and the size up is sold out nationwide.

I am torn on the Express flares. I feel like I'd need to wear a little heel with them to be the most flattering, but when I'm wearing denim I'm always in flats...

This is hard! Maybe back to the drawing board. lol

abc

Shannon ripped my comment right outta my head!! lol

I do like 2 but if they don't feel you, I worry you might not wear them.

3 is super flattering.

I hope you can decide.

Muffin

Completely surprising myself by saying this but I too like the culottes the best (& really like with the floral top). Hard to see the length of the BR crops because of the dark floor but I do prefer them because I think I haven't warmed up to large flares (my eyes only). If you really prefer the BR, perhaps you could have a salesperson do a company check. I've had good luck with this (@Nordstrom) when it seems sold out.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Killer culottes and Killer flared crops. LOVE them both.

I really like the express ones on you (pic 2)

Vix

Hi Marianna --

Nice to see you again! I think you'd be happiest in the BR pair, even though the others look good.

If you're sure the BR pair are too tight and won't relax enough for you, I bet ~ 4,433,672 people have ordered the style to try. Hopefully it'll be back in stock once returns come in? I'd try to stalk.

Yup, guilty. I am one of the 4,433,672 people with multiple sizes of the BR crops packaged up and sitting in my entrance way, ready to be returned at the mall by the end of the week.

Deborah

The culottes are the pick of the three in my very humble opinion. I say the are flattering, but unconventionally so. Next I like #3.

You & I must have been writing at the same time- yes, do keep checking on those 4,433,627 people (someone has your size)!

rabbit

Thumbs up to both #2 and #3.

Jaime

Also think #2 and #3 look fantastic. Since #1 is darker and a different angle it may not be getting a fair "shot" though.

Beth Ann

I couldn't find my size of the BR crop flares online either, Marianna, but I did a 'reserve in store," which worked for me. I did not size down, either. I found them generous in the waist, but TTS in the bu-thigh area.
I adore the culottes on you, but you have to feel "fab" in them!

bella

Hi Marianna,
Saw your post and couldn't leave without stopping by to say hi!
I like the third pair best. I hope you keep them!

lyn67

Wow, Marianna in croped flares and culottes, I love love LOVE nr 2&3, pls. keep them both!!!!!

Thanks for all the opinions! I need to try them all on again and then decide what feels best.

Bella, hi!

Beth Ann, no luck. The size I need isn't usually carried in store. There were a few pairs available online but I didn't snatch them up in time. Fingers crossed someone will return...

El Cee

Love, love, love the culottes on you!!! FABULOUS! I say this without having read the other comments (and I will do that after I respond). They are, to my eye, very flattering. I also love the cropped flares in #3.

Why can't you keep them both? They are very different.

Angie, not sure if it's practical to keep two pairs of cropped denim pants. I can't wear jeans Mon-Thurs so they won't get a ton of wear.

rebekahphoto

I really like the fit of #2 & #3. I just ordered the same Express cropped Flares & love the higher waist & larger pocket/placement on the rear! they look great on you.
How do you feel with the rear of the culottes? They look cute on you from the front, and very stylish..I was thinking about them too, but worried that the wider legs would be too wide & emphasize the hips too much....

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