One more question about flared pants

Suja

So, my desire to sport flared pants is getting stronger. I'm wondering why people say flared pants require heels. If your pants are hemmed to ppl for flats, the shoes will only show at the toes. I get that pointy toes look better than round but why not pointy toe flats? The back of the shoe doesn't show anyway so why sacrifice comfort? Just curious.

11 years ago

Dressing

8 replies

Latest reply was from Aziraphale

catgirl

Veteran

I'm going to guess it's for the lengthening effect.

11 years ago

Suja

Veteran

But isn't that true for skinnies too? Why specifically for flares?

11 years ago

Suzanne (ambergreen)

Veteran

I don't have actual flares, only bootcuts, but even the ones in my size category (short / petite) are cut to be longer than actual legs. If they were hemmed shorter, the proportions would be thrown off slightly. In other words, they seem intended to be worn with some heel.

This wasn't always the case, though. I have some that are about 10 years old that were designed to be leg length, and I can wear those with flatter shoes like oxfords and such.

11 years ago

N-Marie

Veteran

I think it depends on your leg length too. If you are tall and leggy, you can probably pull off this look with flats (actually you could probably pull off a lot of looks more easily!). For shorter women, though, the flare can look excessive and add more horizontal volume, which can make one look shorter.

That said, I have some bootcuts that I wear with flats or sneakers only. I don't find this to be as stumpifying because the leg is not as wide as in a flare.

11 years ago

Tanya

Veteran

Typically, the wider the pant leg, the higher the heel needed to make the pants look good. Skinnies have narrow leg openings and are thus perfectly fine with flats. Flares requires some kind of heel for majority of population.

11 years ago

Suja

Veteran

I see, the wider silhouette needs to be balanced for more structure? You could also achieve added height with a shorter top and a lot contrast belt.

Good thoughts, thanks.

11 years ago

Dee

Veteran

I guess it depends on your priorities too. I'm 5'2" on a good day and wear my flares and bootcuts with flats all the time. I'm petite but fairly proportional, so I think that helps, but I'm also not very concerned with looking short.

11 years ago

Aziraphale

Veteran

It's not just the leg length thing, although it's true that women who are tall, or at least who have proportionally long legs, can pull off wide leg pants with flats better. It's also the way the trouser breaks at the front. A flared hem hangs straight in back, but it "breaks" (creases) in front as it folds over your shoe. The break is more subtle and elegant if you're wearing a heel, because the upper part of your foot is angled downward.

11 years ago

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