What do you think of the length of these flares? - YouLookFab Forum

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What do you think of the length of these flares?

Diana

Veteran

I got these summer flare jeans from gap recently. They are super comfy, the waist/hip fit is good (after sizing up), and I love that they are 100% cotton. I'm a bit unsure about the length though - it hits basically right at the top of my foot. You can see in the model photo that they're meant to be this way, but does it look funny/unflattering?

1-2 are with flat sandals like the model, and 3 is with some 2.5" platforms.

Not styled. I'd probably wear a longer top.

I can return, or I can shorten them but I'd lose that fun frayed hem and possibly part of the flare. Unfortunately petite is not available in the size I need. These are marked "short" but they were exactly the same
length as the "regular"!

Link to the item (sorry, no finds on phone):
http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....hgod5sUGOA

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17 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I find them a little long - and I know that's how the model is wearing them, Diana. I'm pedantic about lengths. Same old, same old....you know me no differently.

You can fray them yourself, actually. I vote hack. GORGEOUS fit. The Gap can really come through on fit sometimes.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I was going to say pretty much the same thing as Angie WRT length. I am curious, though, as to how you would get the nice soft fringe if you hack them yourself. I always admire the fringe on the 3 x 1 jeans.

3x1 WM3 Straight Crop Fringe Jeans

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Diana

Veteran

Angie, these have almost a fringed edge though. do you know how to get it to fray like that? Mine always look more "stringy" for lack of a better word...

ETA: how short would you hack? The length of my teddies or longer? I feel like these are actually less wide than the teddies so maybe I could go longer?

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K2

Watching with interest as I have them too, andntheynhitnin exactly the same spot on me. I would like them shorter too, but can't figure out how to get the same fringe, it is different then what I've seen before. So far have just worn them with flats/birks and a more boho top. I love the fit too, super comfy jeans..

Anonymous

Oh I love the length of the striped pants.
I think you should hack the jeans to about the same length.
They're a great wash. I love that colour denim.

Anonymous

Ok I am going to be brutally honest I am not a fan of a short length flare. It is not a flattering style. I was a professional personal shopper for many years and have had to dress many body types and this look does not do any shape justus. I know it is a trend right now, but it will be a flash in the pan look. I think buying things that will be staples for your wardrobe is a sound investment. This I have a feeling will be like the high heel and leg warmer trend of the late 90s it will hopefully die out fast. Dressing to flatter the body and balance it out has been a goal as a shopper and a designer. This look cuts of the leg and gives the illusion of a stubby leg look and looks like someone borrowed a pair of pants from a friend who is a foot shorter than they are. They would be super cute longer. They fit you great except for that length.

El Cee

Veteran

I am with Angie on this one. The overall fit is great, but the length is awkward to my eye (even on the model). I would hack a couple of inches off and "re-fringe".

Cerinda

Veteran

I think they're a little long, but just a little.

Please, somebody, chime in on how to hack! Watching with interest.

amiable

Veteran

Here's my suggestion on how to hack and fray.

1. Hack to the length that you want the fray to be.
2. Make a series of short cuts perpendicular to the edge you just cut - something like 1/2" deep, every 1/2" (that would make about a half inch fray).
2. Wash the jeans, and put them through the dryer to encourage the fray. You may need to trim strings, or help them come off. If so, use a large safety pin or something similar to drag out the short horizontal strings (that you snipped into half-inch segments).

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

Hmm, they do fit you like they do on the model, but given the trends, they look in-between lengths. Otherwise, the fit is great. Maybe the tailor would be able to make a fringe for you. If you're worried about losing too much of the flare, why not pin or cuff the pants under to the desired length and post the photos here?

Traci

Veteran

I think the trick to this kind of fringe is a running stitch parallel to the hem that keeps the fray contained. If you sew, put a line of stitches 1/2 in above where you intend to cut. Then cut the jeans and fray until you're about 2-4 rows down from the sewn line. Part of the trick here is going to be getting the lines all very precise with the grain of the fabric. The fact that you're working off a line that's already done should make that a bit easier, than say, if you were trying to get this look on a brand new pair of jeans.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Diana, I LOVE the length of your Teddies. Traci and Amy have great fraying advice too.

Theoddportrait, perhaps I can shed some light on how I see it. I've been in this industry for 24 years and it's a completely different ball game now. Dressing to suit your body type is merely a starting point. I've seen a lot at this stage, and globally too. There used to be only one way to dress and look stylish (which generally meant creating traditionally flattering proportions and polish) - but that in itself is a dated way of thinking as a fashion stylist and fashion professional. Creating proportions that are "just flattering enough" is the way to go with trickier wardrobe items like flared crops. We can't help but have poison eye for certain looks - (totally get that as I have a few myself) - but we can try to keep a very open fashion mind, especially when you are a fashion professional.

Not every one can wear everything (if that were the case, the concept of style would not exist!), but the dresser should feel free to manipulate proportions to create the look that she wants to create. There is no need for anyone to feel left out of a trend because they have a particular body type. I LOVE this modern and inclusive approach to style, and support it with every fibre of my being. Which brings me back to Diana hacking some length off these great fitting jeans to create a more flattering leg line and intentional cropped look. Hope that make sense.

elpgal

Veteran

Use fray block or stitch a row or two to prevent the frayed edges from traveling.

Diana

Veteran

Thanks for the fringing suggestions, Amy, Traci, and Elpgal! I might try them out first on some older, already hacked jeans that have the stringy hem right now.

Theoddportrait, I totally get where you are coming from and I appreciate your honesty. I do agree that this is never going to be the most ideally flattering look but I also agree with Angie that "just flattering enough" is a wonderful and freeing concept. I do have long legs for my height so shortening my leg length a little is not an issue for me really.

Angie, OK, I will aim for the length of the Teddies. I think that's good as it works with lots of different shoes. (Including midcalf boots or booties so I can wear them in cooler weather.) I will definitely pin them up first to see how the flare behaves, as per Gradfashionista's suggestion.

Anyway, I am out of town all week so this will probably be a project for next weekend...

Adelfa

Veteran

Of course I defer to Angie, but I thought the original length looked kind of cool on you.

Anonymous

Angie I love your viewpoint on it the just "flattering enough" That is an awesome and a very insightful way to put it thank you.
Diana you are lucky to have nice long legs. I have to use every trick in the book to lengthen mine lol. The fit and wash look wonderful on you.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My pleasure, theoddportrait. Creating proportions that are "just flattering enough" is enormously freeing and inclusive - and feels right where we should be with fashion and style today. The wearer can choose her figure flattering priories and take it from there. I appreciate you chiming back in so graciously. You made my day.

Diana, I look forward to the hack.