WIW: Flares or bellbottoms? - YouLookFab Forum

Probably 85% of my clothing is black and most of the rest is white or cream, but I tried to break out a totally-uncharacteristic-for-me color (peach/orange - my winter self says yikes!) on a sunny day with this outfit. It's still chilly, though, so I needed a topper and I am clinging to my pointed-toe patent leather boots. Overall, this is a big departure for me, so I'd really appreciate your honest opinions. and I have numerous comments and questions about this get-up:

I know this is far from my best color, but can I "get away" with it?
Is the new from Zara crop top (that's how they described it) too frumpy? too low cut? I am hoping not, as I also bought it in black and white.
The jeans are UO from a couple of years ago. I hemmed them up to wear with ballet flats then. Now they are too short for the 1 3/4" heels on my boots. Are these considered flares? They are obviously tight-fitting through the hips and to the knee. But I think the bottoms may be so wide that they are what we used to call "elephant bells."
Should I have swapped out the orange jeans for black skinnies?
The topper is a new shaped and draped thing in sweatshirt material from Andrea Jovine. It has satin trim on the sleeves, and the sleeves have zippers that go up to about 4" from the wrist. This is SO comfortable and snug, and I got it on a good sale. Uncertain if shape and color work with this outfit, though. I'm think a lighter color would be better, but all my toppers are dark. Does it need a plain cardigan or a structured jacket or what?
Btw, the necklace is my Baccarat iridescent crystal maltese cross on a black satin cord. I love how it picks up color from its surroundings.

So, bottom line, is this a yay or a nay?

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11 years ago

Keturah

Veteran

Oh, you are so so gorgeous! You remind me of a bit of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries

I didn't grow up in the 70s, but to my eye and knowledge, they're still flares. I feel bell-bottoms were significantly wider, creating a bell shape the entire circumference of the lower leg. Like this:
https://shanying.files.wordpre.....ottoms.jpg

Yes you're a winter with high contrast . BUT, I do think this amount of color only is gorgeous, and really says "spring" on you! Brings out all of the beautiful peachy tones in your flawless face! The boots bookend your hair and keep it all in balance.

rabbit

I'm a winter too who loves pinky colors in the spring and summer, so I empathize and encourage the branching out. Coral and peach are beautiful colors together.

I think the pants are flares. Angie could give guidance on their length - I'm thinking they are probably best to stick with flats. I think the shape of the cardigan works (this is not my area of expertise though) and that a structured jacket would work too. I'm not as sure about a plain cardigan fitting over the sleeves. A sleeveless long vest -- gillet--would also give the same effect but let the sleeves show.

I think the shape of the top works on you, I don't think it's frumpy or too low cut (that I can see). I'm not sure about the color though. Partly it's that I have pale cool coloring and dark hair and a light peach really doesn't work on me. A light pink (cooler tone) does. A dustier tone even in a cool color (blush that leans pink but is taupey) doesn't work for me either. A darker coral (like the pants) will sometimes work.

I'd just try looking at the top in different lights and if you can compare with similar warmer or cooler colors that might be useful. I can make this color work if there another color framing my face -- like a big scarf. You may have enough warmth in your coloring that it reads fine (can you wear orange/peach lipstick? That might be an indication), I just can't tell in the indoor photo.

Firecracker (Sharan)

I would call the pants flares, but I'm not sure. They do seem a little short for those shoes, ideally, but I'd probably wear them anyway! (shhhh, don't tell: I often stray a little from PPL.) You are really rocking this whole look. I like the colors on you, especially with the black topper. And I like the shapes together. Nicely done! I, too, wear a bright coral in spring and summer, even though it's nowhere to be found in the set of colors I had "done" for me.

Zibbets

Oooh, I wish I could see the crystal cross better. I love how crystal picks up color.
You look wonderful in the coral pants. Blue skinnies would be a safe choice, but these are outstanding! The topper pulls it together beautifully, but don't be afraid to go without it, too. You look fabulous!

Aida

I like the pants! They look like flares to me. Since you hemmed them for flats, I'd prefer to see them only with flats but then I'm about as crazy with pant lengths as Angie is A pointy flat would be my top choice here, anything that would get you the hems juuuust above the ground. Can't really tell about the color of the top, I'll defer to Rabbit's great advice there. The shape is fun though. I have a slight preference for the version with the topper but only because the top's belled sleeves gives the look a too literal 70s vibe which doesn't quite jive with what I've seen from your style; that said, if the sleeves aren't actually belled then I think it works well here. The top should also work really well with black skinnies (both with or without the topper).

EDIT: Had to come back to say that these pants would look incredibly on you paired with white. Your hair would contrast soooo nicely!

My wardrobe is probably 70% black. The remaining is split between gray, white, and I have recently added ink. I will say that I picked up an orange shirt very similar in color to those pants. I ultimately returned the shirt but I keep thinking about it. So, I say enjoy the coral/orange (with black). That is the extent of my expertise. I struggle with pant lengths.

Chiara

Active Member

I like the trousers- for some reason, I think I'd like something that defines a slightly higher waist (without actually being waisted) like a jacket that ends above the line of the crop top, a bit like this http://joiedesfemmes.com/wp-co.....386623.jpg I think this might act to lengthen the leg proportion, by creating a strong horizontal at that higher point.

Jaime

(website)

This looks terrific - the pants look like flares and not short enough to be intentionally short, so probably need pointy flats. No frump - quite the opposite!

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