Flare Jeans Are Trending (Yet Again)—Here’s How to Pull Them Off as a Petite

In addition to being more flattering on short gals, slimmer flares also give us an opportunity to play with proportion up top. Totally wide-leg designs are best paired with more form-fitting tops for petites, but since you’re choosing a style that doesn’t widen until the very bottom, you can balance out the look with slightly oversized or billowy tops (think blouson sleeves and babydoll tops)—so long as they can still be tucked in or are short enough to show off the high waist of the pants. These styles can also help you embrace the built-in boho aesthetic that flares tend to bring to an outfit.

Similarly, since you’re not working against the shape of your pants, you can skip the cropped jacket and elongate your form even further with layers that create long, sleek lines. You don’t want to go too bulky or oversized, but a polished, straight-fit blazer like the one I’m wearing here from Ann Taylor adds extra interest to your outfit while also playing up the length afforded by the bottoms. 

No, a platform heel isn’t your only flare-worthy footwear option. Alternatively, you can’t go wrong with a pointed-toe shoe. Whether in boot, pump or slingback form, the shoe shape is one all petites should keep up their sleeve—erm, pantleg—since they can work their leg-stretching magic with practically any sort of bottoms. As for why pointy shoes look particularly good with flares? They serve as a contrast to the wide, bell-shaped hem and punctuate your look by bringing it all back to a sleek, sharp point. The visual effect is that of extra length, and therefore, height.