INDstyle

ASK AMANDA ... Flared out

by Amanda Bedgood

Today we talk jeans. As the boho, hippie girl thing lingers still the flared jean has arrived in full force. If you're a skinny jean lover, fear not. Everyone can rock a flare.

Amanda,

Serious questions for this flare leg type jean coming back in style: Is it a must to wear it with heels? What type of top works best with this pant? Basically I'm a gal who grew up with ONLY skinny jeans and I want to know the best way to work the flare leg for the fall and winter. — Emily Svendson

Loveliest Emily,

Your question gives away your age, my pretty young friend. Welcome to the world beyond skinny jeans. It's a lovely place to be. The flare is your friend.

1 — Flare jeans can be worn with or without heels. I love a wooden wedge or a funky boot with flare denim. But, for taller gals that find it hard to snag denim so easily that's not too short — or for heel haters — a flat shoe works just fine. A simple boot with a low heel (think moto) works well along with a cool roughed up shoe like converse, which brings us to point 2.

2 — What to wear with flares is as varied as can be. The easy go-to top is of the peasant variety. Perfect for keeping in line with the retro vibe. A slouchy thin top is a great option for layering over flares. Think a simple cotton shirt (not too much volume) under a fur vest or a button down camp shirt with a pile of necklaces and sleeves rolled up.

I love the look Hemline pulls off with the printed top and distressed flares. Over at Genterie Supply Co., ladies Joe's Jeans have arrived in both light and dark colors perfect to wear all fall long and into winter months with waist-length sweaters or tanks under slouchy cardis.

Join us each Tuesday for the answers to your burning style queries and don't miss our regular ode to local style each Wednesday on Workin' it Wednesday.