How To Wear The Cropped Flare

There’s a huge focus on silhouette for AW16, and how to add interest and personality to your look by’reimagining traditional shapes and cuts. For instance, a cocoon coat looks more directional than a pea coat, while high-waisted wide-leg trousers make the kind of statement that boot-cut pants never have and never will. But not everyone?is comfortable with voluminous shapes and directional styles, and this is where the cropped flare comes into play. It’s been on and off trend over the past ten years, and to my mind, has never been fully embraced?by those outside of the fashion front row. But wearing a cropped flare is a great way to add interest to your silhouette without having to navigate folds of fabric or get your head around how to correctly button up an asymmetric white shirt. Great clothes don’t have to be complicated.

The cropped flare has two major things going for it. Firstly, it has a flared leg, which automatically means flattering. Fitted from the waist to?the calf before gently kicking out, it’s a great shape for pear shaped women who want to balance out the proportions of their bottom half. Secondly, it allows you to showcase beautifully those winter boots you saved up for all summer. Cropped flares look great with a calf-length heeled boot that hugs your ankles. Match the colour of your boot to your trouser if you want to lengthen the appearance of your legs, but embrace textures like patent and velvet to add interest. I have a black denim pair from J Brand (bought for €50 in the sales of course!), which I love?and wear with everything from a simple T-shirt to a tunic dress. Here are three more pairs I have my eye on for AW16.

These Zara trousers?have a very subtle flare, perfect for those of you toying with this trend. For winter, I’d choose a boot with a slightly higher leg, so that you don’t have to navigate that tricky “leg or sock on show” dilemma.

I love the texture of these corduroy trousers. Don’t worry about wearing pink in autumn. It works perfectly when anchored with strong earthy shades.

These wool trousers are a great way to inject personality into your workwear. Pair with a smart shirt and a great pair of court shoes for a look that means business.