FLARES OR BELLS? ARE THEY FOR YOU?

Bell-bottom pants have returned to the runways. Will they make an entrance in your closet? Are they only for tall gals? Are they versatile- or are they a trend you want to avoid? Hip? Or too Sonny and Cher?

Loose swingy bell-bottoms can be worn by most gals if they are worn with heels.
The loose style of flares is great for formal events or can be worn equally well casually.
The key to flare success is to find the right ratio between the width at the knee and the leg opening for you.
Wide legs in stiff fabric (think corduroy) are challenging.
More petite gals should wear a narrower flare.
Fluid, drapey fabrics work best for most.
Flares can be worn with a variety of tops: t-shirts, billowing blouses, tunics or turtlenecks.
Bring out your belts- flares look great with a tucked top and a cool belt. If your waist is your best feature, flares will flatter.
Flares are kind to gals with larger thighs.
The pant will look silly if the hem is too short. Flares looks best when the hem intersects the middle of the heel. You will need to bring the shoe you want to wear when getting the pants hemmed.
Avoid a deep hem- your heel could get caught in it and disaster could follow.
Ankle length culottes (4″ -6″ above the ankle) look great when paired with boots and look good on all.
The baby boomers grew up wearing this style of pant. It will be interesting to see if this style will be embraced again or left to the millennials.
I love the flares- what do you think?