Considering how many I own, I actually believe skinny jeans are completely overrated. A classic staple, yes, but lacking in the je ne sais quoi that the perfect pair of jeans should ideally provide. Simply put, stovepipe denim is just a necessary dressing evil, in my book. Never do I feel as 'Chloé girl' as I do in a kicky bell bottom or long-and-lean high-waisted flare (even a preppy bootcut puts more spring in my step than its straight up and down counterpart). And now, thanks to the seriously in-your-face '70s fashion resurgence, I am overwhelmed with options—and about as A.D.D. on which pair is my perfect match as I am with chasing the perfect blonde highlights.
Last spring, before the unanimous push to flares, my fellow editors and I went crazy for the MiH Marrakesh jean (top, left). I bought them in dark blue, black and white and wore each of them weekly with nautical stripes, boho blouses and sleek blazers alike. They were flattering and comfortable—and filled a void that my inner hippie chic living in New York is perpetually trying to fill. That said, this season I craved a higher waist and an even more extreme silhouette.
In Paris, I scooped up a $100 find at Zara (top, middle) that had the NYC eds emailing me post-Instagram pic about what they were. The cropped length and show-off buttons feel part sailor and part '50s pin-up. I've paired them with a Chanel LBJ and pumps for a dressed-up look and a Trademark striped sweater and stacked heels for a retro throwback vibe. I can't wait to wear them on summer weekends with the season's gorgeous white lace blouses and lace-up sandals.
But the real standout—from a slimming and versatility perspective—are by Frame. The Le High Flare style (top,right), is super, super skinny through the thigh and knee and provides just the right amount of stretch to hold you in. And the high-waist is extended just enough to satisfy that '70s show we are all trying to star in.
But because a good editor never stops looking, I've also got my eye on the below. Let the journey continue:
Stella McCartney jeans, $395, net-a-porter.com; Victoria Beckham jeans, $375, net-a-porter.com; Frame Denim jeans, on sale for $69, shopBAZAAR.com.
Tag me on Instagram @Joyann_Bazaar with your favorite flares! I'll always find room in my closet for one more pair.
As Executive Editorial Director of HarpersBAZAAR.com, Joyann King has ushered America's first fashion magazine into an era of digital excellence. A decade overseeing the website, social media and video platforms, and special product launches like Bazaar Bride and digital covers has garnered her and her team critical recognition. In 2015, she was named one of Adweek’s New Publishers to Watch. King can be seen on ABC, NBC, FOX, and CBS discussing trends and the ever-changing relationship of technology and fashion. She was previously an editor at InStyle.com, ELLE.com, Glamour.com, and SELF.com. When she's not plugged in, the Texas native can be found relaxing with her family in upstate New York.
