Flares are a big trend this fall/winter, which is surprising as they’ve typically been a spring hit. This denim cut can add length to any height and looks good on any body type. Now that skinny jeans have become so common — they are a staple in almost everyone’s wardrobe — Stylistas are seeking a less skintight alternative. Also, 1970s fashion is enjoying a revamp this year and flares are a staple to that era of style. Below are three ways to incorporate flared denim into your winter wardrobe, including other trends such as colored denim and sequins. All below $30!

Business Casual

Jeans: Forever 21, $22.80 Blouse: H&M, $9.95 Heels: Mitsu 01, $14.97

*tuck in blouse for a more fitted and sophisticated look!

Night Out

Jeans: Old Navy, $29.00 Blouse: Forever 21, $19.80 Heels: Forever 21, $24.80

Family Holiday Party

Jeans: Forever 21, $24.80 Blouse: Ya Los Angeles, $27.99 Heels: Payless, $24.99 

Photo Credits: 1 – Heidi Klum, 2 – Behnaz Sarafpour, 3 – Style Scrapbook via Lookbook

The ’70s are back in a big way, especially in the denim world. If you don’t believe me, check out MK and Ashley’s new denim collection TEXTILE Elizabeth and James (Victoria Beckham is also a flare fan). Skinnies have become the norm (and will probably stay that way), but if you are looking for an alternative to your favorite straight-legged bottoms, this Fashion Challenge is the one for you.

Tips and Tricks for Rocking Flared Pants

Just try it! The best part about this challenge? Flared bottoms are universally flattering: Anyone can pull off this trend and look amazing doing it.
Take advantage of length. Wear your bell-bottoms long with heels to extend your legs for miles, like Heidi Klum does above. (Although it doesn’t hurt that her legs already extend for miles…)
Try a little flare beyond denim. Although it may be easier to find flared denim, the trend works for other bottoms as well. For examples, see the Behnaz Sarafpour slacks in Picture 2, or these gems:

See the looks and get easy and flattering ideas for rocking flared pants right here.

Being more of a skinny jean type girl, straight-legged, resolving to embrace my complete lack of calves, (I think I was the only girl that nodded my head in empathy when that guy got calf implants on True Life: I’m Getting Plastic Surgery) I wasn’t so on-the-trend-boat to learn that Kate Moss is apparently starting a new “skinny flares” trend. From the pictures, they look like any old flares to me, but of course it’s not a trend if it doesn’t have a cool new name, right?

My preference to straight-leg jeans simply arises from the fact that I feel most people just don’t know how to pull off a flare. The flares either too big (Marsha Brady bell-bottomy should always be a fashion no-no), or too long (like when girls get that weird crinkly knee?), and nothing makes me cringe more than when it’s worn and torn and dingy looking at the bottom, hem them for goodness sake!

If you haven’t noticed, I’m somewhat anal about my jeans. Being a 5’3” girl with abnormally scrawny legs, it’s always been hard for me to find a pair that fits, I blame it on that.

However, I do understand that the term ‘skinny jean’ makes those blessed with more curves feel like the trend has excluded them. Lots of people who have issues with their legs are happy to see the flare coming back, I’m sure.

Either way I say wear whatever jeans you like as long as you feel good in them. (I can’t promise I won’t shudder if your back pockets are too low or if the crotch area seems too bunched.) As long as they’re stretchy enough for you to shake your booty in ‘em, that’s all that matters.