Flash back to ’70s with flare-leg jeans

Published 12:01 am Sunday, January 23, 2011

Come spring, we’ll be turning to the ’70s. Fashions inspired by the decade will show up in all forms, including Marc Jacobs’ trippy “Taxi Driver” baby dolls and Derek Lam’s minimal, crisp white shirts and neutral-colored platform sandals.

But in Los Angeles, where denim is part of a daily uniform, plenty of people are bound to put down their skinnies (for a season anyway) and pull on a pair of flare-leg jeans that hint at the extreme bell bottoms of about 40 years ago but are not quite as severe.

Flare leg (and a few bell-bottom styles) will be out in abundance once spring merchandise starts landing in stores in February, and although the trend may be enticing, remember not to pile on macrame and a big floppy hat with these jeans, or the whole look will be too costume-y.

For a more subtle approach to the flare leg, the Roxley Flare ($179) and the Bentley Wide Leg ($211) from Paige have a leg that’s wide but looks as sleek and clean as a trouser jean.

Selecting flare-leg jeans in a lighter, sun-faded wash (which is also a huge trend in spring denim) will stay true to the 1970s appeal, as well as look more casual.

A deeper, darker wash (such as Roxley’s Pure wash) will lend itself to a tux jacket, tailored blazer or dressier blouse for an evening out or important meeting.

For a fun weekend jean that’s still got some flare, a lighter shade looks best. Try the Drama jean in the Forever Blue wash from Mother ($220) or the Sugar Hi Rise from Rich & Skinny ($206) for that sun-bleached wash that just screams for a leisurely bike ride along the beach.

Both these styles have a high rise that comes up all the way to the waist, creating a long, shapely silhouette. But note: although they are authentic in style, they could be a bit uncomfortable at the midsection for anyone who is used to a lower rise.

The most extreme styles out there fall into the bell-bottom category. The Farrah jean from Decades Denim ($130) is a soft and comfy style, with an even wash that works day or night, with flats or a platform sandal.

If you want a slightly exaggerated bell, 7 for All Mankind’s bell bottom ($178) and the Angie jean from Citizens of Humanity ($228) have that true, triangular-shaped leg opening that juts out from a fitted thigh and knee area for a more dramatic take on ’70s denim. All we can say is dy-no-mite.