STYLE MATTERS: A little flare adds lots of flair to jeans scene

By Judie Schwartz & Evelinda Urman

Published August 20, 2008 at 6 p.m.

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Evelinda: Stylish readers, the weather is getting cooler, so it's time to evaluate your jeans wardrobe.

Judie: Tara Stewart, market editor of More magazine, says the average woman owns seven pairs of blue jeans. I bet it's a much higher number.

Evelinda: I agree. You can never own too many jeans. One reason is that pants trends move slower than some other types of trends, according to Fashionising.com. That means we get more wear out of every pair.

Judie: True. Right now we are in the middle of a skinny-versus-flared-leg battle. With many women still digging the skinny jean, wide legs will take time to fully penetrate the mainstream. Expect a mix from slim leg to skinny flare to high-waisted wide leg over the next few years.

Evelinda: Here is an update on the jeans situation:

* Colors: Recent photos show Sarah Jessica Parker, Anne Hathaway, Heidi Klum, Katie Holmes, Halle Berry, Reese Witherspoon and Sienna Miller in gray, skinny jeans. Gray we can deal with. But Hollywood's fashion craze is also Crayola-colored skinny-leg denims in bright blues, pinks and fire-engine reds. Watch out. Danger ahead for those of us over 25. Ignore primary colors and go for muted ones. They look much more sophisticated and age-appropriate.

* Skinny is still in: For those who thought this style was going away . . . not so fast. Skinny jeans are still in because they fit so well inside equestrian-style boots, or any boot style for that matter.

* Dare to flare: Super-flare styles are coming to a rack near you because they were so prevalent at the recent fashion shows of Prada, Badgley Mischka and Gianfranco Ferre. For a sophisticated and chic look, purchase pairs with higher waists. Avoid a slouchy, sloppy look by belting roomy tops. Also consider wearing fitted tops and little cropped jackets for the most current silhouette.

* Skinny flares: Uber fashion trendsetter and supermodel Kate Moss has been seen wearing skinny jeans with a kicked-out flare at the ankle. That is so '70s, but if Moss is wearing them, the odds are so will many fashionistas. They've already been seen on the gams of Victoria Beckham and Jessica Simpson.

* Flash from the past: Two words: acid wash. Yup. Seen on the runway in the resorts 2009 shows were acid-washed denim pants, dresses and even handbags. Granted, the treatment now is a little more painterly and blotchy, but it is still acid wash, my friend.

* Still the most flattering: The classic boot-cut style is still the most flattering on most women. The small flare of a boot cut balances out the hips.

stylematters.us

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