I have always been a sceptic when it comes to flared jeans and have long shied away from venturing this cut. Because I am not particularly tall, I always thought I would end up looking like a poney if I wore flares. That is until I gave into the overwhelming current fashion trend... I had my eyes on a denim peplum top from Theory for a while but could not figure out what to wear with it apart from a pencil skirt or white skinny jeans which both felt a bit too classic. 

So I thought I would try something more risky yet contemporary and bought myself a pair of dark MIH jeans skinny flared jeans at a reasonable price from the Outnet (details below). When they arrived, I honestly thought they would end up being returned and they lingered in my cupboard for a while. But as days became warmer and high wedge sandals possible, I tried them on with the above mentioned Theory top and a pair of suede platform sandals. It was a total revelation: lengthening, classy, and above all a welcome break from the current skinny jeans fetish. Not least because I also discovered these jeans actually worked with all sorts of combination, dressed up or down. Obviously, these jeans seem to work best with medium to high heels and I would not recommend wearing them with flat shoes (unless you are particularly tall or have long legs). But honestly they are incredibly versatile and therefore quite an indispensable piece to have in one's wardrobe! Here are some ideas on how to wear flared jeans. All brands, high street and designer, now sell flared jeans and I have also provided an indicative selection for inspiration below.

Workwear style

Worn here with a white jacket and denim peplum top both from Theory (£345 and £195 respectively at Selfridges but should be on sale soon...), and a silver cuff from Tara Jarmon (no longer available but they have a similar one half price at £65). Shoes, suede platform, from Claudie Pierlot (old co).

Casual style

Worn here with a simple printed Tee from Claudie Pierlot (old co) but there are quite a few nice and cheap ones at River Island.

Worn here with a white top from Theory (I know, I am totally obsessed by this brand, love almost everything - could not find the one I am wearing here but there is a similarish one at Selfridges for £195, also soon to be on sale I suspect), and Marc Jacobs handbag (no longer available in these colours, but can be found in balck or white at Harvey Nichols for £250).

Worn here with the same denim peplum top from Theory (details as above) and Suede jacket from Sandro (old co).

Evening dress style

Worn here with Zara long white waistcoat at £39.99 (extremely versatile, a great buy).

Where to find a nice pair of flares...

 1. Skinny Marrakesh mid-rise flared jeans from MIH Jeans, £85.80 from the Outnet

2. Maria High Rise Flared Jeans by J Brand, £250

3. ASOS Baby Kick Flare Jeans In Vintage Wash With Bleach Crease, £35

4. White Flared Jeans by H&M, £19.99

5. Flared Skinny Jeans from Zara, £29.99

6. MO&CO Vintage Distressed Flared Jeans, £125