Women Trend 2011 Clothing

Bell Bottom : The return off flared jeans

It's about this time every year that the world at large, and just those in the know such as yourself, start to look in the new year's trends and ponder about the large direction of clothing. Every December we see this fact played out time and time again, both is the corresponded we receive and in the activity across Fashioning.com with questions such as are skinny jeans still in fashion becoming increasingly frequent. And this short answer is yes, skinny jeans are still in fashion - they are young nowhere, at least in terms of trends, fast. But while that's a fact, 2011's fashion trends show the inverse to be true : flared jeans and flared trousers are back for both men and women for as a spring 2011 trend fashion trend.

Are flares and bell bottom back in?

The simple answer is yes, flared jeans and bell bottoms (as well as wide - leg pants to an extent, but we'll save those for another day) are back in. The freason why is almost as simple : skinny jeans have became so common, such a staple in most everyone's wardrobe, that people are seeking an alternative. At the some time you have the rise of 1970's fashion as a major influence of trends across 2011.

Bell Bottom and flares for Men

Often when it comes time to write about a fashion trend we start with the women's interpretation of it and then, usually a year or so later, we write about the menswear take on it. Not so with bell bottoms and flares for men, this is a trouser and jeans style that is happening for both genders. Of course, as it with most fashion trends, the men interpretation is subtler in fact to describe them as bell bottoms might be something of a misnomer. Bell bottoms, you see conjures up mental pictures of jeans whose hem is wider then your foot is long - but this isn't the style that on trend for men in 2011. Instead you're looking for a pair of jeans or trousers slightly wider than a boot cut, but with a slimmer thigh and waist that make the hemline even more defined.  

Acne have nailed the men's look as a part of their spring/summer 2011 collection with two interpretation of men's flared jeans picture below. The first is a look perfect for early autumn/fall 2011 trends while the second is more suited for spring/summer and being hatted has something of a beachwear overtone to it.

Bell Bottom and flares jeans for Women

Unlike the mean's version of the bell bottom/flared jeans fashion trend which is about a toned down style, the women's take needn't be.

What it isn't, however is overt . Cast your mind back to 2007 and you might remember the last time the issues of flares and bell bottoms faced us was courtesy of the baggy jeans trend. And I lothed it. As you can see on the right, people were actually opting to look anything but good. Given my strong distate of the style, it goes without saying that the return of flares pants and jeans in 2011 is not to be interpreted as a return to baggy jeans. Anything but :  

It also not a return to he boyfriend jeans style that was popular throughout 2008 and 2009.

Instead bell bottoms and flared jeans for women in 2011 are all about a neo - 1970's style that has the following element's

• a hem that is at least as wide as your foot - the men's hem that you can see on the pictures above doesn't apply to the women's interpretation of the trend.
• loose at the knee - i've already see some takes on the trend where the jeans are cut very slim down the thigh and the knee and then the flare out from below the knee cap. This is a 1990's interpretation of flares and not the style that's on trend in 2011.

Derek Lam SS11

There is also one other style elements you might consider's : a high waisted cut, which is desirable for the full 1970s vibe through. If you're pairing the jeans/trousers with a more modern look, a low cut waist will work just as well

High waist -  and subtle flared leg at ADAM SS11

Wide - leg pants : women's fashion trend

It must be said that wide - leg pants are not for everyone. It's for that reason that they're never been the dominants style to conquer the street ( not in the average fashioners lifetime anyway) , and while we count them among 2011's fashion trends, we don't expect their lack of mass popularity change in hurry skinniest have a long life left in them yet, but this is an year in which flared are on trend, and wide leg pants are these alongside them. But while the wide - leg may not become your new wardrobe staple just yet, don't overlook it as an elegant, stylish addition to your 2011 repertoire, particurlary when styled right.

And to see some example of just how they can be styled in the coming year, read on.

Wide leg pallazo pants

Style of wide leg pants

There are three key style's of wide leg pants on trend in spring 2011

Wide leg trousers

Sophisticated yet relaxed, sharp and tailored with a mid to hight waist : that's how 2011's wide leg trousers distinguishes itself. Perfect for masculine - inspired looks, be they very modern or very vintage.

Wide leg trousers

Wide leg jeans

Jeans that are wide - legged from top of the thigh down can have a tendency to end up looking baggy. In 2011, we recommended jeans that are more fitted. On the thigh - lean to flared legs or moderately wide legs rather than wide legged jeans style that are too baggy or that lack shape. Be wary of  a skinny leg that then widens from the knee, however that's too much like the 90's take on bell bottoms a look firmly out in 2011.

Palazzo pants

Palazzo pants are the resort cousin of the wide leg pants family. While wide leg trousers take you from the office to the bar, palazzo pants serve you best when you're lounging around on a yacht or soaking up some Mediterranean sun. Fabrics should be right and with plenty of drape and flow-silks, crepe, jersey, you can even try sheer fabrics for a look that's daring but now. 

How to wear wide leg pants

• with heels. Flats will simpl never complete the looks as well as heels will : the exception is if you're changing off a very masculine look with man style flats.
• with a slim fitting top to balance out the volume on the bottom half. A soft, billowing blouse can also work well but is best broken up with a waist - cinching belt.
• with utter 70s glamour : wide leg trousers, platforms and a big floppy hat.
• female dandy style - look to vintage icons like Kath Katharine Hepburn and  Marlene Dietrich for inspiration.
• with 40s pin up girl flair, by pairing some wide - legged sailorpants with nautical stripes and espadrilles. 

Wide leg pants : who should wear them

A final, mandatory note about wide legs, be they jeans trousers or a draping palazzo : all of these style work best of taller frames. If you are short in the legs try a pair of skinny cropped pants or one's with a subtle flare paired with heels.