Trend Spotlight: High-waist flare jeans

I know what you’re thinking, and it is a little hard to believe, but ‘70s style high-waist flare jeans are the latest trend for spring 2011. It’s hard to keep up these days – denim trends seem to change as often as Lindsay Lohan ends up in rehab.

From boot cut to low rise, acid wash to black, and boyfriend style to skinny jeans (that have now evolved to “jeggings”) – we’ve seen it all when it comes to denim trends. But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean your skinny jeans are going anywhere. They’re just moving over on the shelf to make room for your new flares.

Denim isn’t the only 1970s fashion you’ll see this season, with shimmering silk and satin blouses, long gowns with low necklines, pantsuits, mini dresses, chunky gold jewelry and earth tones combined with disco inspired metallic shades. Those thigh high boots you bought last season? They’re now being paired with sexy hot pants and a brightly patterned top.

Celebrities like Keira Knightley and Kate Bosworth are already making this trend look good, and the high-waist jeans definitely conjure up the image of a sultry Charlie’s Angel.

This style shows a sexy confidence and should be worn that way. Wear them boldly with other 70s inspired pieces (sky high platform heels, anyone?), or just tuck a button-up blouse into your high-waist flares (add a skinny belt for a nice defined finish) and you’ll have a simple, but sophisticated look. Fashion note: Whatever top you decide to pair with your new high-waist flares, make sure to tuck it in, otherwise you’ll lose the slimming effects of this silhouette.

And speaking of this slimming silhouette – the high-waist, flare jeans will flatter virtually any figure by making you appear taller and thinner. A cinched waist and the illusion of endless legs? If that’s not a great reason to run out and buy a pair, I don’t know what is …