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When searching for the perfect pair of jeans, petite shoppers can struggle to find denim pants that don't look oddly oversized, drag on the floor, or hit in all the wrong places. As skinny jeans fade from popularity, we wanted to find the best petite flare jeans. Extreme Ripped Jeans
Between stores, brands, and styles, it can be hard to determine who actually fits in petites. MaryKathryn McArthur, the Lead Stylist at Short Story (a haven for petite shoppers), said that shoppers should consider both their height and proportions. "If you are under 5'4", have shorter legs and torso in comparison to the rest of your body, struggle with long sleeve lengths, or are tiny in frame overall — welcome to the club, you're a petite!"
We also asked Molly Roe, the Styling Team Lead of Stitch Fix, about how to style flared denim on a petite frame. Most importantly, she said, pay attention to where the bell of the flare begins. Petite women should "opt for a flare jean that breaks at the knee as this will lengthen the leg while also providing the most flattering look." To style the jeans, Roe recommends a fitted or tucked-in top, instead of something oversized. "The one exception to this rule is outerwear, so play with the lengths and try a blazer, long coat, or even a cropped puffer on top."
From always-in classic fits to more daring styles, here are 16 flare jeans you're going to want to add to cart.
AE Ne(x)t Level Super High-Waisted Flare Jean
Incredibly soft and super stretchy, this pair of American Eagle jeans is comfortable and lightweight. The high-waist design features a lengthening 5-button front closure and a slimming flare that breaks close to the knee. Plus, they're made sustainably with an average of one plastic water bottle used per pair.
Abercrombie Ultra High Rise Flare Jean
In a comeback story for the ages, Abercrombie is back in our closets, and their denim has quickly become a cult favorite. This black denim pair is clean-cut and perfect for the office and beyond. It has inclusive sizing, with options to shop in extra short, short, regular, and long lengths, as well as their Curve Love range.
JUST USA Oliver High Rise Front Slit Flare Jean
Made to show off a statement pair of tall boots, this high-rise denim is slimming, comfortably stretchy, and has the unique detail of a front-facing slit that reaches mid-calf. The baby boot cut subtly flares at the knee, ideal for petite shoppers.
Paige Genevieve Jeans with Linear Coin Pocket
Dark denim washes are known to be slimming, and this pair of stretchy jeans does just that. Also, they're petite-friendly with a lengthening flare that breaks higher at the knee. This pair is definitely an investment piece at over $200.
Hudson Holly High-Rise Flare Petite Jean
This pair of indigo denim from Hudson features a playful flare that starts at the knees. Subtly faded but made to last, the pair also has a slimming v-shaped design on the back pockets that is unique to the brand.
Good American Good Petite Bootcut
Good American is one of the brands that lead the charge when it comes to inclusivity. This pair of jeans was designed with all shapes and sizes of petite women in mind. Available from size 00 to 26, the subtle flare and minimal back pocket distressing are ideal for everyday wear.
Levi's 70's High Rise Flare Women's Jeans
A classic pair with a statement-making flare, these Levi's are especially perfect for those with narrower petite frames — the brand is known to be a bit slim through the hips and thighs. Though there isn't much give or stretch, they are made to last and will surely be a staple in your closet for years (and even generations) to come.
Paige Lou Lou High Rise Wide Leg Velvet Trouser
Made from a luxe, black velvet fabric, these wide-leg Paige pants are a total dream. Designed with a zipper fly closure and pockets in both the front and back, the stretchy fit is equally comfortable and high-fashion.
For those craving a bit more support for their midsection, consider this pair of flared denim from Spanx. Available in sizes XS to 3X, this pair is extra smoothing as it has no zipper or button closures. Plus, we've been impressed by Spanx pants in the past.
We The Free Jayde Cord Flare Jeans
For disco nights and beyond, We The Free has nailed the ideal retro flares in a super-soft corduroy fabric and a smoothing, pocket-less silhouette. And while only a few hues are available to shop in short lengths at the moment, you can't go wrong with the classic Black and a rusted red shade called Baked.
Paige Anessa Petite Kara Destructed
Experiment with your look and go for a pair of wide-legged denim from Paige in their cropped style. The minimal distressing is perfect for those low-key daytime dates, and the cut pairs perfectly with a pair of comfy white sneakers.
American Eagle AE Ne(x)t Level Curvy Super High-Waisted Flare Jean
Made to never lose its shape (no matter how many wash cycles it goes through), this pair of flared denim from American Eagle is perfect for all curvy petites. The fabric is not only made using a recycled plastic bottle, but the front pocket embellishments are sure to stand out in your wardrobe.
Express High Waisted FlexX Black Flare Jeans
True to size and super stretchy, these high-waisted jeans from Express are made for show-stopping fashion moments. The flare is met with frayed hems and distressing on the upper thigh. Pair these with slinky black heels and you're set.
Madewell Petite High-Rise Flare Jeans Knee-Rip Edition
Madewell's flared jeans are the key to your daytime casual, low-key weekender looks. The style features a flattering rip on the knee and has a subtle retro vibe. While the sizing does run a bit bigger than other styles, the looser fit creates an air of effortlessness. The fabric is blended with 20% hemp, which makes it super lightweight and soft.
Gap High Rise Corduroy '70s Flare Jeans with Washwell
Who says you can't wear white after Labor Day? Made from an ultra-soft corduroy material, this creamy beige pair features classic 5-pocket styling and a fashion-forward flare. Not to mention, each pair is made with 5% recycled cotton.
Express Mid Rise Medium Wash Horse Bit 70s Flare Jeans
If you struggle to find flared denim for your shorter torso, this comfy mid-rise pair à la Express is your next best purchase. Available in short, petite, long, and regular lengths, the medium wash is a classic hue and the wide flare breaks at the knee.
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