How To Style It… Flared Leggings — Feat. DEWEY’s MIRA Leggings
Buttery soft, effortlessly flattering, and perfect for every occasion, flared leggings have earned their comeback as a wardrobe favourite. Here’s 6 ways to style it.
Just like remote working and QR code menus, our love for comfortable fashion is another lasting shift from the pandemic. When the world shut down in 2020 and lockdown turned from weeks to months, the fashion industry adjusted itself to blend both style and comfort. We fashion lovers crave a bit of nostalgia, so what better way to embrace it than by bringing back the beloved early-aughts yoga pants with a fresh, modern twist?
Now enter the new and improved yoga pants, now rebranded as “flared leggings”. Reimagined with sleekier silhouettes, high-quality fabrics, and everyday versatility, flared leggings transcend beyond your typical gymwear. No longer just for workouts or couch-surfing, flared leggings can take you from coffee runs to casual dinners. It’s tough to think of a trouser option more adaptable, as these pair just as well with an oversized hoodie as a trendy jacket.
When Chamiah Dewey, Founder and Designer of DEWEY, set out to design the world’s first extra-petite flared leggings, she knew the demand was undeniable, driven by both their rising popularity and glaring lack of options for petite shoppers. Driven by countless requests for a flared version shortly after DEWEY’s first athleisure drop in September, Chamiah wasted no time putting pencil to paper, bringing the vision to life.
“Flares are notoriously hard to find as petite and extra petite women. With ‘petite’ flares often coming in a 28-30” inseam, even though most of us have a 26” and less inseam! This is precisely why the MIRA flared leggings were born. An industry-first 26” and less inseam for a precise fit, and proportional design on the extra petite frame,” said Chamiah.
“It’s not just the length that had to change about the flared legging; for petite and extra petite women," Chamiah reveals. "As a 5’2” woman and avid gym-goer myself, my pet-peeves are the fact that the ‘flare’ starts too low on my calf, the crotch depth is always far too long, either giving me a baggy crotch, or a mile-high waistband that reaches my bust; topped off by leggings that still need rolling or taking up.“
“The MIRA flared leggings are the first flares on the market (and our IRIS leggings) that actually sit perfectly on your waist, proportionately hug your leg in the right places, and fall where they’re designed to in length. I purposely designed a V-shaped waistband to flatter the female form, drawing the eye up the leg for a lengthening effect, and pointing down from the torso to avoid the body being cut in half.”
There are endless ways to rock a pair of flares. If current athleisure trends tell us anything, it's that there's no need to sacrifice comfort for style. Whether you’re heading to a weekend brunch, a night out, or aiming for that effortless model-off-duty street style, I’ve rounded up my favorite ways to style my MIRA flares for every occasion.
For a work-from-home day
For all the remote workers out there, this one’s for you! If you’re struggling with your productivity while working from home, swapping out your pajamas for a comfy yet casual ensemble can make all the difference. Linen or cotton button-up shirts can be surprisingly comfortable while resembling actual work-wear. Layering a tee-shirt underneath this item is a perfect way to style your flares for your at-home office. If you decide to top off this look with a pair of fuzzy bunny slippers, no judgement here!
For a casual errand run
Life’s a runway, so why not dress your best every day? Flared leggings offer the same comfort as regular ones but effortlessly elevate any casual look. My go-to errand run (made instantly more stylish with a coffee in hand), is an oversized, cosy jumper, white trainers, and my MIRA flared leggings. Thanks to the sleek cut of flares, you can wear these leggings with your baggiest, most comfortable jumper. Some simple gold jewellery and a white tee-shirt poking underneath the jumper elevate the outfit even further. It's an effortless style, perfect for a Saturday morning errand run! Holly Gardner, extra-petite model and content creator, wears this look perfectly!
For an evening on-the-town
The perfect outfit sets the tone and provides the ultimate confidence boost for a night-out on the town. Dress to impress with a pair of flares, made seamlessly chic when styled with a silky top, platform shoes, and a touch of bling! While flared leggings may be a surprising pick for an evening look, the narrow cut and subtle bellow makes for an elegant, elongating silhouette. Opting for darker, more neutral colours enhances the sophistication, making for an outfit you’ll feel powerful in all night long.
For a "model-off-duty" look
While the world’s top supermodels are seen most often in designer clothing on runway shows, their personal street style is even more captivating. The “model-off-duty” style has become a highly-sought after, aspirational aesthetic, best known for its timeless basics, neutrals, and well-fitting pieces. Flared leggings are a great addition to a “model-off-duty” wardrobe, as their silhouette lends perfectly for a variety of street-style outfits. Paired with a classic tee-shirt and an oversized jacket, flares can help you channel your inner Bella Hadid or Kaia Gerber.
For post-pilates
While leggings are often seen as gym wear, you can style them intentionally for a chic, fashion-forward moment. Flared leggings are the perfect go-to for a post-workout coffee run or sweet treat, effortlessly styled with your gym bag and a pair of trainers. Personally, I love throwing on an oversized zip-up over a fitted long tank—DEWEY’s SUMMER racerback is my absolute favourite! With our busy schedules, every minute counts when squeezing in a workout, so your outfit should be effortless, ensuring you look put-together without wasting any time.
For a Sunday brunch
What’s better than pancakes and gossip? For your next upcoming brunch with the girls, swap your go-to jeans for a pair of flared leggings. The weekends call for laid-back, unrestrictive style, making leggings an optimal choice for brunch plans. A flattering basic, like a well-fitting pair of flared leggings, instantly elevates a simple outfit. Flares also suit other beloved wardrobe staples, like a belted trench coat or a loose-fitting, structured blazer. Express your personal style through footwear, with my personal favourites being a Chelsea platform boot, a classic white trainer, or a pair of trendy Boston Birkenstocks. Happy brunching!
Flared leggings prove to be one of the most versatile trends we’ve seen lately! A combination of athleisure and chic minimalism, flares blend effortless style with uncompromising comfort. If you’re eager to try any of these looks for yourself, I’ve compiled a list of my favourite petite flared leggings on the market.
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DEWEY MIRA Flared Leggings- £55 (DEWEY offers the shortest inseams of 19” or 26” (more to come…) on the market, perfect if you’re 5ft or under!)
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Halara High Waisted Crossover Flare Yoga Leggings £35.95 ( 29” inseam)
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Tala DayFlex Wrap High Waisted Flared Yoga Pant - £64 (28” inseam)
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PixieGirl Navy Blue Ribbed Flared Trousers- £19.99 ( 27” inseam)
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How do you style flared leggings as a short girl?
Finding a pair that’s the right length for you is essential. DEWEY’s MIRA flares have been designed FOR the extra-petite frame, meaning they’ll not only drag on the floor, but sit perfectly on your waist. DEWEY has specifically designed them with a V-shaped waistband, excellent for shaping and to give the illusion of longer legs. Pair with a matching colour top for an elongating effect —DEWEY’s SUMMER top is my stand-by!
As for styling choices, the “it-girl” favourite Adidas Sambas look amazing with flares, if you’re opting for a casual. Equally, flares look especially cool with some vegan-leather loafers if you’re dressing up with a boyfriend-fit blazer. Our founder’s favourite way to wear them is with a cosy knit jumper, a blazer, and trainers; with a trench coat layered on top!
Do flared leggings look good on short people?
Flares actually are great for shorter frames, as the right fit can give the illusion of “legs-for-days”. Finding the right pair, ideally one designed for extra-petites, is key here! naturally elongates the legs, creating a streamlined silhouette. However, be mindful of the hemline. If it’s too long and drags on the ground, it can have the opposite effect, making your legs appear shorter. Opting for the right inseam length or a slight heel can make all the difference!
What tops go well with flared leggings?
So many! A crisp white oversized shirt is a go-to; it’s a great item for spring style. If you’re wearing flares during the colder months, a boxy or boyfriend-fit knit jumper strikes a flattering contrast with the narrow flared leggings. Pairing flared leggings with an off-shoulder fitted jumper creates a sleek, elongated silhouette. For a chic athleisure vibe, opt for a matching or monochrome activewear top, perfect for a Pilates or yoga session.
What length leggings are most flattering?
Longer leggings are the most flattering on most body-types if you’re looking for an elongating effect. Shorter, ⅞’s, ¾’s or capris unfortunately break up the leg length and can make short people look every shorter. The key is to wear leggings that fit right at the ankle, or sitting on your shorts if you’re after flares. There's nothing worse than flares that are ankle-swingers, or dragging on the floor and picking up dust!
Where can I find petite flared leggings?
While a few high-street brands offer petite leggings (ideal for 5’3” and above), DEWEY specialises in extra-petite, producing super-soft and perfectly proportioned extra-petite flared leggings. Their 2024 collection offers a range of athleisure items, including petite flared leggings with flattering, tailored fit without the need for alterations.
For 10% off on DEWEY's 2024 collection, use code hollygardner10