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How to Wear Wide Leg Pants

By , About.com Guide

Mixit Coin Pocket Wide Leg Jeans, $24.99, www.jcpenney.com.

Photo courtesy of JCPenney.

Super-skinny jeans were all the rage this summer, so for fall many designers decided to go to the opposite side of the spectrum and introduce mile-wide flares. So, after we'd all finally figured out how to flaunt our skinnies, we have a new pant silhouette to tackle. No worries, though – just follow these tips, and you'll be in fine fashionista form in no time!

Tip 1: Know Your Body Type. The biggest key to making wide legs look flattering is choosing the right pair for your frame. If you are tall you can afford to go extra-wide with your flares, but if you're petite, a more modest leg will look the best. For pear-shaped gals, a flare that begins below the knee will balance out curvy hips.

Tip 2: Balance the Silhouette. To keep from looking overly slouchy, a slim-fitting blouse is an ideal counterpoint to wide legs. Look for a top in a lightweight fabric that skims the body, and definitely tuck it in your pants.

Tip 3: Use Color to Your Benefit. Just like how black dresses visually slim the body, dark washes do the same for wide leg pants. For the most figure-trimming effect you can always choose black, but chocolate brown or indigo colored fabrics do the trick, too.

Tip 4: Add Lift with High Heels. To avoid overwhelming your frame, try pairing flares with chunky high-heeled pumps or boots. The extra height will visually elongate your silhouette.

Tip 5: Wear a Belt to Define the Waist. Lastly, to make sure that your waistline doesn't get lost amid the folds of fabric, cinch a belt on the top of your pants to show off your middle.

Now get out there and flaunt those flares, girls!

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