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A non-bohemian way to wear frayed-hem cropped flare jeans

March 17, 2016

How to wear high-rise, frayed-hem cropped flare jeans without looking like a hippie on A Girl Named PJ

When I first saw them in the store, I wasn’t sure about these Madewell high-rise, frayed-hem cropped flare jeans.

My hesitation was the 10.5″ rise. (For comparison, SNL’s Mom Jeans boasted a 9″ zipper.) It’s not that I don’t like high-waisted jeans; in fact, I usually prefer them to low-rise pants because they hold everything in like a hardworking pair of Spanx.

However, I’m always a little self-conscious about their tendency to create a front — ahem — pooch and long flat ass, so I almost always wear my high-waisted jeans with a long shirt or sweater. Sometimes I’ll offer a nod to the high rise with a slightly cropped and boxy tee, but I’m usually not brave enough to tuck in my shirt completely.

An early spring outfit: high-rise, frayed-hem cropped flare jeans with a sweater cardigan and wedge boots

Tuck a sleeveless shirt into high-rise frayed-hem cropped flare jeans and top with an oversize cardigan sweater when

That’s why I covered up my ivory tank with an oversized cardigan. My initial idea was to wear the silky sleeveless top untucked, but it looked sloppy topped with the oversize cardigan sweater.

But I was also unsure about the frayed hems on these cropped flare jeans because I usually like the fringe of my jeans to look more authentic. Like when you cut a pair of jeans, toss them in the dryer, and end up with tiny frayed edges that are punctuated by longer strings you can easily rip off when they start to tickle your legs. Perfectly frayed hems trimmed with stitching has always seemed a bit too manicured for my taste.

Kate Spade purse with tassel and a color block cardigan sweater with a pair of cropped frayed-hem cropped flare jeans

Easy waves with a flat iron

But I bought them anyway. Why? Because I had remembered reading about a pair of fringed jeans (3×1, maybe?) that were quickly achieving cult status, and I curious about the trend. Plus, Madewell jeans generally fit my curves pretty well, and my denim wardrobe hadn’t been updated in a while.

In their store window, Madewell paired these cropped flare jeans with a peasant top, but let’s be honest: I’m not bohemian enough to pull off that combination. Anyway, it’s not warm enough in DC to be dressing for summer. I think they’ll look perfect with sandals in a few months, but for now, I like how they show off my ankle when worn with boots.

Madewell cropped bootcut frayed-hem cropped flare jeans with wedge bootsCuriously, the style I bought less than a month ago has already disappeared from Madewell’s shelves. The Cali Demi-Boot Jeans in Essex Wash are similar, but they look slightly different than my High Rise Ankle Bootcut Jeans that are now available at Nordstrom. Unless I’m losing my mind and they’re actually the same style…

How do you feel about high-waisted jeans? What about frayed hems?
Would you even try on these cropped flare jeans if you saw them in the store? 

SHOP MORE JEANS

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”1475936″]

Outfit details: jeans: Madewell; top: Loft (similar here, here, and here); sweater: Calson (similar here and here); boots: Kork-Ease; purse: Kate Spade (similar here); necklace: So old I don’t remember! (similar here); nail polish: CND Vinylux in Indigo Frock

Photography by Laura Metzler for A Girl Named PJ.

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11COMMENTS | Style

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My birthday, gratitude, and pretty spring dresses »

Let’s Discuss

  1. Meg

    March 17, 2016 at 3:45 pm

    Your hair looks sooooo good!

    Reply
    • PJ

      March 17, 2016 at 8:53 pm

      Thank you! I’ve been using a flat iron to make waves, and it’s still a bit hit-or-miss — the curls aren’t always consistent. Once I get better at it, maybe I’ll share a tutorial on the blog!

      Reply
  2. Alyssa from The Sparkly Life

    March 17, 2016 at 10:28 pm

    Love this outfit! And these photos are awesome! 🙂

    Reply
    • PJ

      March 18, 2016 at 6:01 pm

      Thank you! I wasn’t sure I’d get to wear it again since the weather’s been so warm — but now it’s supposed to snow on Sunday?!

      Reply
  3. Alina Ermilova

    March 18, 2016 at 10:41 am

    Love this outfit! My favorite part is the cardigan! 🙂

    xx
    ALINA ERMILOVA | BLOG

    Reply
    • PJ

      March 18, 2016 at 6:02 pm

      Thanks! I’m hoping I can wear the cardigan a couple more times before it becomes way too warm for such a heavy sweater!

      Reply
  4. sara | alice & lois

    March 18, 2016 at 5:12 pm

    You look gorgeous!

    Reply
    • PJ

      March 18, 2016 at 6:01 pm

      Thanks! It’s a little bit intimidating be in front of the camera — I’m glad I don’t appear terrified!

      Reply
  5. Carrie

    March 18, 2016 at 7:04 pm

    How stunning!!! You pull this look off SO well! I’m jealous.

    Reply
  6. Sydney Fashion Hunter

    March 20, 2016 at 8:41 am

    Great cardigan! I would love it of you would stop by my blog and join my fashion blogger link up by adding this post. I think my readers would really like your style.

    http://sydneyfashionhunter.com/2016/03/biker-chick-fff-24.html

    Reply
  7. Cyd

    March 21, 2016 at 10:37 am

    Gorgeous, girl! Agreed – your hair is looking great this way! xo

    Reply

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