Frayed Edges and Cropped Flares

photo:© The Jeans Blog

Personally, I’m not embracing the heavily destroyed look in denim, but I do like the imperfection of a frayed edge.  I have a pair from Current/Elliott with a released hem that have a bit of fray and think they add just enough punch to an otherwise straightforward look. They’re one of my current favorites. I started to look for more frayed edges in other washes and silhouettes and found they were either too crazy-frayed or not the right fit. So, I turned to my own closet. I already have plenty of denim, so I took out a couple that haven’t been in the rotation lately for whatever reason and gave them a cut. I planned on chopping them to an above the ankle desired length, washing them a few times to get the threads to release, then have a tailor stitch above the frayed edge to stop them from continuing. But, so far, I haven’t needed the tailor and the fray is neat and tidy as I hoped for. I’ve done this on a pair of jeans with a straight leg and a wide leg, which also resulted in a significant crop.

For me, the key is to wear them with pieces that have clean lines and structure. Both Danielle from We Wore What (below left) and Christine from Fash-N-Chips (below top right) topped them with the strong silhouette of an oversized coat and beautiful shoes. The contrast with the relaxed edge of the jeans looks modern and works for me.
In the same streak of re-working denim, I also found I was having a hard time finding a cropped flare that was a good length. I’m sure I’m not alone in this. As a reader commented on the post The Perfect Length, I too have found it easier to crop them myself. This way, I have the fit and wash that works for me regardless of their original length.

A while back, I posted on Wearing Flares, but my preference has shifted. I haven’t worn them long all season, as I thought I would, which made it all the much easier to trim them up. To my eye now, they look and feel much more current and fresh with an above the ankle length. It’s a length that’s flattering on most and allows the option of wearing any number of shoes. For now, my flats or heels look right and come fall, I’ll be pairing them with a mid-heel ankle boot.