When I shop, I like to think about the mileage I’m going to get out of my buys. Sure, I’ve indulged myself in a feathered or sequinned something before, but it just makes more sense to buy things that go with most of my wardrobe. It’s partly the reason why I love denim so much. And while I love my Levi’s mom jeans to death, I prefer a pair of cropped flares for days when I want to up the ante. The volume says drama, but the awkward length says casual. Bingo. We’ve got ourselves a win-win. Plus, with the recent 35°C and up weather going on, I’ll take any extra ventilation I can get.

Think of it as the elevated cousin of the cropped cigarette pant, something that can easily be dressed up, down and in-between. This pair I’m wearing is from Exhibit (alternatives here, here and here) and I wear them repeatedly. Re-pea-ted-ly. To daytime events, dinners, a grocery run, late-night karaoke sessions – you name it.’

Above, I’ve styled the cropped flare in three ways. The first is the off-day option and the one I’m most guilty of. It’s easy, but in no way sloppy. An adequately oversized sweater is key. If you’re not a sneaker gal, slip-ons are a very on-trend alternative.

For more dressed-up days, pair it with a well-tailored jacket, a blouse, statement jewellery – I chose a Givenchy choker – and good ol’ pointed pumps. Red lip optional.

Finally, the in-between i.e. days you want to look like you tried, but also like you didn’t try. Get what I mean? A dressy blouse that’s one part crisp and one part cute, and a pair of round-toe booties that walk the line between formal and casual. This look’s all about being in the middle.

The possibilities are quite endless. How would you style a pair of cropped flares?