Bell bottom denims are making a comeback. Designers Disha Doshi Gandhi and Hina Madhumal guide you on how to rock the trend
Bell bottom denims define the style of the ’70s and ’80s. They have been on and off the scene — disappearing in the ’90s, coming back in the early 2000, fading soon and again making a comeback now.
If you are looking at breaking away from those skinny denims which have dominated the fashion industry for a few years now, it’s time to flaunt bell-bottom pants. These unique pants go wide past the knees, forming the shape of a bell. They are also called bootcut or bootfit jeans and can be styled in numerous ways.
While the trend is most visible among women as many Bollywood and Hollywood actresses and pop stars have been seen sporting them, we haven’t really seen male celebs flaunting bell-bottom denims.
Designer Disha Doshi Gandhi says, “It’s always good to see classic and retro trends come back. Bell bottom denims which can be styled easily, can always be worn with basic tshirts, vests and a jacket or even crop tops. The top should be minimal as the bottom is nice and flared.”
According to Gandhi, women with slim and tall body will look best in bell bottoms. “Pear-shaped bodies should avoid bell bottoms, however, if you like them, wear them with a proper top and accessories, like a nice belt and a satchel bag, maybe, or long beads or an off-shoulder basic black tee worn with a choker,” she suggests.
Hina Madhumal, a city-based designer, who owns Hina’s Atelier, feels that fashion moves in a circle. “The skinny have been around way too long for my liking! Glad to see the flared jeans make a comeback,” she says.
“A great technical fabric for a waist flaunting top will make you look like a diva,” quips Madhumal.
When asked if all body types can wear them, she says that unlike the pair of skinny jeans, bell bottomed denims do not cut off your length at the ankle and so they are really flattering to most women. Says Madhumal, “You don’t have to be a perfect model figured woman to carry it off. The flare could be adjusted too, to flatter your body. The choice of a low bell bottom denim or a high-waisted one would be made depending on how curvy you are. Big bottomed girls look better in the bell that’s low waisted.”
Chunky earrings or necklaces, a nice fall hat or a summer hat, a great skinny belt in a contrasting colour to draw attention to the small waist, if you are wearing a pair of high waist bell bottom jeans, are all great accessories to rock the new look. “Give a contemporary twist to vintage fashion with a pop of colour. Turn up the punk quotient with bright, funky shades,” advises Madhumal.
But is the trend equally relevant for men? Answers Madhumal, “Yes it is, though men are doing it a little more differently than women. It is more a baggy with flared bottom look than traditional bell, as of now. The trend will change for sure but right now, it’s not yet bell bottoms for men’s. How to style it? It’s would require another article again! But very briefly — fitted shirts or Tees, cool aviator shades and a great bag!”
