Greetings, friends! Today I’m styling black kick flares for spring, and Banana Republic just launched their Friends & Family Sale, so I’m rounding up some of my top picks at the end of this post.
wearing: Mother Insider crop flares // BR dolman top (50% off) // quilted slides // J.Crew blazer (40% off + extra 15% off) // chain toggle necklace (15% off) // hoop earrings // snake wrap bracelet // Michael Kors crossbody
If you’re a regular, you may recognize these Mother Insider crop jeans. I’ve styled them a few times over the years, although I don’t wear them a ton. Even though I think they’re flattering, I never feel quite right in them, but I think I’ve finally landed on an outfit I can actually see myself wearing “in real life.” Now, I just need the right occasion.
These jeans are made of a lightweight stretch denim, so they’re great for spring and summer. They have a jet black wash, which lends itself to dressier outfits, but the crop length and subtle flared silhouette give them a little bit of sass.
I think that’s why I’ve struggled with them. You really have to figure out the right shoes and top to make them work. I’ve often tried pairing them with sock booties, but I like them better with an open sandal, and they seem to require a bit of a heel — at least on my 5’5″ frame.
These Jeffrey Campbell Mr Big Slides are very on trend right now with the square toe, quilted leather, and sculpted heel. I absolutely love them. In fact, I may also get the nude croco. They have a 3″ heel, which gives me a nice bit of added height, but they’re still walkable.
I would say these slides run true to size, although I almost always have to size down half in slides, which I did in this case. If you’re looking for a similar style for less, Express has a good pair. (I like that Pecan shade a lot too.)
Because these black kick flares are a cropped length, they require a shorter top or a front tuck to balance out the proportions of the look.
This is the Banana Republic dolman top that I styled last week in the navy print with white jeans. It has a nice drape, so it front tucks beautifully, although the wind was kind of blowing it out in this picture.
I love the design of this top. It’s super flattering and easy to wear, but I had a lot of questions last week about how it fits under the arms.
A dolman sleeve is when a sleeve is made from the same piece of fabric as the rest of the shirt, rather than sewn on separately. As you can see, that’s how this top is made, but it’s not cut low under the arms, as dolman tops often are. Your bra straps don’t show, and it’s comfortable layered under a jacket.
In fact, I did exactly that. I layered my J.Crew Going Out Blazer on top. I love this blazer because it’s more feminine than most. It has 3/4-length notched sleeves and an open front with no collar or lapels. It’s very fitted through the body, but it has a good amount of stretch for ease of movement.
This blazer also comes in navy, white, and grey; and it happens to be on sale right now! It’s 40% off plus an extra 15% off with code EXTRA, and it runs true to size. I have it in the 6.
I was tempted to do a leather jacket for an edgy date night look, but I think the more conservative blazer creates a pleasing juxtaposition to the trendy black kick flares, making this the perfect spring desk to dinner outfit.
It would also be nice for a conference or similar event that calls for business casual attire. You could certainly swap out the slides for pumps if you needed to wear a closed-toe shoe.
The chain toggle necklace keeps this look on trend, and it’s 15% off with code EXTRA. I also wore gold hoop earrings and a thin snake wrap bracelet, and I carried my Michael Kors camera bag crossbody.
As I mentioned above, Banana Republic is running a Friends & Family Event through Sunday, March 15th, where you get 50% off your purchase, no code needed. I’ve styled quite a few of their pieces this spring, including the dolman top in this post, so I rounded up my favorites below.
Banana Republic Favorites 50% Off:
Be sure to visit Cyndi Spivey and see the spring look she’s styling today!
Save It For Later:
Stay In Touch!
If you liked this post, be sure you’re signed up for my email newsletter. In addition to my most recent blog posts, you’ll receive exclusive content like special sales, my newest favorite finds, and an occasional peek behind the scenes — all delivered right to your inbox.
This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links, it helps support my business (at no additional cost to you) so thank you!
photos: Alison Cornell
Wow, love This outfit! I think this is the best one yet. I have the blazer I got last year on your recommendation and I love it but have not worn it since COVID. I am so excited about the shoes too! Not mules or sneakers! The slides are very flattering on Your feet and im digging the quilted leather. Hmmm, may have to pull the trigger on those but what color…
THAT is the question! LOL. I ordered nude and black b/c I couldn’t decide. I do like the nude, but I LOVE the black. And there are so many other good options in similar styles in various shades of beige and white.
I agree, you found the perfect shoes and top to wear with those jeans. Way to go! This is a very nice business casual look. Oh, I am not getting any replies from you on my iPad, which is very unusual. Not sure if there are technical issues or something else going on. Have an awesome day!
Great outfit! I wonder if Mother makes the same jeans in blue? I couldn’t find the except in distressed and I feel like that’s too much, but I will dig around some more. Do you know how long the Tarte deal is available with your code, Jo-Lynne? I was out of town when you did the post and this morning I went to place the order and they are out of the color I think I need.
I found this pair: https://shopstyle.it/l/bszJk
Not able to get comments on I pad.
Yes! Looks great! Good pieces that can be mixed and matched for several years.
Great outfit! Ordered the green top back when you showed the navy and I love it! Just ordered the blazer in the gray. And also ordered the BR Heather gray shacket. Your blog is a dangerous place! Fortunately it’s easy to return these days if something doesn’t work out. LOL. H a good day! 🍒
Very true! 🙂
Love the olive black combo. So a heel is better with crops? Wedge? I don’t do kitten heels.
Those jeans look really good on you. I think that’s what’s going to be so hard about the jeans all going away from skinny jeans. It’s harder to find the right shoe for the right jean. I’d think you could also wear your black mules with these jeans. The slides look perfect today how you styled the look. Hope you get to go somewhere to wear it. Great job.
Just wanted to let you know, I had to click leave a comment in order to see comments on my android phone… pretty sure for a couple days I could see them without and now it switched back.
Oohh…I love that blazer. It looks perfect! I have nowhere to wear it and is a little dressier than I normally need where I live, but it looks like one of those staples that would be great to have in your closet. I typically don’t buy black very often and would normally go for the grey…….however, the black just looks so chic to me – and I can see getting more use out of it in black. Decisions…decisions…..
I love, love, love this!!!
I like this outfit and the fact that it can go spring or fall. I’m ordering some of the pieces. The shoes and bag are in my carts.
Love this whole outfit!!
This outfit is just perfect! Head to toe! The slides really work and pull it all together IMO. Your hairstyle is so attractive. I’ve been meaning to tell you. All I need is the sage t-shirt. I am more casual these days and not going to an office. So thanks for the alternative t-shirt.
I love this outfit! Thanks for doing a business casual and not a jeans one. I wear work clothes 5 days a week, so my casual outfits are somewhat limited since I only wear them on weekends. And now since we don’t go to places I just wear sweatpants. Love your blog:)
Love this outfit and enjoy seeing something office appropriate! Thanks!
I’m having a really difficult challenge with your website as it relates to it downloading the photos. It’s taking forever….. None of my other blogging websites seem to have this issue. Are you getting this feedback from others? Thanks so much for your posts. Happy Friday!