Unrivalled in their ability to flatter, we adore a pair of flare jeans and we firmly feel that every denim enthusiast should have at least one pair stashed in their wardrobe.
Steeped in 1970s nostalgia, the silhouette is brilliant at bum-sculpting and leg elongation – especially when teamed with platforms for Bianca Jagger and Farrah Fawcett energy.
If you're wondering how to bring the humble flare bang up to date; this season, consider the boundary between flares and wide-leg styles officially blurred.
According to the runways, the shape that designers are backing involves a less stark distinction between the fit around the thigh and the lower leg.
Sitting on the opposite end of the spectrum to classic bell-bottoms with their slightly curved hems and clear-cut triangular shape, the current look feels subtler, often focused on elongation, especially in pairs designed with a high waistband.
Wide, clean shapes were the order of the day at Gabriela Hearst who teamed wide leg jeans with matching trench coats. While at Etro, denim shapes pledged alliance to the 70s with shoe covering bell bottoms that jutted out at the knee.
How to style flared jeans:
1/10
© Edward BerthelotWith a twin-set...
Veer away from the hippie vibes of the flared jean by teaming with a pastel twinset in sweet sorbet shades, and an unexpectedly festive bag.
2/10
© Raimonda KulikauskieneWith an itsy-bitsy crop top...
Balance proportions with some mega wide leg jeans teamed with a micro crop top. Bonus points for big shoulders.
3/10
© Valentina FrugiueleWith tailoring...
We want to copy this look immediately. The immaculate cropped navy jacket, the gold pendant, the pale blue jeans and the stilettos peeping out from beneath.
4/10
© GettyWith a matching bralette...
Inject your look with added interest via a textural element. These chevron flares give the classic silhouette a fresh, new dimension, and the high-waisted cut works really well with a crop top.
5/10
© GettyWith an elegant denim jacket...
Double denim fans will adore the idea of styling a pair of flares alongside a more sophisticated version of the jacket classic. The open styling gives it a relaxed air, and the voluminous cuffs balance out the width of the leg shape.
6/10
© GettyWith a statement corset...
If you're looking to lean into the hourglass silhouette and create a real sense of shape, styling flared jeans alongside a boned corset is extremely effective and full of impact.
7/10
© GettyWith a high-octane blouse...
If you're looking to up the ante on an otherwise relatively understated pair of flares, opt for a statement blouse. Lace, beading and ruching - a piece such as this is steeped in drama, and the enhanced shoulder silhouette echoes the width at the hem of the trouser.
8/10
© GettyWith an asymmetric top...
Coloured jeans, especially if they have a sleek finish such as these brown, leather-look flares, can look really chic. Styling them with a floaty, ruffle-lined halter top gives the look a sense of movement.
9/10
© GettyWith a dress overlay...
Jeans with dresses? Trinny and Susannah would be thrilled. Members of the street style set have been championing the unexpected pairing heaps recently, and this particular look, featuring a lace slip over utility flares, delivers a masterclass in cool, calculated layering.
10/10
© GettyWith a timeless leather jacket...
Flares are extremely forgiving in that they can be paired with all manner of outerwear. Keep things classic and champion black leather, either in the form of a relaxed-fit jacket, pointed boots, or both.
