Unrivalled in their ability to flatter, flare jeans are a total fashion godsend.
No self-respecting denim devotee would be without a pair in their wardrobe arsenal, and for good reason.
Steeped in 1970s nostalgia, the silhouette is nothing short of magical when it comes to both bum-sculpting and leg elongation – especially when teamed with platforms à la the It-girls of the day.
But how to inject the look with an air of contemporary cool?
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 label-favoured look feels subtler, often focused on elongation, especially in pairs designed with a high waistband.
At Etro, models wore ensembles with bow-adorned polka-dot blouses and cosy, patterned layers teamed alongside flares with thick hems and a crisp central pleat running down each leg.
Clean lines appeared to be the focus at Victoria Beckham. In one particular runway look, flares in a classic blue colourway featured a frontal seam on each leg, perfectly aligning with the seams running down the front of an oversized aviator jacket.
Hello! Fashion shares the best ways to style flare jeans this season:
With 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.
With 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.
With 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.
With 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.
With 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.
With 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.
With 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.
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