Jeans, and their many iterations, are seldom not a hot topic in fashion. The undying love for straight cuts, the cult following for barrel legs and the divisive return of the skinny all pave way for... the resurgence of the flare.
Rarely seen without her own-brand Alina jeans, Victoria Beckham has long been an advocate for the flare, and after the rapper Kendrick Lamar wore bellbottom Celine in his Super Bowl half-time performance in February, wider leg styles have gained further traction. Recently, flares and bootcuts have been spotted on the likes of the supermodel Bella Hadid, the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle and Harper’s Bazaar’s April cover star, Rihanna.
The flare has emerged as the shape of the fashion season, too. During the AW25 shows, Balenciaga and Chloé went for classic blue denim bootcuts, whilst Chanel’s flares came in denim-like cord. Etro embellished theirs with paisley embroidery and Valentino aced the age-old “jeans and a nice top” outfit formula.
The cyclical nature of trends explains the recent resurrection of early Noughties sartorial tribes, such as boho and indie sleaze. Synonymous with both of these subcultures are, you guessed it, flares and bootcuts, meaning it was only a matter of time before we’d all be dusting off our denim. Unsure how to style yours? Take inspiration from street style stars below.
How to style flared jeans for 2025
Go boho
Chemena Kamali’s tenure at Chloé has ushered in an elevated, refreshed take on bohemian style. Take cues from the French fashion house and wear flares with details, be it lace-ups or embellishments.
Embracing textures is a must to perfect the boho look, so a ruffled blouse is ideal for when the sun decides to show, and a fringed bag covered in charm attachments is a must. Finish off with stacks of jewellery and aviator sunglasses. Sienna Miller, Stevie Nicks and Janis Joplin are your muses.
The high/low
Flared jeans can be smartened up for the office when paired with tailoring on top. Try cinching in a classic pinstripe blazer with a belt for a new take on your workwear staple. Accessories also help inject some personality into officewear; alongside XXL flared denim, Tom Ford’s Bronson sunglasses or Bottega Veneta’s intrecciato leather bags make for a statement look that demands attention.
Slick and Seventies
Miu Miu’s boldly patterned coat needs little introduction. Let it do the talking by pulling out colours from the print in the rest of your outfit; try pairing midnight blue flares with patent burgundy heels and a cherry red bodysuit for a top-to-toe tonal look. A Tiffany & Co. necklace is always a welcome addition to any ensemble.
Keep it minimal
Flares can be kept clean and chic when paired with crisp whites. Be it a button down cotton shirt or a timeless tweed jacket, go for flares that sweep the floor in a deep indigo wash for an enduringly sophisticated look. Continue to make a subtle statement with simple gold hoop earrings and classic Ray Ban sunglasses.
Play with prints
Flares are synonymous with the 1970s, so lean into vintage inspired pieces by mixing and matching layers with well worn-in denim. Give a fair isle knit some attitude by unexpectedly pairing it with monogrammed designer pieces, and amp up your accessories via retro frameless glasses, chunky jewellery and a slouchy shoulder bag. Think: Grandad, but make it chic.
Colour pops
Take cues from Bella Hadid and pair your flares with pops of red. Luckily, cardigans have received tonnes of attention of late, so finding a similar alternative to Hadid’s vintage Anna Molinari knit from AW95 will be pretty straightforward. Her lipstick red Valentino Garavani shoes have a diamante heel, adding some sparkle to a casual look. With a longline coat and oversized pearl earrings, the outfit is a failsafe for day to night wear. Joe and the Juice optional.
Clean cuts
Opting for flares in lighter washes during spring/summer months gives your denim a fresh update for the warmer season. Alongside a beige coat – a perfect option for a transitional layer – using a light palette of white and beige means there is room to punctuate your look with punchy colours. Be it an Hermes Kelly or a knee high boot, mix it up with snakeskin and bold shades of turquoise and terracotta.
