If I opened your denim drawer right now, I bet I could guess some of the key silhouettes stored inside—straight-leg jeans, skinnies, and perhaps even an of-the-moment outlier like those “grandpa” cuts. But what’s one style that probably hasn’t surfaced to the top of the pile as much as of late? Flares. Sure, cropped flares have been well, cropping up, over the last few years, but the more polarising bootcut and bell-bottom styles (aka anti–skinny jeans) haven’t been as popular… until recently.
That’s right, designers from Alberta Ferretti to Dior reintroduced fresh flared jeans in their autumn/winter 2021 collections as the next It denim pick for the forward set. And fun fact, celebrities like Gigi Hadid, Margot Robbie, and Harry Styles have already been following suit in ’70s-inspired flares. And it’s a look that isn’t slowing down.
To highlight the look further, we broke down how the flare trend is taking over the runway, celeb, and fashion world right now for you below. We also shopped out the coolest cuts of the moment below each section, should you feel ready to try the trend again this coming season. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know…
Light-wash flares pop even more with black separates like with this cropped black knit.
A tangerine-coloured jumper half-tucked into wider-leg bell-bottoms feels so right now.
You needn’t stick to blue tones; in fact, fresh white pairs like Alexa’s can feel more modern; especially when paired with Mulberry arm candy and an on-trend waistcoat.
Bella gives her flares a ’90s spin (another decade the jean style dominated) with an oversized leather jacket, chunky ankle boots, and miniature sunglasses.
The split-seam opening at the bottom of the flare makes these jeans especially modern.
Celine sent a slew of models down the runway. This denim-on-denim vibe with the slouchy white blazer is where it’s at.
Flares don’t have to fit tightly on the thigh to pass as the iconic silhouette; Alberta Ferretti kept its flare jeans on the loose side all the way up.
That jeans and a nice top combination you always rely on? Dior showcased a new pairing to try—a lace top worn with classic blue flares. Shearling trapper hat, optional.
Look for details like front seams and obviously high waistlines to elevate your flared jean look.
While the longer bell-bottom silhouettes generally reigned supreme, this Alberta Ferretti ensemble proves that cropped flares still have a home in your wardrobe.
Elevate dark flares with a modern blazer and classic white ankle boots.
A long duster coat works flawlessly with longer flares for an of-the-moment silhouette.
Light-wash flares look the minimal style part when paired with a simple asymmetric vest and a leather jacket.
Slightly cropped flared jeans in a tailored cut paired with a tucked-in top and blazer are polished for work (or a night out).
Adding a multi-patterned turtleneck into your denim ensemble is a simple way to make a serious impact.
Next up, the biggest autumn/winter 2021 fashion trends to know.
This piece originally appeared on Who What Wear US.
