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 polarizing bootcut and bell-bottom styles (aka anti–skinny jeans) haven’t been as popular again until recently. Well, get ready—as we continue to see on the runway and streets, flares proved in 2020 that they were back, and continue to do so in 2021.
Designers from Celine to Paco Rabanne reintroduced fresh flared jeans in their S/S 20 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. Fashion girls are also starting to embrace the vibe.
To highlight the look further, we broke down how the flare trend has taken over the runway, celeb, and It-girl world for you below. We also shopped out the coolest cuts of the moment if you’re ready to try the trend out this time around.
Light-wash flares pop even more with black separates like with this cropped black knit. On Margot Robbie: Chanel sweater
The medium wash of these jeans feels so right.
If a longer length isn’t for you, try a kick flare.
A tangerine-colored sweater half-tucked into wider-leg bell-bottoms feels so right now. Who: Harry Styles
We have a feeling elevated denim flares like this will stay “in” for seasons to come.
You can always rely on Levi’s.
The split-seam opening at the bottom of the flare makes these jeans especially modern. On Gigi Hadid: Monse Jacket; 7 for All Mankind Luxe Vintage Exaggerated Kick-Flare Jeans ($225); Ferragamo bag
Pair these spot-on flares with a lower heel to keep the silhouette long and cool.
Amp up flared jeans even more with a vibrant cropped jacket and statement accessories. On Penélope Cruz: Paige Genevieve Flares; Chanel bag
Keep it groovy with flares that have a high waist.
Celine sent a slew of models down the runway in a variety of bell-bottom cuts. This denim-on-denim vibe with the slouchy white blazer is where it’s at.
Fashion editors everywhere are all about the Levi’s “ribcage” silhouette.
These look like they came straight from the ’70s.
We’d describe this Brandon Maxwell silhouette featuring iconic flared jeans and that popped-collar blouse as “classic with a twist.”
Floor-sweeping flares are incredibly forward.
Don’t be afraid of a white denim moment.
Embroidered flares turned up in Paco Rabanne’s S/S 20 collection as the most playful way to lean into those ’70s throwback vibes.
Team these flares with a printed top and heeled mules
Try out a pop of color.
While the longer bell-bottom silhouettes generally reigned supreme, this Alberta Ferretti ensemble proves that cropped flares still have a home come spring 2020.
For anyone looking for a polished pair of cropped flares.
Elevate dark flares with a modern blazer and classic white ankle boots.
Try an extra-wide flare for a bold look.
A long duster coat works flawlessly with longer flares for an of-the-moment silhouette.
Try these light flared jeans with flats or heels.
Slightly cropped flared jeans in a tailored cut paired with a tucked-in top and blazer always look polished.
The buttons make this feel very retro.
Adding a multi-patterned turtleneck into your denim ensemble is a simple way to make a serious impact.
A light-wash pair is ideal for more casual occasions.
