Here’s one thing I know for sure: whilst the amount of denim shapes and cuts are broad and often overwhelming, there is one style that has continued to show up across the decades and that is the flared jean. Loved by our parents and now by us thanks to their ability to carry you through the season ahead, they’re a staple in many a fashion person’s wardrobe.
If the idea of flares sends you down a spiral of 70’s references with tight-as-you-like fits worn only with crochet and bouncy blow-out hair, then fear not. The skinny jean love-affair is dwindling and flares with shape and movement is now the preferred way to wear the trend for both fashion folk and celebrities alike. And designers aren’t shying away from cool, fresh ways to wear the style either. Chemena Kamali’s much praised about first show for Chloé showed high-waisted flares, at the autumn/winter 2024 show, while Etro used flare jeans to cohesively complement the eccentric designs.
For me, the thought of a flare used to make me nervous as it brought back memories of my own Miss Sixty and Killah jeans with their ‘large as life’ flared bottoms and a super-skinny top half… I have always preferred some space between myself and the fabric for both the comfort and more flattering silhouette it provides. Thankfully, in 2024, the flared jeans trend differs from the more traditional fit with front square pockets and buttons all the way (although there’s a time and place for those too), preferring a more modern cut with cleaner lines and finishes. The width doesn’t need to fit a small child underneath and the kick-out from the knee doesn’t need to be a sharp increase. A gradual slope is all that’s required to flirt with this trend and the waistband doesn’t need to be high and tight. Relax and enjoy it! Or, if you’ve always imagined yourself as a bit of a John Travolta strutting your way down the pavement in Saturday Night Fever then go wild and go forth!
Scroll on to discover how to wear the flared jeans trend in 2024, with outfit inspo straight from the runway and street style stars, then shop our favourite pairs for every budget.
STREET-STYLE FLARE JEANS OUTFITS:
Volume control
Experiment with volume ratios like Ines De La Fressange and create a striking and unexpected shape. The dramatic and shapely top is complimented by the kicked out flares of her jeans and playful mules.
Clean and quiet luxury
Pulled back and simple with a classic white vest, Nora Arnezeder lets the accessories have their moment with her dramatic flared jeans and less-dramatic styling.
Printed denim
As is the way with Copenhagen Fashion Week, the streets are filled with excellently paired looks such as lightly printed indigo flare jeans with a punchy and bold striped knit.
Daring white
Fresh and light, Julie accessorises her raw edge wide leg pair with espadrilles, an all-round french basket and striped shirt for that effortlessly-thrown-on look.
Structured classic
Keep it classy like Coco with iconic ballet flats and a structured top, allowing the printed flares to elevate her elegant and polished look.
Going west
Play with the proportions like Anna and team a heavy and hardy jacket with the slimmer waisted flares with suede lacing detail.
Cardi-can chic
Perfect for the every day, Lena styles her classic flared jeans with a 90's-style ruffled cardigan, a lip and comfortable trainers.
The Tailored Fit
Take a cue from French women this autumn, who are opting for a more tailored flare jean to wear with a boxy blazer and classic tee. How chic!
Dark Denim
Andrea proves that a darker denim wash will always look chic. Pair it with other dark items in your wardrobe along with your favourite boots for an effortlessly stylish look.
Cropped chic
Perfect for those slightly warmer days, this slightly shorter flared jean that Marissa is wearing looks great with a simple white blouse and slingbacks.
FLARE JEANS OUTFITS ON THE RUNWAY:
Chloé reinterprets flare jeans with a chic Parisian aesthetic, blending bohemian flair with modern tailoring. The collection pairs wide-leg jeans with oversized, structured outerwear, creating a sophisticated silhouette that plays with contrasts in volume and texture.
Etro’s runway embraced '70s nostalgia with flare jeans that felt effortlessly relaxed yet refined. The jeans are styled with the brand’s signature eclectic prints, layered knitwear, and artisanal detailing, delivering a mix of luxury and laid-back ease .
Isabel Marant's flare jeans add a cool, urban edge to her quintessentially relaxed French style. Paired with slouchy knitwear and oversized jackets, the wide-leg denim captures an understated elegance with a rebellious twist .
Gabriella Hearst opts for eco-conscious sophistication, presenting tailored flare jeans made from sustainable materials. Her designs focus on clean lines and precision, combining structured denim with classic blazers and coats and earth-toned knitwear for a polished yet relaxed vibe .
SHOP THE BEST FLARE JEANS:
Shop £50 and Under:
The mid wash shade looks great with a white tee.
These flares are cut in a regular length to sit on the foot rather than gather or pool around the bottom. Some stretch in the fabric allows comfort throughout.
The cropped raw edge of these flares are versatile whilst the mid-rise waist is flattering and comfortable.
Available in short, regular and long for the perfect desired length.
Shop £100 and under:
Made with stretch cotton for comfort, the washed out shade of this pair work well with dark clothing.
I love the 90's distressed pattern on this pair.
Clean and relaxed, Arket makes a good trouser and the straighter cut of these flares are no different. They'll keep their shape well with the no-stretch cotton.
The button-up waist of this pair will add a cool retro feel to any look.
Shop £150 and under:
Made with a stretchy denim, this sleek dark blue pair look great with a monochrome look.
A black pair is always a good idea.
Hear me out. Tight white jeans may seem controversial but I love the look of this fit.
I've heard nothing but good things about Good American jeans and this high-waisted sleek pair have stretch for a comfortable wear.
Shop £400 under:
Sustainably made in a rigid-with-a-hint-of-stretch denim, this wide-leg pair from Mother are a classic addition to any wardrobe.
I especially love the light wash on these.
Inspired by the super high-waist of the 80's, these versatile flares work with a huge range of footwear such as trainers, boots and heels.
An editor favourite.
Shop Over £400
The overextended flares on this pair do all the talking.
I can see this pair worn with a classic crew-neck T-shirt and an oversized blazer..
Super flattering with a mid-waist, a good light distressed wash and long in length, what more do you need?
The proportions of this Bottega pair are perfect and just the right amount of kick-out from the knee.
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