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 summer and right through to the autumn and winter 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. Versace sent worn-in denim flares down its AW23 runway with a clean and crisp white shirt, while Etro’s AW23 look nailed winter layering with brown tones and textures with their baggy grey flares, all tied together with a black leather belt. Phillip Lim touched on the utility trend for its AW23 collections with their tonal, comfy pair and Victoria Beckham introduced a raw edge seam down the legs for an elongating effect.
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 2023, 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 2023, with outfit inspo straight from the runway and street style stars, then shop our favourite pairs for every budget.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Keep it classy like Coco with iconic ballet flats and a structured top, allowing the printed flares to elevate her elegant and polished look.
Play with the proportions like Anna and team a heavy and hardy jacket with the slimmer waisted flares with suede lacing detail.
Perfect for the every day, Lena styles her classic flared jeans with a 90’s-style ruffled cardigan, a lip and comfortable trainers.
Risky business meets important business. Versace style their worn-indigo flares with a starch-stiff shirt and tough accessories for a luxurious take on denim.
Victoria Beckham weaves a raw edged seam down the front of her flared jeans for a noughties nod and leg lengthening benefits.
The utility theme runs through this brown denim look from Phillip Lim. The brown and earthy tones are very relaxed and suit casual t-shirts or a large jacket cinched in at the waist like the runway.
Bring on those wintery layers when the temperature no doubt starts to drop. These Etro flared jeans are loose fitting all the way and kick out from above the knee for a traditional yet relaxed take on the trend.
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.
The classic and worn-in indigo shade looks great with a white tee.
Available in short, regular and long for the perfect desired length.
Made with stretch cotton for comfort and a flattering high waist. The washed out shade of this pair work well with dark clothing.
I love the traditional front patch pockets on this pair for a nod to the 70’s.
The subtle two-tone shades of this pair are a great punctuation to any look.
Made with a stretchy denim, this sleek black pair look great with a monochrome look.
I’ve heard nothing but good things about Good American jeans and this high-waisted sleek pair have stretch for a comfortable wear.
Hear me out. Tight white jeans may seem controversial but Spanx are famous for their fit.
Clean and using an un-distressed denim, this Reiss pair are long in the leg for a lengthening silhouette.
Sustainably made in a rigid-with-a-hint-of-stretch denim, this wide-leg pair from Mother are a classic addition to any wardrobe.
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.
The lived-in wash of these flares from Paige goes hand in hand with relaxed styling.
Effortless and with a slight stretch, this beige pair is slightly distressed works well with similar coloured pieces.
You can’t have Paco Rabanne without a little hardware and this neutral sleek pair have some detailing on the waistband to let the flares do the talking.
Victoria Beckham adds some razzle to your denim with embellished patch pockets and side legs.
Super flattering with a high-waist, a good solid black 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.
