What is it:
Flare pants, also known as flared pants, are typically a pant model that widens from the knee. The silhouette is often interpreted differently, depending on how big the statement that is made should be. There are extremely flared shapes or more subtle bell-bottoms that are more like a boot cut, and there are also those with large-format appliqués or with a high waist that lengthens the leg.
Bell-bottom pants made their debut on the fashion scene in the 60’s and especially in the 70’s. For a long time, they were mainly used as sailor uniforms. The pant model has become the it pant and has been worn by glam rock icons, trendy youth, the working class and average people alike over these two decades. While the look has never really lost its appeal, its current resurgence is largely due to Gen Z’s extreme dislike of skinny jeans and straight-leg pants, bringing flares back to the forefront of fashion.
Why you want to order them:
The basic of the 70s enjoys great popularity again year after year. The reason for this is its practical and flattering silhouette, which offers an alternative to typical jeans and other trousers models. As previously mentioned, the recent revival could be attributed to Gen Z, who collectively punished skinny jeans over the past year and ensured that the style once favored by millennials all but disappeared from stores. While flared pants are typically defined by their flared hem, designs can vary widely, allowing the look to appeal to different women depending on personal tastes – for men, flared pants have made no sign of making a comeback so far. The type of material is also not decisive for the look. While flared jeans are at the top of the popularity list, pants can also be made from stretchy materials and knitwear that offer a more casual and comfortable alternative.
Where we saw them:
Etro took inspiration from the hippie origins of bell bottoms in the ’60s and ’70s and presented a collection reminiscent of the Woodstock festival. Alongside heavily printed ponchos and waistcoats, the brand showcased crocheted bell-bottoms as a comfortable yet stylish option for fall. Paisley print trousers are also a nod to the brand’s boho aesthetic this season, paired with a striking leopard print for a daring look.
Stella McCartney also opted for the vintage look for her label’s Fall/Winter 2022 collection and presented suits that the designer described as “tailored hippie”. The 70s look was underlined by the use of geometric prints and pinstripes, which Define McCartney’s new designs.Harris Reed’s fluid, aristocracy-inspired collection also consisted of bell bottoms, albeit in a modernized form.Lace-laced designs, yellow tailored looks and dramatic velvet trousers held their own alongside the oversized embellishments and signature headpieces that each subtly alluding to Victorian-era fashion, the theme of the young designer’s collection.
How to style them:
The flared pants offer a lot of flexibility in styling and are suitable for both elegant and experimental customers. For an effortless everyday look, a simple outfit can consist of sneakers and an oversized knit sweater or shirt, a seasonal transitional look that can work in different seasons. The pants can be paired with strappy shoes and a sparkling crop top or bodysuit, which doesn’t detract from the flared silhouette. If you prefer the 70s look, combine the pants with a fitted colorful shirt with a print and a distinctive collar. Elevate the retro look by pairing the top with a fringed vest and longline jacket with a roomy hem for a modern Jimi Hendrix or Fleetwood Mac look. Go for bell-bottoms that have a matching top, often both in a rib knit. Such sets offer a simple, practical combination option, but also work well on their own.
Flare pants have cemented their place in almost every wardrobe. Her comeback in the coming season is evident in the runway collections. Whether modern or retro-inspired, the silhouette resonates with a younger generation reinterpreting trends from the past.
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This article was previously published on FashionUnited.uk. Translation and editing: Barbara Russ