Q. I read all of the fashion magazines and websites and I love to stay ahead of the trends. I’ve recently noticed that flares are making a comeback and the very thought of wearing them fills me with dread. Can flares ever really look cool?
A. For most of us past a certain age flares conjure up images or The Bay City Rollers in tartan bell bottom or Mick Jagger strutting his stuff in a pair of white silk loon pants. In the seventies looking stylish was all about wearing the widest flares that you could possibly get your hands on but, thankfully, that’s all changed.
These days flares not only look grown up and chic they’re incredibly flattering too. And with celebrities such as Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss and Kate Hudson sporting the look, you can bet that flares are the only jean style to be seen wearing this summer.
Flared pants, also known as bell bottom pants or wide-leg pants have emerged as major and promising 2010 fashion trend with many top designers featuring retro-inspired flare and bell bottom pants in their collections. Derek Lam featured long, flare pants in fabric with sheen, making them versatile for day or night. According to Derek, they make legs look like they go on forever. What’s not to love!
The skinny flare is probably of the most flattering styles to hit the high street in years. Why? These jeans usually come in a dark wash and with a subtle flare at the bottom they balance and slim most figures to perfection. The top part of these jeans are as tight as your average pair of skinnies but the bottom half flares out in a gentle kick, giving it that effortlessly stylish 70’s vibe.
For those feeling a little nervous about wearing wider styles, there is the narrower, ankle-length version – the "kick flare" or "kitten flare". It is one of the most flattering jeans shapes and a great style for pear shapes as it slims your bottom and hips. Trust me, once you try on a pair of these on - you’ll give up your skinnies for good.
