Should We All Be Wearing Flared Jeans?

Various styles of jeans have gone in and out of fashion over the years. At one point, baggy was all the rage. Then, suddenly, it was skinny or nothing. Now, baggy jeans are set to return and become one of the major fashion trends of 2023, although we’ve no idea how long this newfound appreciation will last. It’s been a similar journey with certain cuts of jeans, with things like boot-cut and flares also having their moments in the spotlight.

It’s been quite a while since the latter were as prominent as they were in the 1970s when flared jeans seemed to be everywhere. However, it appears they may finally be back in favor with the masses. That’s what happens when people get nostalgic, albeit for a time when most of them weren’t even born. So, should we all be wearing flared jeans?

Flared pants have been the stuff of Halloween costumes since the ‘70s

When flared jeans first made their mark on the world, they were associated with the groovy lifestyle of the hippie movement. So, it’s perhaps no great surprise that in the years since they haven’t necessarily been considered a key piece of fashion for the average person. Anytime someone has worn flared pants over the last few decades, it’s usually been as part of a retro costume. However, plenty of fashion designers now seem set on turning the flared look from a Halloween staple to something to be worn in all seriousness. Somehow, they’ve made these jeans look sophisticated.

Flared jeans cropped up a fair amount on the runway at the end of 2022

You never really know what to expect when designers showcase their looks for the upcoming seasons until their models hit the runway. One of the biggest surprises toward the end of last year was the number of times that flared jeans seemed to make an appearance in these fashion showcases. Dior, for instance, was one of the fashion houses that put their faith in these pants, combining them with a neutral tank so that the jeans were the star of the show. Celine and Altuzarra also told the world that they believe in the power of flares, somehow making this piece of clothing look sleek and elegant while still being comfortable and accessible.

The appeal of flared jeans isn’t simply down to the models wearing them

This seems to just be the tip of the iceberg when it comes to designers and fashion houses making statements about flared jeans. Of course, you may well think to yourself that these pants were always going to look good on the runway because of who was wearing them. It’s the job of a model to make any outfit work, no matter how bizarre or ill-suited it may seem. However, it’s hard to overlook the sheer prevalence of flared pants on the runway. Evidently, designers are eager to put these back at the forefront of people’s minds, and with so many supporting them, it’s hard to say they’re wrong.

Structured, minimalist tops can help someone to pull off flared jeans

Although flared jeans seem to be getting the thumbs up from designers, you may still be reluctant to wear them yourself. After all, a model might be able to make any outfit work, but it’s much harder for the average person. One trick to make these pants look more stylish and less costumey is to pair them with a more minimalist top. Avoid the kitschy look by steering clear of crochet or velvet tops, as these really will make you look like you’ve stepped out of the past. Just make sure you’ve got plenty of structure on the top, and you won’t have to worry so much about what you’ve got on the bottom.

Should we all be wearing flared jeans?

With all this in mind, the question still stands: should we all be wearing flared jeans? The answer, quite frankly, comes down to whether you want to or not. Trends come and go, some of them longer than others. Flared jeans certainly won’t be in the limelight forever, and they may end up just as unpopular as before once the excitement wears off. It could be several years before that happens, though. Fashion trends are all about living in the here and now; you’re meant to enjoy them while they last. So, if you’re tempted to see if you can make flared jeans work or simply wish to get involved in the trend, we say go for it.

Nostalgia plays an important role in fashion, so we’re not too surprised that flared jeans have made a reappearance after so many years. The romanticism of the past may well help to convince plenty of people who weren’t even around in the ‘70s to don this retro aesthetic. However, if you want the look to work for you, just make sure that you pair your jeans with the right top and accessories.