Flares are back—here are 11 street-style looks to prove it

With the overwhelmingly positive news that there are now more secondhand shoppers than ever before, it might come as little surprise that conspicuously retro silhouettes are mounting a mainstream comeback. As more of us move towards building socially conscious wardrobes, vintage looks are a mark of distinction as well as a universally modern style move. But what’s behind the new appeal of flares specifically? And who’s wearing them now?

What you need to know

The 1970s trouser shape swept the floor (literally) at Paris Fashion Week SS21, with the city’s runways and pavements serving up nostalgic renditions of the classic denim bootcut and fluid bell-bottoms. In the hands of a new generation (read: mask clad and socially distanced), the flare surpasses every disco-era cliche to deliver a genderless wardrobe high.

This is a trend that channels the free-spirited mindset of a decade where disrupting social norms became the norm. On the catwalk, the loungey kick-flare (seen at Y/Project, Charlotte Knowles and Nensi Dojaka) is destined to finally call time on the high-fashion sweatpant, while the new take on suiting taps into an ultra-polished throwback mood (enter Victoria Beckham and Balmain).

Who’s wearing flares now?

In between blockbuster 2020 modelling gigs, Danish model Mona Tougaard puts a signature 1990s spin on her slouchy bootcut jeans, while Argentinian runway star Mica Argañaraz has the 1970s-meets-now mood in everyday tailoring down. We’re also still not over Sculy Mejia’s Versace SS21 runway look that’s single-handedly boosted the appeal of low-rise bootcut pants, with a nod to the visible underwear trend.

Also reads:

Everything you need to know about September’s SS21 shows

6 hair and beauty trends from Paris Fashion Week SS21 to know now