Are Flare Pants and Jeans Back in Style?

Are flare pants back in style? Absolutely!  Skinny jeans and pants that hugged our ankles ruled for a long time, but now the fashion pendulum has swung the opposite way. Flare pants and jeans with wide hems are all the rage. How wide am I talking, and what is the difference between flare jeans and bootcut jeans? Think of it this way.

Bootcut are in between a straight leg and a flare. They are fitted around the thighs ( hug your thighs) and start to widen out just a bit at the knees and down just enough to accommodate a boot. I like to think of them as a mini flare.

Flares (bell bottoms) are much wider. They are tight-fitting through the thighs and flare out at the knee into a wide base. The Flare can be a little or a lot wider than a bootcut flare. They are often greatly exaggerated, like a giant bell.

The bottom line is flares pants are basically what we wore in the 70s. The only difference is today, flares are a little more snug through the thighs, and now they are called flares, not bell bottoms. So remember, Flares/Bell bottoms- same thing!

Here are some of the latest types of trendy flares and some fresh ideas for how to style them.

Corduroy Flares

Flares aren’t the only thing from the 70s that is back. Corduroy is also having a moment, and everyone seems to be loving corduroy pants because of their earthy texture and laid-back vibe. The most popular corduroy flares have a high waist.

The best way to style flare cords now is to pair them with a cute, chunky, cropped cardigan. Wear this charming ribbed cardigan with the sleeves pushed up for a sporty look or over a white shirt with the shirttails hanging out.

A soft black bag with a bit of fringe plays up the boho feel of flares. Finish this outfit with classic leather booties and some statement-making hoop earrings.

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Suede Flare Pants

Texture is trending this fall. In addition to corduroy, suede and faux suede are other go-to fabrics. These rich merlot faux suede flare pants have a velvety appearance and feel. They look classy paired with something silky, like this flutter sleeve blouse. Taupe suede booties, gold earrings, and this fabulous fall bag give this outfit a feminine, modern look. (See my suede flare pants here)

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Cropped Flare Pants

Cropped Flares are a fashion-forward way to wear flare pants. These are going strong despite being a little tricky to wear. These ones may look like leather, but they are glossy-coated jeans. Coated jeans are trending, as well as this cool teal shade. For an elegant and slimming look, pair this teal wrap top with these L’agence jeans for a slimming, leg-lengthening look. Dark mules add a sexy touch and help continue that long, lean line.

What do you think of Flare (bell bottom) pants? Have you bought any yet?