Flares roar back into favour
You might have thought they had died a slow death, but right now they're heading to a store near you.
When Victoria Beckham swapped her trademark skinny jeans for a pair of flares last year, the world was agasp. Or aghast, even. Could this really signify the end of the skinny jean? Of course it wasn't, but darling Vicky (as I've come to fondly call her), is in possession of one of those magic crystal balls which lets her see into the fashion future (Kate Moss has one too, and Alexa Chung. Unfortunately most of us missed out on the great crystal ball giveaway of 1999. I blame Prince).
It's why Vicky knew the flared jean would make a roaring comeback this year - with her flares at around $700 a pop, she's definitely counting on them. And you'd better believe it. You might have thought they died a slow death (along with other icons of the decade, apricot chicken and the leisure suit), but at this very moment, piles of flares are packed neatly inside cardboard boxes, travelling inside an enormous shipping container, heading to a store near you. And if you swore you'd never wear them again, it's time to embrace your fears.
See, the last time I wore flares, they were low cut and strangled my hips so tightly I could barely eat a salmon blini for fear of popping a button (I said barely, let it be known that I managed to eat in defiance). But the new flare is much kinder: A high waist disguises a muffin top, and if you tuck a blouse in, they give the illusion of endless legs. Paired with a crisp white shirt and perhaps even a blazer, they're actually a good alternative to a tapered leg.
Yes folks, fear not, because today's flared jeans are less That 70's Show and more like the pants Bianca wore to marry Mick - which I'm sure is exactly what Jennifer Aniston had in mind when she wore a red, flared, Gucci pantsuit to the Critic's Choice Awards earlier this year. Managing Director of MAVI, Ali Hootman, says, "The most significant trend to emerge this season is the rebirth of the 1970's flare." While Toni Baston, Head of Women's Apparel at The Iconic is calling flares "the anti-skinny," for those who want a new shape.
The problem with flares of course, is that much like religion, it's all in the interpretation. And some people interpret flares the entirely wrong way. Here's how to wear them without stepping into the danger zone:
1. Instead of your usual skin-tight fit, loosen up a little. A flared jean should be almost like a pant, that skims over your waist and languidly glides down the leg.
2. Go long. Wear heels when you try the flares on and make sure the hem skims the floor. If they're too short you'll look squat and take away any genius leg-lengthening opportunities.
3. Never wear flats with flares.
4. Don't overthink it. A pair of flares with a fussy shirt or a bedazzled top will make you feel like a clown (one of the warnings on the label actually). Team with a simple tee, a loose shell top or an easy knit that sits on your hips.
5. If all else fails, remember the mantra, sleek n' chic. Long lines and classic colours will see you winning. Show the flare who's boss.
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