The best flared trousers and how to nail the retro trend this season


The 1970s trend is having a resurgence and we're very much here for it


flares© Photo: Getty Images
Orin Carlin
Orin CarlinContent Writer
Updated: November 23, 2022
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The humble flare has seen a major revival in recent years, and for good reason.

MORE: 1970s fashion trends that are having a major revival this season

The infinitely flattering cinched-in waist balances beautifully with a wide lower leg – basically, those 1970s It-girls, Olivia Newton-John, Agnetha Fältskog and the like, knew exactly what they were doing when it came to nailing this trouser trend.

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What tops should you wear with flared trousers? 

A woman in sunglasses and a brown jacket crosses a busy street.© Photo: Getty Images

But how exactly to style flared trousers in 2022? Fundamentally, the high-waisted flare pairs exceptionally well with a micro crop top, whereas if you're planning on paying homage to an authentic 1970s style moment, you could opt for a crochet waistcoat or knitted halter top.  

READ: What to wear to a garden party: inspired by Emily Ratajkowski, Elsa Hosk and Karlie Kloss 

How can you dress up flared trousers?

Woman in denim suit and sunglasses crossing a busy street with cars.© Photo: Getty Images

Flared trousers can look really smart when styled up with a killer pair of heels. Monogrammed pointed slingbacks are our current obsession, but you could also opt for a luxe belt, like a vintage designer chain piece that will elevate the trouser trend twofold. 

RELATED: Alexa Chung puts a stylish spin on the Hawaiian shirt

Hello! Fashion shares some ultra-flattering ways of styling flared trousers:

With a round neck t-shirt and navy blazer 

Woman in sunglasses and blue blazer walking down a city street.© Photo: Getty Images

Denim flared jeans present the perfect opportunity for a cool, off-duty style moment. We love the inclusion of black staple accessories, in the form of cat-eye sunglasses and a Valentino shoulder bag, within an outfit that promises to stand the test of time. 

Navy blue flared jeans with two pockets and a button on the waistband.

Beau flared jeans, £135, Reiss

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With a cropped co-ord and chunky trainers 

Woman in orange jacket and patterned pants walking down the street.© Photo: Getty Images

This playful psychedelic co-ord moment is giving us major festival vibes. Chunky footwear always works brilliantly with flares, and we love that the pops of colour in the print link tonally with the bold orange blazer.

Orange leopard print bell-bottom pants with a high waist and wide legs.

Miu Miu orange print flares, £597, Farfetch

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With an asymmetric cut-out top and embellished platforms 

A woman with blonde hair stands in front of a building, wearing a black turtleneck, beige pants, and black shoes.© Photo: Getty Images

Beige trousers might initially feel like they belong in grandad territory, but this ensemble banishes that fashion myth in one fell swoop. A tight fitting top balances effortlessly with the width of the trouser legs and we love the accents of gold in the accessories.

A pair of light beige, wide-leg trousers with a relaxed fit and belt loops.

Chloé beige high-rise trousers, £1,135, MatchesFashion

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With a leather trench 

A woman in a black leather coat and blue jeans crosses a street.

We adore a two-tone jean at the moment and think Chloé's ultra-wide pair would look amazing styled with black leather boots and a matching trench.

Blue jeans with black trim on the sides displayed on a white background.

Chloé high-rise flared jeans, £579.96, Cettire

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With a statement knit 

A woman with shoulder-length hair stands outside a building, wearing an orange and white blouse, dark pants, and a small crossbody bag.

You can't go wrong with a pair of navy flares – plain and simple. Pair yours with a statement knit for an easy autumn style moment.

Navy blue wide-leg pants with a white label displayed on a white background.

Halina navy crepe flared trousers, £169, LK Bennett

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