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Originally worn as part of the US naval uniform, flared trousers hit the big-time in the late 1960s and 1970s – but they're having a real revival for 2023.
Some of the most iconic flared looks from the era are enjoying a real fashion moment: John Travolta’s bootcut suits from Saturday Night Fever were reimagined by Stella McCartney, Saint Laurent, and Versace for SS23, while brands such as Mother, Frame and the ever-faithful Chloé invest heavily in the statement flared cut each season without fail.
Don’t do retro? In 2023, anything goes when it comes to flared trousers: with cord, crochet, leather and classic denim designs appearing on the runways and street-style stars alike – with a modern twist. Bella Hadid wears hers with Y2K tank tops and cropped cardigans, while Kendall Jenner prefers the casual appeal of an oversized shirt. The queen of flares, Alexa Chung, is rarely seen without a pair on – styled with Mary Janes in the day and platform heels at night.
If you're completely new to the trend, we suggest investing in a classic black pair first (it's the LBD of flared trousers after all) to wear with basics at the weekend, tailoring in the office and ‘nice tops’ in the evening. We’ve included a few sensible staples, alongside a plethora of playful designs (think Studio 54 sequins and festival crochet) in our handy edit. Plus, lots of these styles are on sale right now, so you can invest in a more versatile pair and treat yourself to a party piece too, guilt-free (ish).
Keep scrolling to see 15 of the best flared trousers to shop now:
If you’re petite, or just not into floor-sweeping hemlines, opt for a a playful kick-flare instead. COS' cropped pair is smartened up with perma creases (ideal for the office) and will look just as good with the matching jacket as it would with a Breton tee.
There's no denying crochet is a key trend this season – just look to Ellie Saab and Chloé’s runway shows or recent TV hit Daisy Jones & The Six for style inspiration. We’re tapping into this look with Mango’s knitted flares – the airy, open-weave and versatile ivory shade makes the style perfect for holidays.
Nanushka’s faux-leather flares are so supple, they look just like the real deal. We love how the wide-leg silhouette is tempered with a ribcage-high waistband and on-trend split hemline. Take inspiration from Hailey Bieber’s off-duty looks and wear yours with an oversized leather blazer.
Karen Millen is proving florals don't always have to be summery with the vintage-inspired jacquard on these flared trousers. The moody colour palette feels perfect for both festival season and autumnal looks.
Flared denim will always deserve a place in your wardrobe, and Chloé's jeans are a true classic thanks to the dark-wash denim (easy to elevate) and exaggerated bell-bottom hems. Tap into the current 1970s trends with a balloon sleeve blouse and platform heels.
Although fairly new to the fashion scene, 16Arlington has quickly become the cool-girl’s go-to brand. Previously known for its micro minis and OTT feather trims, this year it's all about full sequin looks (just google Hailey Bieber’s Jimmy Fallon outfit if you don’t believe us). Tap into the sparkly trend with these floor-skimming flares and choose to dress yours up with the matching tank top or keep it casual with louche shirting.
Italian icon Missoni shot to fame in the 1970s with its collection of chevron knits. Fast forward to 2023, and these multicoloured stripes are as iconic as ever. Crafted from a soft cotton-blend, these flared trousers feature the brand’s patented zig zag intarsia and a relaxed wide-leg.
You can always count on Reiss for timeless occasionwear. We love the smart pinch-seams and deep-magenta shade on these floor-sweeping flared trousers. Wear yours to a summer wedding with barely-there stilettos.
Loved for its uber comfortable, size-inclusive denim, Good American is back with its sell-out Better Than Leather range. Thanks to the high-shine finish, these flared trousers are perfect for partying, but the subtle kick-flare means they can also be dressed down with a cropped tee and chunky trainers.
Adorned in silver micro-sequins, & Other Stories’ flared trousers make for perfect partywear. Want to take them beyond the dance floor? Simply throw on a denim jacket or distressed band tee a lá Kendall Jenner.
Marine Serre has become a celebrity favourite in recent years – Kylie Jenner, Dua Lipa and Selena Gomez have all been spotted wearing its iconic crescent moon logos. For a relaxed take on the flared trouser trend, opt for these subtle kick-flares. We love the punchy-pink shade and graphic jacquard.
You can always rely on high street favourite H&M for directional (and affordable) workwear looks. The brand's chilli-red flares are perfect for injecting some colour into basic, monochrome outfits. If you’re looking to replicate this year’s maximalist dressing trend, wear yours with the matching blazer to create a striking co-ord.
If you’ve invested in statement swimwear for your holiday this summer, why cover it up completely? Crafted from corded lace, Proenza Schouler’s flared trousers are perfect for showcasing bikinis at beach clubs, or glammed up with cropped shirts in the evening.
Forest-green is basically a neutral in 2023, so Joseph's tailored flares will be the perfect addition to your wardrobe and go with just about everything in there too.
Cut from cotton woven with a graphic houndstooth motif, these flares are perfect for those days you want to make a low-key statement. Wear yours with a classic white shirt to the office, then switch to knitted vests on the weekend.
Rosie Davenport is an Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK and Red Online, covering fashion, beauty and travel reviews, as well as major sales events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Rosie has reviewed everything from Reformation dresses to the latest massage guns and knows the new brands to bookmark as well as the latest trends to follow. Before this role, Rosie was a Fashion Ecommerce Writer on publications including ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar and Good Housekeeping for nearly two years, and gained a MA from Central Saint Martins in Fashion Journalism in 2021, focussing on the rise (and rise) of fashion podcasting. Rosie has also worked at The Times, been a sub editor at The Mail on Sunday’s weekly YOU magazine and produced in-depth retail reports for the trend forecasting agency WGSN. Her career highlight? Previewing Prada’s AW21 menswear show in the depths of lockdown and interviewing Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons from her bedroom. Outside of work, Rosie can be found rummaging through vintage shops or getting lost in one of London’s iconic department stores. You can follow Rosie on Instagram @rosie.davenport
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