Flares, the trouser style once synonymous with hippies and the 1970s, are making a comeback in 2026, driven by high-profile 'alpha' women. According to resale app Depop, searches for the style have surged 30% this month alone.
TV presenter Claudia Winkleman recently wore a flared suit on The Traitors, while Hailey Bieber, previously a champion of baggy jeans, was spotted in flared trousers in Los Angeles. Jennifer Lopez and Victoria Beckham have made flares a staple, often pairing them with tucked-in blouses or T-shirts.
Sinead McKeefry, Winkleman's stylist, described the Essentiel Antwerp suit as having a 'chicness' that offers a modern take on flares. Vogue's fashion news editor Daniel Rogers agrees, noting the trend has moved on from boho chic to a smarter, more dressy look.
Rogers emphasises the importance of footwear: platform shoes or stiletto heels peeking from under the flare create an assertive style. He adds that flares can be impractical but convey status, as wearers often travel by SUV.
Essentiel Antwerp's creative director Inge Onsea calls flares the perfect middle ground between slim and wide trousers, bringing back confidence and optimism after seasons of oversized silhouettes. Despite their high-end association, Depop data suggests the trend is also catching on among those who use public transport.
