In the ever-shifting landscape of fashion, where silhouettes swing from extreme to extreme, a classic style is staging a powerful comeback for 2026. The flared trouser, once the uniform of 1960s hippies, is being reclaimed and redefined by a new wave of high-profile, alpha female celebrities, positioning itself as the sophisticated middle ground in the ongoing trouser wars.
From Boho to Polished: The Alpha Female Takeover
The current fashion scene has largely been split between two dominant trouser shapes: the skin-tight revival of the skinny jean and the ultra-baggy, oversized look. However, data and celebrity sightings point to a compelling third option. Resale app Depop reports a significant 30% surge in searches for flared trousers this month alone, signalling a major shift in consumer interest.
This revival, however, bears little resemblance to its free-spirited Woodstock origins. Today's flare is championed by figures embodying a polished, assertive confidence. Television presenter Claudia Winkleman recently showcased this modern interpretation on BBC's The Traitors, wearing a sleek Essentiel Antwerp suit with trousers that elegantly pooled over her shoes. Similarly, style icon Hailey Bieber, previously known for baggy jeans, was photographed in Los Angeles sporting a pair of flared trousers.
For some celebrities, the flare has become a signature. Victoria Beckham and Jennifer Lopez are frequent wearers, often styling them with a tucked-in blouse or T-shirt. Beckham notably featured the look in her recent Netflix documentary, while Donatella Versace has long used flares paired with stilettos for her iconic post-show bows.
Why Flares Are the 2026 Answer to Dressing Up
Fashion experts agree that the flare's resurgence marks a move away from casual boho chic towards a more dressed-up and intentional aesthetic. Daniel Rogers, fashion news editor at Vogue, notes the evolution. "I think these are about looking smart and polished, and being more dressy with it," he said. The key to mastering this alpha flare look, according to Rogers, is footwear. "You have to wear that kind of flare with a platform, or a spiky pointed stiletto peeking out from the bottom. I think that's what makes it so assertive as a look."
This emphasis on elevated, sometimes impractical footwear transforms the flare into a statement of status. Rogers humorously observed, "It becomes a status thing. It says 'I can wear this because I'm getting into an SUV in two minutes.'" Yet, as the Depop data suggests, the trend is also being embraced by a wider audience, potentially making flares "2026's answer to the barrel leg."
A Modern Silhouette for a Confident Mood
Stylists and designers highlight the flare's unique appeal as a perfect hybrid silhouette. Sinead McKeefry, Claudia Winkleman's stylist for The Traitors, praised the chosen suit for its "chicness" and modern take. "I love to see flares not always considered to be a 60s or 70s thing," she explained, describing the simple suit as a "palate cleanser" amidst the show's other patterns.
Inge Onsea, creative director and co-founder of Essentiel Antwerp, sees flares as the ideal compromise. "They're the perfect in-between," she says, "combining the definition of a slim trouser with the ease of a wider cut, which is exactly what makes them so flattering." Beyond just cut, Onsea attributes a specific emotional quality to the trend for the new year. "After seasons dominated by oversized silhouettes, they bring back confidence. Flares feel optimistic."
As 2026 unfolds, the flared trouser, propelled from its counterculture roots to the wardrobes of today's most influential women, is firmly establishing itself as a powerful and polished fashion choice. It represents not just a nostalgic callback, but a forward-looking statement of assertive, optimistic style.
