Mark My Words: This Non–Skinny Jean Trend Will Make a Big Comeback This Autumn

Here’s one thing I know for sure: whilst the amount of denim shapes and cuts are broad and often overwhelming, there is one style that has continued to show up across the decades and that is the flared jean. Loved by our parents and now by us thanks to their ability to carry you through summer and right through to the autumn and winter ahead, they’re a staple in many a fashion person’s wardrobe. 

If the idea of flares sends you down a spiral of 70’s references with tight-as-you-like fits worn only with crochet and bouncy blow-out hair, then fear not. The skinny jean love-affair is dwindling and flares with shape and movement is now the preferred way to wear the trend for both fashion folk and celebrities alike. And designers aren’t shying away from cool, fresh ways to wear the style either. Versace sent worn-in denim flares down its AW23 runway with a clean and crisp white shirt, while Etro's AW23 look nailed winter layering with brown tones and textures with their baggy grey flares, all tied together with a black leather belt. Phillip Lim touched on the utility trend for its AW23 collections with their tonal, comfy pair and Victoria Beckham introduced a raw edge seam down the legs for an elongating effect.

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

For me, the thought of a flare used to make me nervous as it brought back memories of my own Miss Sixty and Killah jeans with their ‘large as life’ flared bottoms and a super-skinny top half… I have always preferred some space between myself and the fabric for both the comfort and more flattering silhouette it provides. Thankfully, in 2023, the flared jeans trend differs from the more traditional fit with front square pockets and buttons all the way (although there’s a time and place for those too), preferring a more modern cut with cleaner lines and finishes. The width doesn’t need to fit a small child underneath and the kick-out from the knee doesn’t need to be a sharp increase. A gradual slope is all that’s required to flirt with this trend and the waistband doesn’t need to be high and tight. Relax and enjoy it! Or, if you’ve always imagined yourself as a bit of a John Travolta strutting your way down the pavement in Saturday Night Fever then go wild and go forth!

Scroll on to discover how to wear the flared jeans trend in 2023, with outfit inspo straight from the runway and street style stars, then shop our favourite pairs for every budget. 

STREET-STYLE FLARE JEANS OUTFITS:

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Volume control
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Experiment with volume ratios like Ines De La Fressange and create a striking and unexpected shape. The dramatic and shapely top is complimented by the kicked out flares of her jeans and playful mules. 

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Clean and quiet luxury
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Pulled back and simple with a classic white vest, Nora Arnezeder lets the accessories have their moment with her dramatic flared jeans and less-dramatic styling.

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Printed denim
(Image credit: Getty Images)

As is the way with Copenhagen Fashion Week, the streets are filled with excellently paired looks such as lightly printed indigo flare jeans with a punchy and bold striped knit.

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Daring white
(Image credit: @LEASY_INPARIS)

Fresh and light, Julie accessorises her raw edge wide leg pair with espadrilles, an all-round french basket and striped shirt for that effortlessly-thrown-on look.

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Structured classic
(Image credit: @COCOBASSEY)

Keep it classy like Coco with iconic ballet flats and a structured top, allowing the printed flares to elevate her elegant and polished look.

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Going west
(Image credit: @ANNAWINCK)

Play with the proportions like Anna and team a heavy and hardy jacket with the slimmer waisted flares with suede lacing detail.

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Cardi-can chic
(Image credit: @LENAFARL)

Perfect for the every day, Lena styles her classic flared jeans with a 90's-style ruffled cardigan, a lip and comfortable trainers.

FLARE JEANS OUTFITS ON THE RUNWAY:

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Crisp white shirt
(Image credit: VERSACE AW23)

Risky business meets important business. Versace style their worn-indigo flares with a starch-stiff shirt and tough accessories for a luxurious take on denim. 

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Twisted seams
(Image credit: VICTORIA BECKHAM AW23)

Victoria Beckham weaves a raw edged seam down the front of her flared jeans for a noughties nod and leg lengthening benefits.

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Utility chic
(Image credit: PHILLIP LIM AW23)

The utility theme runs through this brown denim look from Phillip Lim. The brown and earthy tones are very relaxed and suit casual t-shirts or a large jacket cinched in at the waist like the runway.

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Baggy flares
(Image credit: ETRO AW23)

Bring on those wintery layers when the temperature no doubt starts to drop. These Etro flared jeans are loose fitting all the way and kick out from above the knee for a traditional yet relaxed take on the trend. 

SHOP THE BEST FLARE JEANS:

£50 and Under

£100 and under

£150 and under

£300 & under

Over £300

Next Up: The 9 New-In Pieces I'm Adding to My Wish List This Week. 

Freelance Fashion Editor

Charly Suggett is a contributor for Who What Wear UK. She is a stylist and writer from the Wirral and she has lived in London since 2011. After starting out as an intern and an assistant for numerous brands and publications, Charly ventured into styling editorials, music videos and commercials and discovered a love for writing and copywriting on top of this. She has compiled shopping pages and written for Grazia UK amongst other titles before having a chance taken on her at Who What Wear UK. She continues to style and write while supporting her dog, Pete, who consumes the entirety of her camera roll and adoration.