You, Me and Some Flares
- @blurmag
- Mar 10, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: May 30, 2020
Get it? Like You, Me at Six? nvm. Join us as we devote this post to the staple piece of the 1970s, delving into its history and style tips for applying this to 2020 fashion and trends. Written by Rae. Shot by Poppy Gregson at The National Gallery, archive images from The Guardian.
Obviously, we're talking about the revolution that is the flare trousers, the peak of sex appeal in fashion for all genders. The 1970s gave us exactly what we didn't know we needed - the whole population in flares. Throwback to the cutest trend ever, boosted by the Glam Rockers, New Romantics and Hippies catch every girl, guy and grandma with flares in their wardrobe, extra points for those with platform boots too, and we need that back right now.
In AW 2015 we saw the return of flares to the runway, with big-label designers like Gucci resurrecting this underdog trend, and in 2020, flares are still our #1 go-to. Whether you call them flares or bell-bottoms, or you wear them as jeans or part of a power suit you can't help but acknowledge the fact that considering the lack of skin they show, they are the sexiest garments we've rewarded our bodies with since...sliced bread? (Trying to think of a fashion example didn't work, they're quite literally unbeatable).
There are so many ways to successfully wear these Godly trousers, and present-day trends just add to the fun of styling. Fashion doesn't have to be expensive, we all love luxury fashion but affordability and living within your means is totally normal, and always cute - you can make many flares looks out of high street and online brands meaning there's no pressure to shop luxury.
Image one and three by The Guardian, image two shot by Poppy Gregson.
If you're cautious about contributing to the fast fashion epidemic, make a Pinterest board with some unique outfit inspiration and head down to support your local charity shops, find similar, low-priced items for an edgier, one-of-a-kind result.
Need some inspo? We will detail a retro flare look, and a look with a more modern 2020 twist - introduce flares into your wardrobe no matter the season or occasion.
We wanted to give you the most wearable looks, so we've stuck to a more neutral colour palette and included luxury items alongside high street items, but you can find similar alternatives to all on Depop using our search terms ('x').
Retro:
This first look is heavily inspired by the Glam Rock movement using jean flare trousers 'Levi 725 Jeans', nude oversized satin shirt 'Nude Satin Shirt', black crocodile-effect heeled boots 'Croc Print Chunky Platform Heeled Boots' and a black leather trench 'Leather Trench Coat' - complete the look by unbuttoning the shirt 1/3 of the way, layering gold chains, adding small, thick hoop earrings and a slick, low, middle-part bun finished with a scrunchie and bobby pins. Jeans from Levi's via Farfetch, shirt via Missguided, boots via Simmi London and trench coat Calvin Klein via Boozt.
Modern:
This look takes more elements from the New Romantics and current editorial fashion, using the inspiration of a power suit to create a flare-to-blazer mix-matched combo. With geometric pattern flares 'geometric print/pattern flare trousers', puff-sleeve, sweetheart neckline blouse 'puff sleeve top', oversized check blazer or trench coat 'check blazer' and classic Buffalo boots. For that extra something, add a bejewelled or pearl headband with a matching pearl necklace and mini shoulder bag. Trousers via ASOS, top via Topshop, coat via Prada and shoes via Buffalo.
Paired with a bralette and trainers or a coat and boots, there's always room for flares; switch it up by bringing them into your workwear wardrobe, risque out-out outfits or even loungewear - why it gotta be so casual?
Did you give the flare look a try? Share your results with us via Instagram and use our hashtag #BlurredTheLines.
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