Whether your wardrobe likes it or not, 1970s styling is back. Suede, fringing, platforms and bohemian glamour are all part of the story but don’t panic, all you need is the one piece that sings for the 1970s: flares. As a long-standing fan of how flattering flares are, I hoarded my J Brand Love Stories from 2008 and then thought, ‘how do I wear the flare without for 2015, without looking dated?’ From tailored white to off-duty denim, I road-tested some different styles to suss the trend.
First and foremost don’t channel the 1970s too literally, you don’t want to look like a retro throwback or worse, Britney Spears in the early noughties; (we all remember when Britney & Justin did double, double denim.) Flares for 2015 are all about looking sleek and modern, look to Victoria Beckham and Kate Moss for inspiration.
The key to perfecting the kick-out-from-the-knee shape of flares is in balancing your silhouette. Whether you choose a skinny-fit or more relaxed wide-leg flare, keep your top-half structured by choosing a simple tucked-in tee, fitted knit, shirt or jacket and avoiding anything too loose and baggy.
Double Breasted Jacket: Missoni
Tee: Cos
Jeans: Notify
Platforms: Miu Miu
The easiest way to work flares into your current wardrobe is via a classic, high-waisted denim flare, the iconic style that is both leg-lengthening and universally-flattering. My style advice on finding that perfect pair is as follows:
1. Black or indigo washes are the most slimming and leg-lengthening
2. Make sure they have good stretch and fit snugly on the waist, bottom and thigh and then kick out into a sharp flare
3. When shopping for flares take the shoes you plan to wear with them, so you can test the leg length and get it right (if they are too long you can easily alter at your local dry cleaner)
4. Make sure the hem sits just on the ground, you don’t want it to be swinging or dragging along the street
Such a modern look, why not bring two spring trends together and wear tailored white flares as part of an all-white look? Mix-and-match fabrics and finishes for an expensive look, sharp tailored or denim flares with a sheer blouse, tuxedo jacket and fierce heels will make a sleek and sophisticated evening choice. NB: Avoid red wine and public transport.
Jacket: Theyskens Theory
Sleeveless Blouse: Theory
Flared Trousers: Ralph Lauren
Heels: Sergio Rossi
For a more rock ‘n’ roll option, black flares are an easy go-to because they will work with so many pieces in your existing wardrobe: stripes, military khaki, printed silk blouses, blazers and of course your leather jacket. Also a great choice for the evening, style them up with a cropped structured top, red lipstick and statement platform heels.
Jacket: 3.1 Phillip Lim
Tee: Luella
Flares: J Brand Love Stories
Heels: Topshop
And finally, for the shoes don’t be shy to choose platforms that add to the seventies vibe, these will not push your look into a Bee Gees tribute act! Avoid pointy pumps worn under bootcuts which had their style heyday in the 1990s, where the combination should stay.
How are you feeling about 1970s styling and flares?