In the ever-shifting landscape of fashion, the silhouette of trousers has long been polarised between skin-tight and ultra-baggy. However, a definitive third option is making a powerful comeback for 2026: the flared trouser. Once the uniform of 1960s hippies, this iconic style is being reclaimed and redefined by a new wave of high-profile, assertive women.
From Woodstock to Westminster: The Alpha Flare Emerges
The resurgence is being led by figures often described as 'alpha' celebrities, who are adopting the flare as a symbol of polished confidence. This week, television presenter Claudia Winkleman showcased a chic flared suit from Essentiel Antwerp on the BBC's The Traitors, with the trousers elegantly pooling over her shoes. Simultaneously, style icon Hailey Bieber, previously known for championing baggy jeans, was photographed in Los Angeles wearing a pair of flared trousers.
They are not alone in this sartorial shift. Victoria Beckham and Jennifer Lopez have consistently incorporated flares into their signature wardrobes, often styling them with tucked-in blouses. Beckham notably featured the look in her recent Netflix documentary. The trend's momentum is underscored by data from the resale app Depop, which reports a 30% increase in searches for flared trousers this month alone.
A Modern, Assertive Silhouette
Fashion experts agree this revival marks a significant departure from the style's boho-chic origins. Daniel Rogers, fashion news editor at Vogue, observes that the contemporary flare is about looking "smart and polished." He emphasises that footwear is central to achieving the desired effect. "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," Rogers explained.
This 'alpha' interpretation transforms the flare into a statement of status. Rogers notes its potential impracticality, suggesting it signals a lifestyle where one is "getting into an SUV in two minutes." However, the Depop data indicates the trend is also being embraced by a wider audience, potentially making flares 2026's answer to the barrel-leg jean.
The Perfect In-Between: Why Flares Work Now
Creative directors and stylists champion the flare as the ideal compromise in today's trouser wars. Inge Onsea, co-founder and creative director of Essentiel Antwerp, describes them as "the perfect in-between, combining the definition of a slim trouser with the ease of a wider cut, which is exactly what makes them so flattering."
For Claudia Winkleman's stylist on The Traitors, Sinead McKeefry, the sleek suit provided a necessary "palate cleanser" amidst the show's vibrant patterns. "The simplicity of that suit gave me a moment to just breathe," McKeefry said, highlighting the style's modern versatility beyond 70s nostalgia.
Ultimately, the 2026 flare represents a mood shift. After seasons dominated by oversized shapes, Onsea believes flares "bring back confidence" and, most importantly, feel optimistic. This revival, spearheaded by influential figures from screens to street style, firmly re-establishes the flared silhouette as a powerful and contemporary fashion choice.
