In the ever-shifting landscape of fashion, where silhouettes swing from skin-tight to voluminously oversized, a classic style is making a powerful and polished comeback for 2026. The flared trouser, a shape synonymous with 1970s counterculture, is being reclaimed by a new wave of high-profile, assertive women, transforming it from boho chic into a symbol of modern, dressed-up confidence.
The Alpha Female Embraces the Flare
The current revival is being led by figures who might be described as 'alpha' celebrities, moving the trend far from its Woodstock roots. This week, television presenter Claudia Winkleman made a striking style statement on BBC's The Traitors, wearing a sleek suit with dramatic flares that pooled elegantly over her shoes. Across the Atlantic, style icon Hailey Bieber—once the champion of baggy jeans—was photographed in Los Angeles sporting a pair of flared trousers, signalling a significant shift.
This is not a fleeting moment for some; for stars like Jennifer Lopez and Victoria Beckham, flares have become a signature part of their wardrobe, often paired with a tucked-in blouse or T-shirt. Beckham notably featured the look in her recent Netflix documentary, while designer Donatella Versace has long used flares with stilettos for her iconic post-show bows.
A Third Way in the Trouser Wars
The data supports the visual trend. The resale app Depop reports a 30% increase in searches for flared trousers in just the last month. Fashion experts agree this represents a compelling 'third way' between the dominant extremes of skinny and ultra-baggy cuts.
Sinead McKeefry, Claudia Winkleman's stylist for The Traitors, explained the appeal of the Essentiel Antwerp suit, praising its "chicness" and "modern take on the flare." Daniel Rogers, Fashion News Editor at Vogue, concurs, stating the look has evolved: "I think these are about looking smart and polished, and being more dressy with it."
Footwear is now central to the aesthetic. "You have to wear that kind of flare with a platform, or a spiky pointed stiletto peeking out from the bottom," Rogers adds. "I think that’s what makes it so assertive as a look." He notes this version is a status-driven style, far removed from its practical origins: "It says 'I can wear this because I'm getting into an SUV in two minutes.'"
Optimism and Confidence for a New Year
Despite its high-fashion, high-heel iteration, the trend is also being adopted more widely, with Rogers suggesting flares could be "2026’s answer to the barrel leg." The design itself offers a universally flattering silhouette. Inge Onsea, creative director and co-founder of Essentiel Antwerp, calls flares "the perfect in-between," combining "the definition of a slim trouser with the ease of a wider cut."
For McKeefry, the clean lines of Winkleman's flared suit acted as a "palate cleanser" amidst the show's patterned knits and tartans. Ultimately, the mood the flare brings to 2026 is one of positivity. "After seasons dominated by oversized silhouettes, they bring back confidence," Onsea concludes. "Flares feel optimistic."
