Flare

Flared trousers: when to wear them?

From work to elegant occasions, bell-bottom trousers are ideal for formal contexts, ceremonies, or evening looks, especially when crafted in fluid or structured fabrics. The most essential variations also fit easily into a work wardrobe, offering a refined alternative to cigarette trousers. By changing materials and pairings, the same model can adapt to different moments of the day.

How to pair shoes with flared trousers

Shoes play a fundamental role in the balance of flared trousers. Heeled models, such as pumps or sandals, help to elongate the figure and enhance the flared line, especially with high-waisted trousers. Wedges and block heels offer stability and comfort while maintaining the lengthening effect. For a more casual look, sneakers or flat shoes work better with moderate flares, preventing the hem from touching the ground and preserving the silhouette's proportions.

Flared jeans: outfits and how to style them

Flared jeans lend themselves to creating balanced outfits thanks to their flared line, which naturally balances volumes. To make the most of them, they work particularly well with more fitted tops or those tucked into the waist, highlighting the waistline and lengthening the figure. Short jackets, structured blazers, or fluid shirts help maintain harmonious proportions, while heeled shoes, wedges, or platforms complete the ensemble by emphasising verticality. Even in more casual versions, flared jeans remain versatile and easy to pair, adapting to different styles without losing balance.

Who do flared trousers suit?

Flared trousers suit many body types because they naturally balance proportions. The flare from the knee down helps to elongate the figure and bring harmony to the silhouette, especially when paired with a high waist that defines the waistline. This model particularly enhances a curvy physique, as it follows the shapes without restricting them and creates a fluid, vertical line. Even more moderate flare versions offer the same balancing effect, making them easy to wear in various contexts.

Fit and high waist: how flare trousers enhance the silhouette

Fit is one of the key elements of flared trousers. High-waisted models help define the waistline and lengthen the leg, while stretch versions or those in soft fabrics guarantee comfort and freedom of movement. This construction makes them particularly suitable for enhancing a curvy physique, creating a fluid and harmonious line.

What are flared trousers?

Flared trousers are a trouser style characterised by a leg that remains fitted on the hips and thighs and then progressively widens from the knee down, creating a bell or trumpet shape. The name "elephant's foot" comes from the visual resemblance to the end of an elephant's hind leg, which widens towards the foot. The main features are the fit — tight on the hips and thighs, fitted down to the knee — and the flare — widening from the knee area towards the hem. The style recalls 1970s fashion, but they are versatile for casual or elegant looks, also suitable for hourglass or rectangle body shapes.

Curvy and plus size trousers by Marina Rinaldi

There is no real substantial difference between flare, bell-bottom, and flared trousers. In summary:

• Flare: the modern and technical cut that identifies trousers widening progressively from the knee to the hem.
• A zampa (or bell-bottoms): is a specific type of flare, often more pronounced and wide, typical of 70s style.
• Bootcut: is a less extreme version of flare, which widens just enough to comfortably accommodate a boot.

Therefore, when you hear about ""flare"" trousers, it refers to trousers that follow the flared silhouette, but with different intensities of wideness.