Mark My Words: This Non–Skinny Jean Trend Will Make a Big Comeback This Autumn

Here’s one thing I know for sure: whilst the amount of denim shapes and cuts are broad and often overwhelming, there is one style that has continued to show up across the decades and that is the flared jean. Loved by our parents and now by us thanks to their ability to carry you through summer and right through to the autumn and winter ahead, they’re a staple in many a fashion person’s wardrobe. 

If the idea of flares sends you down a spiral of 70’s references with tight-as-you-like fits worn only with crochet and bouncy blow-out hair, then fear not. The skinny jean love-affair is dwindling and flares with shape and movement is now the preferred way to wear the trend for both fashion folk and celebrities alike. And designers aren’t shying away from cool, fresh ways to wear the style either. Versace sent worn-in denim flares down its AW23 runway with a clean and crisp white shirt, while Etro's AW23 look nailed winter layering with brown tones and textures with their baggy grey flares, all tied together with a black leather belt. Phillip Lim touched on the utility trend for its AW23 collections with their tonal, comfy pair and Victoria Beckham introduced a raw edge seam down the legs for an elongating effect.

For me, the thought of a flare used to make me nervous as it brought back memories of my own Miss Sixty and Killah jeans with their ‘large as life’ flared bottoms and a super-skinny top half… I have always preferred some space between myself and the fabric for both the comfort and more flattering silhouette it provides. Thankfully, in 2023, the flared jeans trend differs from the more traditional fit with front square pockets and buttons all the way (although there’s a time and place for those too), preferring a more modern cut with cleaner lines and finishes. The width doesn’t need to fit a small child underneath and the kick-out from the knee doesn’t need to be a sharp increase. A gradual slope is all that’s required to flirt with this trend and the waistband doesn’t need to be high and tight. Relax and enjoy it! Or, if you’ve always imagined yourself as a bit of a John Travolta strutting your way down the pavement in Saturday Night Fever then go wild and go forth!

Scroll on to discover how to wear the flared jeans trend in 2023, with outfit inspo straight from the runway and street style stars, then shop our favourite pairs for every budget. 

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