Tricks of the trend – How to wear….Flares

A trouser silhouette overhaul can be traumatic, and some of us had our doubts about the flares actually catching on at all, but we have been proved wrong. We thought that it might be a case of "flair today, gone tomorrow" but the wide-leg is here to stay. Dabbling in a trend that veers dangerously close to fancy dress is always tricky. It is essential to keep accessories and styling quite restrained lest you suddenly find yourself mistaken for an ABBA tribute act. After careful analysis  (of Olivia Palermo mainly) we've concluded that there are three main approaches to the flare: Cropped, slouchy and tailored. Shoe choices are key also. If you're working the wedge keep the top simple and modern and the flares tailored. Flat trainers give the cropped flares a slouchy laid-back vibe. While sliders add a contemporary edge when paired with slouchy flares. Cropped flares, €59.95 at Mango   Work with Trainers, Acne, €340 at Brown Thomas   Slouchy flares, €39.95 at Zara   Work with sliders, €29.99 at New Look   Tailored flares, €59.95 at Mango   Work with wedges, €18 at Penneys