The essential guide to dealing with the throwback 70s style trend.

The most divisive fashion trend since nipple tassels is making a comeback. And we’re, well, undecided.

When you think of flares, you might think of Britney Spears circa 2000 wearing black leather flared trousers featuring flame-detailing.

Or you might think of threadbare flared jeans that were best worn slung low on your hips, hinting at inappropriate pelvic area exposure.

You’d be forgiven if you indulged in this trend in any way. You’re only human, after all. And they just looked so damn great on Britney.

For me, the first pair of designer anything I ever bought was a pair of flared jeans from Sass and Bide at the tender age of 11. I remember being so embarrassed about the flares that I did something more embarrassing – I tucked them up in at attempt to make them into straight-leg jeans. Didn’t work.

As hard as we tried to kill them, flares are back. In a big, FASHUN way. I didn’t understand them then, and I still don’t now. But they’re so back, they’re even ‘cool’ and ‘hip’ again (which is something only cool and hip people say).

Festival-goers debuted them at Splendour In The Grass, they were named as ‘a trend to watch’ by people who know, and they’re officially inundating our online shopping sites. $220 for a five-minute trend, anyone?

When I told my colleagues that flares were back, a lot of people had very strong opinions. Half of us were more excited about this than about the Spice Girls reunion happening, while the other half reckons flares need to stay buried and never, ever, ever come back.

But, alas, they’re here. And if you are one of few very cool people who can pull them off (you can probably guess that I’m not one of those people) there are a few things you need to remember.

1. Never, ever wear flares with flats, unless you’re Heidi Klum. Wear them with heels.

2. Flares should ideally be mid-to-high-waisted.

3. You should wear a crop or a tucked in top with flares – a long top will make your torso look awkwardly stretched.

So go forth, friends, and flare. Or don’t. Like everything else, it’s probably only going to be around for a week before it disappears again.

And if you need further inspiration, here’s some examples from the Internet. You’re welcome.

Are you a flare believer or non-believer? 

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