Key Takeaways
- The flare trouser shape is making a comeback in 2026, with a 30% increase in searches on resale app Depop.
- The latest trend takes its cue from high-profile women who embody the "alpha" personality, such as Claudia Winkleman and Hailey Bieber.
- Flares are being worn in a more modern and polished way, often with heels or platforms, and are seen as a third way in the current trouser wars between skinny and oversized styles.
- The look is described as confident, optimistic, and flattering, and is being embraced by people from all walks of life, not just those who can afford to drive an SUV.
Introduction to the Flare Trend
The world of fashion is currently divided into two distinct camps when it comes to trouser shape: skin-tight and ultra-oversized. However, there may be a third way to approach this style dilemma. Enter the flare, a trouser shape that was first popularized in the 1970s and has been flirted with briefly over the years. The flare is back again in 2026, and it’s being worn by high-profile women who embody the "alpha" personality. From TV presenters like Claudia Winkleman to models like Hailey Bieber, the flare is being embraced as a stylish and confident choice.
The Evolution of the Flare
The flare has come a long way since its roots in the 1960s and 1970s, when it was worn by hippies and dropouts at Woodstock. Today, the flare is being worn in a more modern and polished way, often with heels or platforms. This take on the flare is very far from its bohemian roots, and is instead being seen as a chic and sophisticated choice. As Daniel Rogers, the fashion news editor at Vogue, notes, "I think these are about looking smart and polished, and being more dressy with it." The footwear is central to the alpha flare, and Rogers adds that "you have to wear that kind of flare with a platform, or a spiky pointed stiletto peeking out from the bottom."
The Alpha Flare
The alpha flare is all about exuding confidence and optimism. It’s a look that’s being embraced by women who are unapologetically themselves, and who aren’t afraid to take risks with their fashion choices. As Sinead McKeefry, Winkleman’s stylist for The Traitors, notes, "I love to see flares not always considered to be 60s or 70s thing… it’s a very modern take on the flare." The alpha flare is also being seen as a status symbol, with Rogers noting that "it becomes a status thing. It says ‘I can wear this because I’m getting into an SUV in two minutes.’" However, as the Depop data suggests, flares are also being taken up by people who might use public transport, and are seen as a third way in the current trouser wars.
The Flare as a Third Way
The flare is being seen as a third way in the current trouser wars between skinny and oversized styles. As Inge Onsea, the creative director and co-founder of Essentiel Antwerp, notes, "They’re the perfect in-between, combining the definition of a slim trouser with the ease of a wider cut, which is exactly what makes them so flattering." The flare is also being embraced as a way to add some excitement to an outfit, and to create a sense of drama and flair. As McKeefry notes, "the simplicity of that suit gave me a moment to just breathe" amidst a series of busy and eclectic outfits.
The Mood of the Flare
The flare is bringing a new mood to the world of fashion in 2026. As Onsea notes, "after seasons dominated by oversized silhouettes, they bring back confidence." The flare is seen as a optimistic and uplifting choice, and is being embraced by people from all walks of life. Whether you’re a fan of the alpha flare or just looking for a new way to update your wardrobe, the flare is definitely a trend worth considering. With its confident and polished vibe, the flare is sure to be a staple of 2026 fashion.