Are Flared Jeans & Trousers Back In Style? How To Wear Bell Bottoms & Style This ’70’s Trend?

When you start adding up all the trends one season has to offer, you actually wonder if we’re ever gonna come through with something new? We all know fashion is cyclical… yet I confess I am longing for some new fashion movements, ideas and controversy in style that sweeps me off my feat and has us all stare in shock and wonder at some new unseen-before fashion & styles. Until then we’ll always have the comfortable safe past to look into and take inspiration from. Such is the case of the bohemian 1970’s Bell Bottom Jeans. Again (without intention I tell you) I have discovered yet another fashion craze from back in the day. If a while ago I was so excited over headpieces (click here for more) today I decided to give in to the Flared Jeans & Trousers Trend. Though I wasn’t too keen on the bell bottom, high wasited retro looking jeans… I stand corrected, and for that I blame Jessica Alba & Kate Moss. I mean have you seen how these women look in flared jeans? Ridiculously cool, feminine and chic. 

Who’s to blame for stirring up this fashion trend in the 21st century? Well designers sure played their part. For Fall/Winter 2012 – 2013 we all know we need to stick with black, leather, burgundy, some white… and apparently flared trousers. Or at least a nipped and tucked version of the bell bottom trouser. A somewhat large cut, extra long, sleek, in all possible textures and colors. Sure the hues above reign, but there’s also prints, nudes, glitter, leather. There’s a little something for us all from the classic retro look to the opulent extravagance some of us are willing to try. Antonio Berardi‘s vision on the flared trousers is fabulous: classic, elegant, in creamy colors and rich luxurious fabrics.  These retro flared trousers made a huge comeback with Alberta Ferretti, Altuzarra, Balenciaga, Chloe & Jil Sander. One of my favorites had to be the ultra luscious dark slightly Gothic rock/sexy large flared trousers at Prabal Gurung & Gucci. What they are all basically  screaming saying is invest in flared or bell bottom jeans and trousers for 2013 winter! 

Is this trend easy to wear and pull off in any occasion & for any body type? Hmm I tend to jump up and just say yes… which is sort of true, right? But then I look at myself and as a never-owner of such flared jeans I disagree. Why? I am tall. Perhaps too tall when insecurity strikes (5’10), so first of all it is pretty hard to find a pair of trousers (any cut or design) that is long enough. Hence my love for skinny jeans which look good a bit shorter as well. Plus I always feel as if the flared trousers or too large ones tend to make a tall slim figure appear quite willowy. But let’s not jump to hasty conclusions! The bell bottom jeans with high waist, super tight from the knees up and then flared and very long look fantastic on almost any figure as they tend to elongate the legs. Sure they have to be adapted to each shape but there are a few fashion rules that make this trend look fabulous on any woman: extra tall shoes (thick heels, wedges) in nude retro colors and designs will give drama to this look and make the jeans fall perfectly straight down, concealing the shoes, thus elongating the legs. I love how they look with tucked in  T-shirts, statement necklaces and a blazer for casual looks. For office or elegant classic looks opt for flared rather large trousers with tucked in blouses and fur collar coat over. Big bags and gloves give a lady like vibe to it. If you’re a sweet sexy bohemian girl than loose wavy hair, wedges, bell bottom jeans and oversized top or cropped ones look so modern ’70’s. For a sophisticated rich look wear the retro large flared jeans with heels, any style of top (chic, glam, classic, blouse, T-shirt, cardigan, sweater, vest, nerdy, elegant, rock, urban, retro, trendy), blazer or leather jacket, a cool scarf and lots of bangles. A big clutch or sophisticated bag will complete the look. 

Still not convinced? Or perhaps already a huge fan of flared jeans? From all the styles this craze has to offer which one’s yours? Are you a classic lady, a glam urban queen, an edgy girl or more on the bohemian side of bell bottoms? As always FashionTag gets a lot of street style inspiration (best place to spot and analyze a trend) and shares with you some favorite looks to get you in the ’70’s mood… Is this trend worth the-back-in-time fashion journey or not? 

photos via Pintrest, Sartorialist, Stockholm Street Style. StreetPeeper