ARTICLE BY ERIN LAWLER, 2ND YEAR, ENGLISH LITERATURE
The flared trouser was iconicized in the 60’s and 70’s when Disco music was to be heard all around. When we think of the flare we think of Disco bands such as ABBA, Bee Gees, The Jackson 5 and Earth, Wind and Fire. (Who could forget them with their classic tune ‘September’ to be heard at every good student pres?) These bands were predominantly male with only ABBA from my list having female members. This goes to show that in the period of Disco and the 70’s not only were flares a huge trend with both men and women but possibly even more so with men.
The flare and the 70’s trend in general has been revived in recent years; it was listed in VOGUE as one of the key trends of the A/W17 catwalks with big name designers such as Prada and Gucci taking inspiration from the period. What’s interesting to note is that the flare in particular has become a trend in women’s wear and fashion. We can see examples of so many female celebrities wearing flared trousers and on online shopping sites such as Missguided we can see hundreds of varying styles for women.
Personally, I’m a fan of a casual flare and by that, I mean a flare in an elasticated fabric. You can go a bit mental with pattern and get a pair of metallic or leopard print flares; the elasticated fabric allows for tightness around the waist and thighs (without suffocation and pain from a stiff fabric) which inevitably will make the flare look better; it also allows for a nice swing in the flared bottom. This though isn’t to say that I don’t enjoy a good denim flare which, if the right pair are found, can look great and add a bit of “flare” to the outfit (pardon the pun).
What saddens me is that there has been a revival in the flare for women but less so for men. I feel the lads need to follow Harry Styles’ lead and rock those flares again as he does so brilliantly on red carpets and on TV shows such as The Late Late Show with James Corden. Why can’t the flare be a gender-neutral garment available for all to enjoy as much as I most certainly do? I say the answer to the question to flare or not to flare (sorry I’m an English student so cannot resist the possibility of a Hamlet reference) is simply yes, every blooming time.
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