You’ve treated yourself to a gorgeous pair of flared trousers and you’re wondering what to wear with them? What outfit should you choose to achieve a seventies look? What accessories should you consider?
You’ve come to the right place.
As a fashion enthusiast, I was thrilled to see the return of flared trousers in 2019 - particularly with the disco-themed show from Tommy Hilfiger.
Today, I’d like to show you how to embrace this iconic 1970s garment, whether you're going for a full bohemian look or a more casual and understated outfit.
Whether classic or denim, flared trousers are easy to style. To achieve a balanced look, you can pair them with a short or tucked-in top or bohemian blouse at the waist. If it's cold, an open kimono or maxi cardigan will elongate and slim your silhouette. If you are tall and slim, you can also wear a chunky jumper or oversized jacket, which will contrast with your flared trousers to create a harmonious look. It's best to wear heeled shoes so that your flared trousers fall perfectly and to give you a more elongated appearance. Finally, don't hesitate to accessorise your outfit to make it your own!
Would you like to know more? Continue reading to find out:
- How to wear flared trousers with a boho tunic,
- Examples of outfits for everyday wear with flared jeans,
- Ideas for seventies outfits featuring this style of trousers,
- What shoes to wear with flared trousers,
- And plenty of ideas to accessorise your wide-leg trousers to complete your look!
A Boho Top for a 70s Look
Iconic of the hippie era, flared trousers perfectly complement the bohemian style inherited from this revolutionary time. In the following lines, I will share three outfit ideas inspired by this trend, ranging from the most original to the most versatile.
A bohemian tunic or blouse, in a chic hippie style
Whatever type of flared trousers you have, there will always be a bohemian-style tunic that will enhance them. If your trousers are plain or if they are jeans, I recommend a colourful tunic with patterns. You can also pair them with a solid-coloured top that has an original cut, featuring lace details or a bardot neckline, for example.
It is often thought that flared trousers are only suitable for slim and slender figures. This is not the case, and the issue lies elsewhere: very often, flared trousers are worn with a long top. However, to highlight your body shape with this type of cut, it is essential to maintain the renowned proportions that bring harmony to your silhouette, namely ⅓ on top and ⅔ on the bottom. Therefore, when wearing flared trousers, regardless of your height or physique, it is advisable to opt for a short top or a tunic tucked into the trousers that you can billow slightly. This will serve to emphasise your waist!
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Dare to wear a kimono or a maxi coat to elongate your silhouette
Have you found the perfect top for your trousers, but would like to wear a jacket over it? To maintain that bohemian chic style, I recommend you play with layering. For instance, over a plain, fairly short top, you could wear a large fluid printed kimono or a long knitted jacket (and why not one with fringes?).
By leaving your jacket unfastened, this will have the effect of slimming your waist, which you can emphasise with a wide leather belt. Your flowing maxi jacket will complement your movements, thereby elongating your silhouette while remaining comfortable to wear. It's an ideal outfit for spring 🌷 and autumn 🍂!
A plain blouse for everyday wear or work
Do you have a pair of flared trousers that you'd like to wear daily in a stylish yet understated way? If so, I recommend pairing them with a plain top that is quite simple, avoiding prints. This could be a shirt, a blouse, or even a t-shirt. To balance out the wide cut of these trousers, opt for a slightly fitted garment that is well-tailored.
👉 Is your flared trouser a jean? In that case, a top in white or beige would be perfectly suited for a fairly casual work outfit. 😉
Back to the 2000s with a Fitted Top!
Although associated with the 1970s, flared trousers made a bit of a comeback in the early 2000s. At that time, they were usually worn with fitted tops, typically in solid colours.
Recently, the crop top has become ubiquitous. This top, which reveals your midriff, is perfect for creating a vintage look when paired with flared trousers.
👉 I recommend this outfit for individuals with a slender and elongated figure. Indeed, it slightly distorts the proportions mentioned earlier and may risk broadening the appearance of someone with an hourglass shape, for example.
If you don’t want to wear a crop top, you can also opt for a fitted t-shirt or shirt that you can tuck into your trousers. Again, a belt will be your best friend to accentuate your waist and emphasise the contrast between your top and your flared trousers.
A chunky knit jumper or a boho cardigan for winter and autumn
A loose jumper or a chunky knit jacket pairs wonderfully with flared trousers, especially if they hug your curves at the thighs and waist. An oversized jacket will not only keep you warm but also add balance to your outfit. This will help you achieve a relaxed and bohemian look.
If you’re petite, you may want to avoid wearing an oversized sweater, as it could shorten your silhouette. To enhance your look, I recommend a long, open jacket, which will make you appear taller!
👉 If you are looking for a jumper or a jacket that pairs perfectly with your flared trousers, don't hesitate to check out our autumn-winter collection! You'll find a variety of stylish and unique designs!
What Shoes Should You Pair with Flared Trousers?
Even though they are often partially hidden by the flared hem of your trousers, the choice of your shoes is essential! Indeed, it is primarily the height of the heels you choose that will influence your posture and make you appear taller or shorter. A flared trouser should create the impression that you have long legs to achieve a lovely silhouette. This can be effectively achieved with heels, or if you prefer not to wear heels, by opting for light-coloured shoes such as trainers.
Here are some shoe styles that are perfectly suited to wear with flared trousers:
🔸 High and wide-heeled sandals, made of leather or straw,
🔸 Des leather ankle boots with a rounded pointed toe,
🔸 Heeled boots,
🔸 A pair of white trainers…
On the contrary, flat shoes such as ballet pumps or sandals are not ideal for enhancing your trousers.
🛑 If you've ever worn flared trousers, particularly in secondary school, you may have found that the hem got soaked from dragging along the ground. This is something to avoid at all costs, as it not only looks unattractive but can also damage your clothing. Before you wear a pair of flared trousers, make sure they have an appropriate length for your legs and the shoes you plan to wear them with. If they don’t fit properly, it's worth considering having them tailored! 😊
Some Accessories that Echo the Hippie Style
Do you want to wear your flared trousers in a 1970s style? Bear in mind that the boho look is incomplete without its iconic accessories! These accessories define your outfit and personalise it, highlighting what makes you a unique individual.
So, to customise your outfit, consider the following:
- fringe bags,
- hats,
- unique sunglasses,
- bohemian and floral necklaces from Atelier Passiflore,
- shawls and scarves,
- belts,
- designer hippie chic drop earrings,
- braids and hair accessories…
Blend and combine them to create a look that reflects your personality!
Now you know everything there is to know about wearing flared trousers stylishly and without any missteps. For more fashion tips, feel free to check out our bohemian blog! New articles are published every week. 😉