Would You Wear (Extreme) Flared Pants?

Jun 05, 2008 @ 1:53pm

PradaSpringFlaredLegAd2008 Just as we all started to get comfortable in our skinny pants, a new silhouette is officially taking over the runway.

And it's straight out of the '70s.

We first started to think about flares way back during the Spring 08 shows when we saw them on Stam at Gianfranco Ferre, and in crazy colors and plaid at Prada. Then, Fall 08 brought a steady stream of super wide-leg pants, and now, even Chanel's show for Resort included a pair.

But how did this happen? We haven't thought this look was cute since we saw it in pictures of our moms from before we were even born. And are they practical? Unless you've got Nadja-length legs, tall shoes are an absolute must, and even then, that's still just a lot of material to walk around in without collecting street dirt on your way.

So what do you think, a cute look that deserves a second try? Or too hideous for thought?

--KYLE HAYES

posted by RayBay

Jun 05, 2008 1:58PM

Ah yes, the elephant leg pant.

No. Way. In. Hell.

posted by mpw

Jun 05, 2008 2:08PM

Definitely! (Maybe not in plaid, though.)

posted by guest

Jun 05, 2008 2:22PM

I absolutely LOVE Prada, but these pants are a no no for my figure. It would take skinny legs and guts to pull off this flare. Maybe if it wasn't so extreme. Wide leg pants I would def. wear though. I pre-ordered a pair from Bill Blass. The most expensive pair I have ever bought, but they're so soft and beautiful and make my waist look super tiny (I'm a 10 with a gut!), I know I will wear them for years! And if wide leg goes out of style I can just tailor them, but I don't think so.

posted by guest

Jun 05, 2008 2:27PM

Yuck

posted by Holly

Jun 05, 2008 2:27PM

That's a tough call.
You've got to A: have the body and B: the attitude to rock them right and I think you have to be living in the right place. In NYC, for sure. In the Midwest I don't think you'd even be able to find them, much less wear them (at least that's been my experience, unfortunately).
That picture makes them look okay, but it takes a very special person to pull them off.
I don't think I could get away with them. Ever.

posted by xnoelle25

Jun 05, 2008 2:29PM

no way. i hate flares. they tend to make everyone look disproportioned with elephant feet. i'll be sticking to my lovely, convenient, and comfortable skinnies that are boot tuckable, bike ride-able, dress-layer-able, and ever-so chic.

posted by guest

Jun 05, 2008 2:39PM

no so abercrombie jeans wearer - so not me

posted by guest

Jun 05, 2008 2:40PM

okay i think they're really cute - but they lack the practicality of skinnies. the great thing - or at least the thing i love most about my skinnies - i that you can throw a great comfy billowing top or oversized sweater over them and look pretty darn chic. however, the only thing that really works with flares is a fitted tank or sailor striped tee or something like that. it looks great, sure, but its not an easy look to wear if you're not feeling skinny every day of the week.

posted by stroll

Jun 05, 2008 2:45PM

I have to say I'm a fan of the flares. In the late nineties when I was in high school bell-bottoms made a brief comeback and I loved it.

posted by LauraMilli

Jun 05, 2008 3:04PM

Yup, @stroll: I remember those bell bottom days...I like them only if they're super fitted everywhere but the flares.

posted by guest

Jun 05, 2008 3:23PM

i remember these being in style when i was in middle school. i would cut the back half of the hem so my entire shoe would be covered by the flair but the bottoms wouldn't be dragged on the ground. it was so "out of style" to have your shoe showing at all. i wouldn't mind them coming back again. wide leg jeans make me look even shorter and i always have to wear heels to make them look chic.

posted by guest

Jun 05, 2008 3:28PM

No way in HELL would I wear bellbottom pants.

posted by guest

Jun 05, 2008 4:21PM

I used to wear these when I was younger. I wouldn't buy a pair of pants unless they were flared. It could work today, you just have to make sure you're not looking too costume-y. I say yay to this style!

posted by 808Kate

Jun 05, 2008 9:19PM

I wouldn't! That's just not a silhouette I want to go for right now.

posted by guest

Jun 05, 2008 9:25PM

NO.
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO.
oh my god.
no.
just, no.

posted by gucciLIES

Jun 06, 2008 12:02AM

The ones in the back seem less extreme & more wearble . I think someone really confident & tall could do it . I'm too short for the look,so I'll pass . I don't hate it though ♥

posted by guest

Jun 06, 2008 6:55AM

Just because Prada includes this style of pant in the new collection - doesn't mean that we are all about to go out and get into flares. I think generally when it comes to trousers people go with what feels good and looks good to them rather than being a complete fashion victim and going for the 'it' stle of the moment.
Flares are not about to make a mainstream comeback.

posted by rf

Jun 06, 2008 9:37AM

yeah, i'm with stroll on this one......

i've been seriously fond of these pants since prada unveiled them. maybe it's because the look reminds me so much of the mid-late 90's when i was a teenager and was all about hippie-grunge.

not for everyone, to be sure, but if i could afford the pants in question, i would happily and proudly wear them all over town....while being very conscious not to trip over my own feet, of course. ;-)

posted by guest

Jun 06, 2008 12:56PM

LOVE LOVE LOVE,
Uh, Hello Fallbehinds!?! Some of us have been in skinnies since 1995 . Its time for a change. and the real authentic mid 60's 'Birds" bells seem just right. I'm in!
Its the patterns that really make them.

posted by southweststyle

Jun 06, 2008 1:05PM

Not a fan - I am short already and wide flares do no favors for my thighs, and thighs are not even a problem area for me! i have to stick with skinnies and bootcut for jeans, and wide-leg for work.

posted by duvs33

Jun 06, 2008 3:21PM

Love, love, love!!! I want those Pradas sooooo bad, but I can't aford them. They cost a little over $1,000, and with the ecomomy the way it is, I refuse to blow a grand on a fad. But, I love, love, love them!!! Anyone want to buy them for me or send me a free pair? Size 10, Thanks! LOL

posted by dumbbrunette5

Jun 07, 2008 2:11AM

i used to only wear flares all through middle school, i would refuse to wear any kind of other pants. i even wore them in 9th grade. and even though i have nothing against them now, i think its too soon for me to be going back to them cuz i dont want to look like my middle school self (kind of like how ive always hated a leggins/long t-shirt combo cuz thats what i wore when i was in first grade).

posted by yelhsasajor

Jun 09, 2008 2:45AM

I LOVE them. I agree with the people below. It is a difficult look to pull off especially if ur short, wide, and/or personality don't flow with the look. I think they are adorable and refreshing. I would be all over them. You can dress it up or or down...at least in cali.

posted by guest

Jun 09, 2008 9:53AM

I remember when boot cut came into fashion, and me and my friends all swore blind that we wouldn't be seen dead in them. You can guess the rest. Perhaps this will happen with the uber flare too?