Not Skinny but Not Baggy—The Once-Outdated Pant Style That Everyone is Suddenly Embracing Again

      Similar to many current trends, older styles are making a comeback. Not too long ago, I would have steered clear of pants that were fitted in any form. For the last few years, I've preferred trousers that are relaxed, rounded, and, yes, even baggy. However, this season everything is shifting with the popularity of flare and kick-flare pants. While there's a lot of excitement surrounding the return of skinny jeans and cigarette trousers, I recognize that those super-fitted styles might not appeal to everyone. Conversely, if ultra-wide-leg and baggy styles aren't to your liking, cropped flares could provide a perfect compromise—this once “dated” pant trend is set to make a major comeback this season.

      Fashion's most stylish individuals are already experimenting with kick-flare pants, showcasing chic styling ideas from Hailey Bieber, Olivia Rodrigo, and Alexa Chung, among others. From celebrity outfit inspiration to the laid-back approaches adopted by fashion enthusiasts across my social media feed, discover how to style flares for spring 2025 and check out the best options available here.

      Hailey Bieber donned kick-flare pants not just once, but twice within the same week. On one occasion, she paired them with a striped knit, a flowing trench coat, and black point-toe pumps; she also wore a similar outfit that featured a cotton bomber jacket and kitten-heel thong sandals just a few days earlier.

      Cult-favorite label High Sport has garnered many fans for its viral kick flares, which are claimed to be as comfortable as leggings while offering a sleek and elevated look. Olivia Rodrigo is among the fans, styling hers with a leather trench coat and Parisian-inspired Mary Jane pumps.

      The trend is clever for transitioning between seasons and looks good with both knit sweaters and flat sandals. When it comes to styling kick-flare pants, selecting the right shoes to complement the silhouette is essential. Lindsey Holland demonstrated this well by pairing hers with classic ballerina flats.

      For those who admire Alexa Chung's effortlessly chic style, there's another must-have from her impeccable wardrobe: a pair of knit flare pants. Although hers are from High Sport, replicating her travel outfit is simple with any of the affordable alternatives available that can be paired with a leather bomber jacket and button-down shirt.

      Tailored trousers convey a more sophisticated and upscale vibe compared to relaxed styles, making them perfect for a night out when matched with a lace top and heels. They are also a great choice for the airport, offering an alternative to jeans or leggings when worn with a basic white tee and oversized blazer.

      Senior editor Allyson Payer reviews J.Crew's Delaney Sweater Kickout Pants: "They provide a good amount of compression in the fabric without sacrificing comfort. For context, I’m 5’4”, and I ordered a size 4. They fit perfectly, and I appreciated that the length wasn’t overly cropped. They wash wonderfully in the machine, and I wore them for several hours without them stretching out. In short, I'd like them in every color."

      There's something about kick-flare pants paired with kitten-heel sandals that feels just right.