No longer banished to fashion history books and seen only on the likes of Elvis and John Travolta, flares have returned to glory and are the best way to cut a fine fashion figure as we move into the warmer months of 2013.

As new lines hit down, Debenhams has seen customers react fantastically to the return of flares, with early styles selling more than 57% versus the same time last year.

Celebs including Jessica Alba, Katie Holmes, Nicole Richie, Kim Kardashian, Kate Moss and Rachel Zoe have already put their skinnies away and dared to rock a pair of flares. With the shape being so flattering it’s no wonder.

Says Debenhams spokesperson, Michelle Dowdall: “With jean and trouser styles getting narrower and skinnier over recent years, I suppose there was nowhere to go but out!

“We often find that as soon as a celebrity picks up a new trend, it’s not long before customers react and follow suit. We’re backing wider leg and flared trousers to be one of the season’s big hits, and have a fantastic range of styles available in anything from crisp white to denim, and even some floral and printed styles for women wanting to make a bold style statement.”

The look is also a hit on the runways, with Betsey Johnson, Alice + Olivia and Anna Sui all showing models walk in wide leg or flared trousers in their shows. Even queen of the skinny jeans herself, Victoria Beckham, has been spotted wearing flared jeans with a pair of towering heels as a chic day look.

Worn in bold, block colours or denim and teamed with a cute printed tee or cropped top, the trouser shape hailing from the soulful 70’s will see you through the summer.

Continues Michelle Dowdall: “If cut right, flares can be really flattering and a great shape for women – especially when worn with a pair of heels to elongate the leg.

“Flared jeans especially can slim the bottom and thighs, and the right pair can make you look like you’ve instantly lost a couple of pounds!”

The flare is one of summer’s most versatile shapes, and can be worn with anything from blouses to jackets or even sweatshirts.

Debenhams