Wide-Leg Pants

Are you ready to step into fall with flare? If so, you'd better grab a pair of wide-legged trousers.

When I told my mom wider pant legs were back in vogue, she was thrilled but confused.

"But I thought bell-bottoms were just in style? How can they be popular again? You girls were wearing them only a few years ago!"

Yes, mom, I know they were, but it's different now. These are wide legged trousers, a little different from the retro mega-flares my mom was thinking of.

While most people associate this pant cut with moms or even stern business women, that's no longer so. It's a look that's been seen on sartorial icons like Victoria Beckham and even Kate Moss as of late, and is incredibly flattering.

To go for the full effect, however, the pants must be high-waisted. This is an issue for a lot of people as they have become used to low-rise jeans and the switch feels physically uncomfortable as well as being socially daring.

If you're not comfortable with the high waist yet (or ever), that's fine too because savvy designers knew that would be the case for many. As seen in the gallery, wide-leg pants are being offered in a variety of cuts, from really dramatic wide bottoms to more modest ones, hip-hugging waists and just-under-the-boob cuts.

The beauty of fashion today is that you don't need to commit to anything, so make sure to hold on to your skinny jeans if that's what you feel best in! (And, judging by the rate at which trends reappear, they could just be fashionable again in another few years!)

The gallery includes photos from ShopBop in addition to other shots like those of Victoria Beckham in the high rise, wide-legged trend.