FAMILY FASHION: Have you the flair for flares?

They are the polar opposite of the tailored, steamlined sillouette that has dominated our wardrobes for so long.

For devotees to the skinny, this one isn’t going to be easy. Your transition into Spring Summer 2015 starts here; with one key trouser shape – flares.

If you have short legs or are fuller in the hip department you will be celebrating – hurrah, thank goodness for that, I hear you shout! Skinnies have been your worst enemy for years.

So this is a trend so beautifully straight forward you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It seems that the 1970s’ favourite trouser style is no longer the bad guy. Instead, it is well on its way to being the defining shape of the season.

And define you it will! Slim at the top of the leg and fluted below the knee, it’s a flattering shape on most of us. It will show off your best bits and lengthen your legs at the same time. You may see it called the ‘martini flare’ in all the fashion mags, as you may well develop a thirst for it.

I, for one, will be at the front of the queue, being from the school of the ‘short legged’. This is one fashion from the 70s I am happy to see second time around and I plan to totally embrace it.

So, what to actually wear with your flares?

Well, proportion is everything, it’s a tricky balancing act. Will you look fashion-forward or frumpy?

Try a structured or fitted T-shirt, short jacket or jumper. We also know that a sleek crop top and will look sharp teamed with even the most flamboyant flares.

Keep the length at hip level. This means all the longer tops you wore with your skinnies are not going to work. Either shorten them or re-cycle at the charity shop.

So, what are you waiting for? This is the one SS15 trend that you don’t even need nice weather to wear.

<li>Shan is an award winning personal stylist who trained with Colour Me Beautiful and works from her studio at the Abbey Brewery, Market Cross, Malmesbury SN16 9AS. Tel: 07976 576176. Go to www.charismaeffect.co.uk