10 Ways To Master Cut-Out Flared Pants: The Boldest Trend Of 2025

The fashion world has spoken, and the silhouette of the moment is undeniably bold: the cut-out flared pant. Combining the retro-chic drama of 70s bell bottoms with the modern, skin-baring audacity of Y2K-inspired cut-outs, this hybrid style is projected to be one of the most polarizing yet sought-after pieces of late 2024 and throughout 2025. This article, updated for December 10, 2025, will serve as your definitive guide to understanding, styling, and mastering this trend, ensuring you step out with confidence, whether you're heading to a music festival, a night out, or even a chic daytime event.

The allure of the cut-out flared pant lies in its dual personality—it offers the comfortable, elongating effect of a traditional flare while adding an unexpected, architectural element of skin. From subtle side slits at the waist to dramatic hip cut-outs, this pant demands attention and a strategic styling approach. Forget the dated look; this is a fresh take on a classic, designed for the modern fashionista who isn't afraid to make a statement.

The Anatomy of the Trend: Types of Cut-Out Flared Pants

To achieve true topical authority on this trend, one must first understand the different variations. The term "cut-out flared pants" is an umbrella for several distinct designs, each creating a unique focal point and requiring a different styling strategy. Knowing the specific type you own or plan to purchase is the first step to mastering the look.

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• The Hip Cut-Out (The Pelvic Pant): This is the most daring and popular iteration, featuring slivers or keyhole openings placed high on the waist, often near the hip bone or "pelvic" area. Brands like Cult Gaia have popularized this design, which is typically seen on high-waisted trousers. This style is an evolution of the Y2K trend, where gold hardware or simple rings often adorn the cut-out edges.
• The Side-Waist Cut-Out: A slightly more subtle approach, this design features a small, often elongated cut-out on the side of the waistline. It works beautifully on high-waisted, bootcut, or bootleg styles to highlight the curve of the waist without revealing too much. Zara has offered popular versions of this style, often referred to as a 'hollow out' design.
• The Knee/Thigh Cut-Out: Less common but highly impactful, this variation places a geometric cut-out—sometimes a circle, slit, or even a 'slim clover' shape—on the thigh or knee area. This adds texture and visual interest to the leg before the dramatic flare begins.
• The Ankle/Hem Cut-Out: This is the most conservative version, where the 'cut-out' is a simple, often decorative slit or notch near the hemline. It’s a great way to try the trend without fully committing to the midriff exposure of the hip cut-out.

10 Essential Styling Rules for Cut-Out Flared Pants

The secret to successfully wearing such a bold piece is balance. Since the pants are already a major statement, the rest of your outfit should complement, not compete. Here are the 10 essential rules for mastering your cut-out flares, whether they are denim, spandex blend, or tailored trousers.

1. Master the Proportional Balance

Because flared pants create volume on the bottom, your top should be streamlined. Opt for fitted pieces like a simple crop top, a sleek bodysuit, or a tucked-in T-shirt. A cropped jacket or a fitted blazer that hits right at the waistline also works to maintain a balanced silhouette.

2. Choose the Right Undergarments (Crucial for Hip Cut-Outs)

For hip or side-waist cut-outs, the choice of underwear is paramount. Seamless thongs or high-cut briefs designed to sit below the cut-out line are essential. Alternatively, some fashionistas embrace the exposed look by opting for decorative, high-waisted lingerie that is meant to be seen, turning it into a deliberate styling choice.

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3. Embrace the Festival Vibe

The cut-out flare is a staple in festival fashion. Look for UV Reactive or abstract swirl patterns in a comfortable spandex blend for events like raves or music festivals. Pair them with a simple bralette or a sheer mesh top for a high-energy look.

4. Elevate with Outerwear

For cooler weather or a more sophisticated look, layer strategically. A long, structured trench coat or a tailored, oversized blazer can add a layer of polish, contrasting the inherent sexiness of the cut-outs. Ensure the outerwear is long enough to cover the hip cut-outs when closed, creating a peek-a-boo effect.

5. Fabric Matters: From Casual to Chic

The pant's fabric dictates the occasion. Denim cut-out flares are perfect for a casual weekend. For a desk-to-bar transition, choose tailored trousers in a comfortable blend of cotton and Tencel with a touch of elastane. For evening wear, opt for faux leather or a sleek jersey fabric.

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6. The Shoe Rule: Platform or Pointed

Flared pants require height to prevent the fabric from dragging and to maximize the leg-lengthening effect. Platform heels, chunky boots (for the bootcut style), or pointed-toe pumps that barely peek out from under the hem are the best choices. Avoid flat sandals or flimsy sneakers, which can look disproportionate.

7. Incorporate Y2K Hardware

If your cut-outs are plain, consider adding a metallic accent. A chunky chain belt slung low or a top with gold hardware near the waist can tie into the Y2K aesthetic that inspired the hip cut-out trend.

8. Monochromatic Magic

To make a seamless, high-fashion statement, style your cut-out flared pants with a top in the exact same color. A black-on-black or white-on-white monochromatic look instantly elevates the outfit, making the cut-out detail the main, sophisticated focus.

9. The Historical Nod: Bell Bottoms and Bootcut

Remember the roots of the flared pant, which trace back to 18th-century naval sailors and boomed in the 1970s. For a retro feel, pair your flares with a fitted turtleneck or a peasant blouse, keeping the cut-out subtle to honor the vintage silhouette.

10. Try the Designer & Budget Brands

Whether you are shopping for a luxury piece from a designer like Balmain or Gucci, or an affordable, trendy item from PrettyLittleThing (PLT) or SHEIN ICON, this trend is accessible at every price point. Jendue Davidson and Zara also offer excellent, modern interpretations of the wide leg and cut-out styles.

The Evolution: From Naval Uniform to Modern Statement Piece

The cut-out flared pant is not just a passing fad; it’s the latest evolution in a long, storied history of the flared silhouette. The original bell bottoms were worn by sailors in the 18th and 19th centuries, designed for functionality—they could be easily rolled up for swabbing the deck or removed quickly if a man fell overboard.

The style was resurrected in the 1960s and 70s, becoming synonymous with the counter-culture movement, hippies, and disco fashion. It was a symbol of freedom and rebellion. Fast forward to the 1990s, and the extreme flare was tamed into the 'bootcut,' a more modest style that accommodated boots but retained the slight widening below the knee.

The modern cut-out flare is the 21st-century remix. It takes the beloved, leg-elongating structure of the flare and injects it with the skin-baring confidence of contemporary fashion. It’s a garment that perfectly encapsulates the current trend cycle: a nostalgic silhouette fused with a provocative, architectural detail. By understanding this history, you can appreciate the cultural weight and fashion significance of the piece you are wearing.