Meghan Markle stepped out over the weekend in California wearing what is fast becoming the season’s most talked-about denim silhouette. The appearance alongside her husband, followed a tense week for the Sussexes, after Prince Harry returned to the UK to give evidence in his legal case against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL).

With scrutiny once again intensifying on both sides of the Atlantic, Meghan’s latest outing felt deliberate, composed and quietly assured. In one clean, confident look, she shifted the focus back to fashion – and onto a trend redefining modern denim.

Attending the Cookie Queens premiere over the weekend, the Duchess of Sussex opted for a sleek, understated ensemble which included Veronica Beard’s Beverly skinny flare jeans in onyx – a new addition.

Skinny flares are a rising trend, and celebrity fashion stylist Ciara Russell explained to the Daily Express why they have become so popular.

“The skinny flare is back because it sits neatly between two fashion extremes,” she said. “After years of ultra-skinny denim followed by a move towards oversized, baggy shapes, fashion has landed on something more refined.”

The expert added, “This cut stays slim through the thigh and knee, then softly releases at the hem, which makes it feel controlled, elegant and grown-up.”

“We’ve moved on from super skinny, but full wide-leg doesn’t always work for everyday wear the skinny flare feels like the perfect middle ground,” Ciara continued.

What sets Meghan’s jeans apart is their restraint – a detail Ciara says is key to making the look feel current rather than retro.

“What makes it feel modern is the restraint. This isn’t a loud 70s bell-bottom the flare is subtle, the rise is clean, and the fabric is structured rather than slouchy.”

Ciara, shared, “When styled with sharp tailoring or simple, minimal tops, it feels contemporary instead of nostalgic. It’s less about referencing an era and more about creating a clean, precise silhouette that looks current and polished.”

Beyond trend appeal, the cut delivers something fashion always chases: proportion. According to the expert, the skinny flare works because it quietly rebalances the body.

“A slight flare creates balance, and balance is everything in styling. By widening gently at the hem, the eye is drawn downward, which visually lengthens the leg and offsets the hips and thighs. That subtle kick instantly makes proportions look more streamlined.”

She added: “Compared to straight jeans, flares add movement and softness. Compared to skinnies, they don’t cling or cut off the leg abruptly at the ankle. Instead, they skim the body and elongate it. They also work beautifully with heels, which gives lift and posture something straight and skinny jeans don’t always enhance in the same way.”