fit and flare

adjective

variants or fit-and-flare

: fitted through the waist and flaring out at or below the hips

… her dynamic fit and flare skirts and dress shapes are sure to be a hit with their movement and effortless cool.

—Kit Hamlen, Paste, 8 June 2015

… several fit-and-flare dresses and coats were cut with geometric flaps on the side of the waist for an effect that resembled a handkerchief or godet skirt.

—Women's Wear Daily, 4 Mar. 2014

fit and flare noun

or fit-and-flare

plural fit and flares or fit-and-flares

This style—a fitted bodice with a flared skirt—is so cute and so flattering for us with a bit more curve. It's always a winner as far as sundress styles go. Look for fit and flares with short sleeves or cap sleeve—a cute update on a classic silhouette.

—Connie Tamoto, The Winnipeg (Manitoba) Free Press, 13 June 2015

This holiday season's "little black dress" is likely to be a soignee version of fit-and-flare from the Martha Graham school, and gray wool jersey is the overwhelming choice of fabric, often touched with glitter or subtly draped for glamour.

—Audrey Pennington, Home & Gardens, November 1986

Word History

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

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