
“Flared jeans look great with classic, almost preppy basics like slim cardigans and men’s style button-downs,” says New York-based stylist Rachael Wang. In fact, flared jeans are such a statement piece that most times they pair best with basics. If you’re used to wearing mostly straight-leg or skinny jeans, coming up with flared jeans outfits may seem daunting at first - but it doesn’t have to be. Also, back then, you would most likely wear a chunky heel or heeled boot, but today a lot of people are wearing their flares with sneakers or flat shoes.” How to wear flared jeans “For example, raw hems and split hems are everywhere.

“Current trends are a little more modernized than ‘70s flares,” she says. As for today’s flared jean trends, Ahmed notes they differ slightly from those OG looks from the ’70s.

The tighter fit across the hip and thighs paired with the flared-out leg makes flared jeans a flattering bottom that elongates the legs - even more so when paired with a heeled shoe or boot. “A relaxed fit or wide-leg might fit looser beginning around the lower thighs and knees, and can be long or cropped.” “A flared jean typically fits snug around the waist, hips and legs and then flares or widens towards the bottom,” explains Sarah Ahmed, co-Founder and chief creative officer at DL1961. However, a few key design elements distinguish flared jeans from the other styles. If you’re confused about the difference between flared, bootcut and wide-leg jeans, you’re not alone - especially because some jeans can veer between different cuts. And with celebrities like Bella Hadid, Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna recently giving wide-leg flared jeans the seal of approval, it’s officially time to get on board. From Balenciaga to Saint Laurent, Celine, Michael Kors and Gucci, designers have been favoring the return of wide-leg and flared jeans on recent runways - indicating the trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Sky-high platforms, crochet pieces, mini skirts and yes, even flared jeans are everywhere - from the runways to the red carpet to TikTok - bringing on a slight ‘70s resurgence from head to toe.Īfter countless seasons of straight-leg and skinny jeans, the return of flared denim is a welcome change. So, it’s no surprise that style influences from that era keep coming back in fashion- including in 2022. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.įrom ultra-glam disco to effortless boho and punk rock, the ’70s remain one of the most eclectic, boundary-breaking and sought-after fashion decades of all time.
