10 Ways To Wear Flared Jeans That Feel Modern And Fresh - Byrdie

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10 Ways to Wear Flared Jeans That Feel Modern and Fresh

They're nostalgic and undeniably trendy.

By Gina Marinelli Gina Marinelli Gina is a writer and editor covering fashion, beauty, and entertainment. She's written for The Zoe Report, Glamour, Coveteur, MTV News, and Insider. Byrdie's Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 10, 2022 08:50PM

It’s hard to avoid the ongoing debate between skinny versus wide-leg jeans. And yet, we see no reason to choose sides when a denim collection can be well rounded with various silhouette and fit options. That is why it may be worth considering a trend that falls somewhere in the middle by way of retro flare jeans.

While flares do come packed with '60s and '70s references—some will have fond memories of the trend’s ‘90s return as well— today, the wide-legged jean shape doesn’t necessarily give off an overtly flower-child or disco aesthetic. Instead, their slight bell shape provides a unique and playful detail to your favorite outfits, including something as classic as jeans and a T-shirt. There’s also the option of the cropped mini flare for a more modern approach that complements everything from sneakers to your most strappy party heels. Ahead, peruse 10 flare outfits that have a hint of nostalgia but are undeniably trendy now.

01 of 10

Cleanse The Palette

If you’re hesitant to try bolder color trends, begin with a neutral color palette. We like this minimal cropped-pant-and-bodysuit look, complete with a pair of plush slides. 

Frame Le Serge Crop Flare Jeans $76.00 Shop Wilfred Vacay Bodysuit $46.00 Shop Porte & Paire Quilted Leather Slides $225.00 Shop 02 of 10

Daytime Outfit with a Boyfriend Coat

Give a subtle wink to the flare jean’s past with a sweet daisy-printed top and some chunky, wooden-heel sandals.

Universal Standard Sava High Rise Flare Jeans $28.00 Shop Madewell Hilltop Shirt in Daisy Groove $75.00 Shop Swedish Hasbeens Ann Low Clogs $162.00 Shop 03 of 10

Reference The Greats

The image of Farah Fawcett skateboarding in flare jeans and a red sweatshirt will forever be iconic. Copying it head-to-toe may seem a bit costumey, but we’re all for creating an inspired version with a cardigan and coordinating low-top sneakers.

Tu Es Mon Tresor The Amethyst Jean 7year $375.00 Shop With Jean Carie Cardi $189.00 Shop Cariuma Oca Low $79.00 Shop 04 of 10

Balance The Bold

Should you choose an extra-wide version of flare jeans, let them shine with more pared-back styling, including a sleek tank and simple, gold accessories.

Icon Denim High-Rise Flared-Leg Jeans $131.00 Shop Mango Asymmetric Design Top $26.00 Shop Bagatiba Orbs Hoops $160.00 Shop 05 of 10

Keep It Polished

The addition of a cream blazer and strappy heel make this flares ensemble extremely versatile. Pair it with a button-down for a professional meeting, or layer over a cropped top for an after-hours event.

Totême High-Rise Flared Jeans $300.00 Shop Vince Drapey Double Breasted Blazer $250.00 Shop Pêche Tanya $82.00 Shop 06 of 10

Go West

Tuck a Western-style boot right under your flared leg and pair it with a sweet white lace top. The outfit is classic and versatile for nearly any occasion.

Warp + Weft Split Flare 33" $58.00 Shop Anthropologie Pilcro Lace Blouse $78.00 Shop Isabel Marant Dewina Western Boot $770.00 Shop 07 of 10

Embrace The Disco

We couldn’t leave out an ensemble with shimmery details and statement sunnies. They’re practically made for wide-flare jeans, after all.

Stella McCartney Mid-Rise Flared Jeans $284.00 Shop Amlul Malva Top $192.00 Shop Lexxola Antonio $228.00 Shop 08 of 10

Double Up

The shape of the denim perfectly mirrors the slight peplum of this lovely gathered top. Pull it all together with bright heels for your next night out.

Khaite Vivian Flared Cropped Jeans $340.00 Shop Tove Thea Organic Cotton Gathered Sleeveless Top Black $283.00 Shop By Far Nayla Pistachio Grained Leather $430.00 Shop 09 of 10

Keep It Beachy

Choose a wide-leg pair of jeans for your next beach or pool-side gathering. The relaxed fit keeps things breezy and comfortable, as opposed to anything too skin-tight.

ASKK NY Brighton High Waist Wide Leg Jeans $230.00 Shop Hunza G Zadie Nile Bikini $135.00 Shop Cult Gaia Taja Mini Top Handle Bag $228.00 Shop 10 of 10

Add Some Height

No matter your height, you may want to add a tiny lift if you’re wearing flares so that they don’t drag on the floor and overpower the entire line of your leg. We prefer to do so by way of these thin-strapped, flatform sandals reminiscent of '90s footwear.

See by Chloé Bootcut Denim Jeans $264.00 Shop Alysi Silk Front-Tie Wrap Top $327.00 Shop La Bucq Page Black Nappa $350.00 Shop Read more:

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