10 Ways to Wear Flared Jeans That Feel Modern and Fresh

They're nostalgic and undeniably trendy.

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Updated on 06/10/22

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Woman wearing flare jeans — Byrdie / Hollywood To You

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.

Le Serge Crop Flare Jeans

Frame Le Serge Crop Flare Jeans $76.00

Vacay Bodysuit

Wilfred Vacay Bodysuit $46.00

Quilted Leather Slides

Porte & Paire Quilted Leather Slides $225.00

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.

Sava High Rise Flare Jeans

Universal Standard Sava High Rise Flare Jeans $28.00

Hilltop Shirt in Daisy Groove

Madewell Hilltop Shirt in Daisy Groove $75.00

Hasbeens Ann Low Clogs

Swedish Hasbeens Ann Low Clogs $162.00

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.

The Amethyst Jean 7year

Tu Es Mon Tresor The Amethyst Jean 7year $375.00

Carie Cardi

With Jean Carie Cardi $189.00

Oca Low

Cariuma Oca Low $79.00

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.

High-Rise Flared-Leg Jeans

Icon Denim High-Rise Flared-Leg Jeans $131.00

Asymmetric Design Top

Mango Asymmetric Design Top $26.00

Orbs Hoops

Bagatiba Orbs Hoops $160.00

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.

High-Rise Flared Jeans

Totême High-Rise Flared Jeans $300.00

Drapey Double Breasted Blazer

Vince Drapey Double Breasted Blazer $250.00

Tanya

Pêche Tanya $82.00

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

Warp + Weft Split Flare 33" $58.00

Pilcro Lace Blouse

Anthropologie Pilcro Lace Blouse $78.00

Dewina Western Boot

Isabel Marant Dewina Western Boot $770.00

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.

Mid-Rise Flared Jeans

Stella McCartney Mid-Rise Flared Jeans $284.00

Malva Top

Amlul Malva Top $192.00

Antonio

Lexxola Antonio $228.00

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.

Flared Cropped Jeans

Khaite Vivian Flared Cropped Jeans $340.00

Thea Organic Cotton Gathered Sleeveless Top Black

Tove Thea Organic Cotton Gathered Sleeveless Top Black $283.00

Nayla Pistachio Grained Leather

By Far Nayla Pistachio Grained Leather $430.00

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.

Brighton High Waist Wide Leg Jeans

ASKK NY Brighton High Waist Wide Leg Jeans $230.00

Zadie Nile Bikini

Hunza G Zadie Nile Bikini $135.00

Taja Mini Top Handle Bag

Cult Gaia Taja Mini Top Handle Bag $228.00

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.

Bootcut Denim Jeans

See by Chloé Bootcut Denim Jeans $264.00

Silk Front-Tie Wrap Top

Alysi Silk Front-Tie Wrap Top $327.00

Page Black Nappa

La Bucq Page Black Nappa $350.00

20 Pairs Of Flared Jeans That Will Upgrade Your Denim Collection

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