The Polarizing Flared Jeans Silhouette Is Back With the Boho Trend Revival

From exaggerated bell bottoms to subtle wide-leg throwbacks, this vintage style has returned for spring.

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collage of women wearing flared jeans
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

In recent seasons, the fashion crowd has been obsessed with frilly lace-trimmed blouses, velvety suede bags, and chunky wooden wedges. Endorsed by female designers like Chloé, Ulla Johnson, and Isabel Marant, these boho-chic styles have officially returned from the ‘70s, bringing a wave of groovy flared jeans.

Stitched with a contoured construction throughout the thighs and a widened shape below the knee, flared jeans offer more of an hourglass silhouette in comparison to looser-fitting denim trends like wide-leg jeans and barrel bottoms. While they were once worn at Woodstock with tie-dye shirts, platform disco shoes, and paisley hair scarves, nowadays, there’s an evident shift toward a more contemporary styling approach.

During the Spring and Fall 2025 fashion months, savvy showgoers assembled their bell bottoms alongside sleek bomber jackets, elevated tank tops, and structured blazers. And let us not forget Kendrick Lamar’s recent Super Bowl Half-Time show, when the rapper wore a coveted pair of flared Celine jeans with a sporty varsity jacket. Lamar’s edgy outfit was later copied by Rihanna, who fashioned a similar pair of figure-hugging flares with a leather layer and a vintage Fendi handbag.

For those of you who are intrigued by this old-school pants trend, look no further. Marie Claire’s handpicked shopping guide features the best flared jeans in a range of washes and price points. Ready to give this vintage style a modern revamp?

The Dark Wash Flare

Women wearing dark wash denim flares

While dark wash jeans boast more of an upscale look, this fashionista demonstrates that they can have a relaxed appeal, too.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

There’s something about a pair of dark wash flared jeans that are inherently sophisticated. Whether drenched in inky indigo blue or pitch-black, deeper shades of denim tend to feel more formal. Consider these styles for your rotation of spring work outfits or even your collection of going-out getups.

The Medium Wash Flare

Women wearing medium wash denim flares

To combat chilly spring temperatures, pair your medium wash denim pants with a billowing bomber jacket.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Introducing, your new favorite pair of versatile jeans. Doused in a standard medium wash, the bottoms below will pair well with just about any top, regardless of whether your shirt of choice is neutral or covered in a viral color trend.

The Light Wash Flare

women wearing light wash denim flares

For an easygoing uniform, style your light wash jeans with a cropped tank and keep a trusty trench on hand.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

A laid-back look calls for a pair of light wash flared jeans that are casual by nature. Play into a relaxed vibe by wearing these bottoms with trendy sneakers and a simple white T-shirt. Of course, if your personal style errs on the elevated side, consider slingback heels and a button-down top instead.

The White Flare

Women wearing denim flares

Tired of blue jeans? Shake things up with bottoms covered in a pearly white hue.

(Image credit: Edward Berthelot / Getty Images)

Balmy weather is on the horizon, which means it’s time to pull on a pair of white flared jeans. Wear them to your next al fresco dinner or garden party with mule sandals and a breezy blouse.

Lauren Tappan
Lauren Tappan
Fashion Editor

Lauren K. Tappan is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she covers trend forecasting and shopping stories, highlighting runway-inspired styles and a blend of emerging and established brands. Prior to joining Marie Claire, she worked as a freelance editor for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE, specializing in e-commerce content and curating seasonal trend reports. Earlier in her career, she worked at Town & Country, developing a strong portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.

Lauren holds a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in journalism from the University of Pennsylvania. While at Penn, she served as editor-in-chief of The Walk, the university's fashion magazine, and completed internships at Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.