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
While dark wash jeans boast more of an upscale look, this fashionista demonstrates that they can have a relaxed appeal, too.
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
To combat chilly spring temperatures, pair your medium wash denim pants with a billowing bomber jacket.
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
For an easygoing uniform, style your light wash jeans with a cropped tank and keep a trusty trench on hand.
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
Tired of blue jeans? Shake things up with bottoms covered in a pearly white hue.
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.
