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    1. Fashion
    2. Spring Fashion

    I’m Going All In on Bootcut Jeans for Spring, Thanks to Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy

    21 pairs from Nordstrom, Gap, and Madewell the '90s style icon would approve of.

    Brooke Knappenberger's avatar
    By Brooke Knappenberger
    Published 23 March 2026 In News

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    collage of carolyn bessette kennedy wearing bootcut jeans with black border on beige background
    (Image credit: Getty Images)
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    I'm blaming Love Story for my obsession with Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. From her signature khaki pants to her headbands, I can't get enough of her chic, minimalist looks. It's gotten to the point where I'm incorporating her favorite pieces into my personal style—the latest Bessette-Kennedy wardrobe staple I'm trying is her favorite denim trend: bootcut jeans.

    Bessette-Kennedy was often photographed in a pair of Levi's jeans, specifically the 517s. The style featured a slim fit through the hips with a subtle flare at the knee. Nowadays, the silhouette is on the up-and-up, with It girls like Bella Hadid and Anne Hathaway recently sporting the trend. It was my newfound appreciation for all things CBK, though, that led me to search for the perfect pair.

    Although it's been said she liked to buy her jeans vintage, I'm shopping for the look from my favorite denim brands at Nordstrom, Gap, and Madewell. Ahead, I'm sharing all of the styles I have my eye on for spring—here's to adding another style to my CBK-inspired minimalist wardrobe.

    Latest Videos FromMarie Claire
    Watch full video here:

    Molly Classic Mid Rise Bootcut Jeans

    Mavi Jeans
    Molly Classic Mid Rise Bootcut Jeans (Were $108)
    $72
    SHOP NOW

    A stretchy construction means this pair is ultra-comfortable—a feat for jeans.

    Sweet Bootcut Jeans

    Lucky Brand
    Sweet Bootcut Jeans (Were $90)
    $67
    SHOP NOW

    This in-between wash is great for everyday outfits.

    Mason Mid Rise Crop Bootcut Jeans

    PAIGE
    Mason Mid Rise Crop Bootcut Jeans (Were $249)
    $187
    SHOP NOW

    CBK particularly loved a cropped hem.

    Wedgie Bootcut Jeans

    Levi's
    Wedgie Bootcut Jeans (Were $98)
    $74
    SHOP NOW

    Levi's hip-hugging Wedgie fit will always be a fan-favorite.

    Peyton Mid Rise Bootcut Jeans

    rag & bone
    Peyton Mid Rise Bootcut Jeans (Were $258)
    $194
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    As far as designer denim goes, rag & bone makes some of the best.

    Flawless - Hi Honey High Waist Bootcut Jeans

    Joe's
    Flawless - Hi Honey High Waist Bootcut Jeans (Were $168)
    $126
    SHOP NOW

    I'm obsessed with how these jeans look with pointed-toe heels.

    Good Standard Bootcut Jeans

    Good American
    Good Standard Bootcut Jeans (Were $168)
    $118
    SHOP NOW

    Good American jeans are well worth the hype.

    Mid Rise Rigid Relaxed Flare Jeans

    Gap
    Mid Rise Rigid Relaxed Flare Jeans
    $90
    SHOP NOW

    I have these Gap jeans and feel like an It girl the second I throw them on.

    High Rise Kick Flare Jeans

    Gap
    High Rise Kick Flare Jeans (Were $80)
    $47
    SHOP NOW

    CBK definitely would've loved this style.

    High Rise '70s Flare Jeans

    Gap
    High Rise '70s Flare Jeans (Were $90)
    $71
    SHOP NOW

    This pair has a bit more of a flared leg for a boho vibe.

    Low Rise Long & Lean Jeans

    Gap
    Low Rise Long & Lean Jeans (Were $90)
    $71
    SHOP NOW

    You'll be the coolest girl in the room in this low-rise pair.

    Extra Low Rise Long & Lean Jeans

    Gap
    Extra Low Rise Long & Lean Jeans (Were $90)
    $44
    SHOP NOW

    An extra low rise screams "early 2000s" and I'm here for it.

    Low Rise Long & Lean Seamed Split-Hem Jeans

    Gap
    Low Rise Long & Lean Seamed Split-Hem Jeans (Were $100)
    $49
    SHOP NOW

    Show off your favorite pair of spring shoes with these split-hem jeans.

    High Rise Kick Flare Jeans

    Gap
    High Rise Kick Flare Jeans (Were $80)
    $39
    SHOP NOW

    Why not try the trend in a cool black wash?

    Madewell , The Flare Crop Jean in Super Stretch Denim

    Madewell
    The Flare Crop Jean in Super Stretch Denim
    $148
    SHOP NOW

    These jeans hit right at the ankle, so they make for the perfect pairing to high-vamp flats.

    Relaxed Bootcut Jeans

    Madewell
    Relaxed Bootcut Jeans
    $140
    SHOP NOW

    You can easily dress these jeans up or down with a simple swap of your shoes.

    Madewell, The Stretch Flare Jean (Were $148)

    Madewell
    The Stretch Flare Jean (Were $148)
    $125
    SHOP NOW

    These jeans feature Madewell's signature "Magic Pockets" for a supportive, hold-you-in feel.

    Madewell, The Flare Crop Jean in Super Stretch Denim

    Madewell
    The Flare Crop Jean in Super Stretch Denim
    $148
    SHOP NOW

    You can't go wrong with white jeans for spring.

    Madewell, The Curvy Flare Crop Jean in Super Stretch Denim

    Madewell
    The Curvy Flare Crop Jean in Super Stretch Denim
    $148
    SHOP NOW

    With a narrower waist and extra room at the hips and thighs, these jeans will feat hourglass body shapes like a dream.

    MW, The Flare Crop Jean in Super Stretch Denim

    Madewell
    The Flare Crop Jean in Super Stretch Denim
    $148
    SHOP NOW

    Solid black jeans are great for your spring work outfits.

    Madewell, The Flare Crop Jean in Super Stretch Denim

    Madewell
    The Flare Crop Jean in Super Stretch Denim
    $148
    SHOP NOW

    The cropped raw hem just feels right for the warmer weather.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    Nordstrom Gap Madewell
    Brooke Knappenberger
    Brooke Knappenberger
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    Former Associate Commerce Editor

    Brooke Knappenberger is the former Associate Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she specialized in crafting shopping stories—from sales content to buying guides that span every vertical on the site. She also oversaw holiday coverage with an emphasis on gifting guides as well as Power Pick, our monthly column on the items that power the lives of MC’s editors. She also tackled shopping content as Marie Claire's Editorial Fellow prior to her role as Associate Commerce Editor.

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