Your cheat sheet to rocking your flared jeans
Flared jeans were once a nostalgic relic, reserved for ’70s cosplayers and Y2K revivalists, but today, wearing them right will earn you instant cool-girl kudos. Once dismissed as “retro”, the style has made a full comeback, proving that it’s a wardrobe essential worth reconsidering as we enter jeans season. And while ultra-baggy and balloon-leg denim have dominated for the past few years, flares offer a playful alternative to add to your arsenal.
Popular styles have been the patch-pocket flared jeans, made iconic by Kate Moss in the Noughties and reimagined by Chemena Kamali on the Chloé runway in indigo, pastel washes, and even corduroy. Equally loved are dark-wash, rodeo-ready flares, an off-duty model favourite (see Bella Hadid) that has cropped up in street-style galleries of late.
For autumn/winter 2025, the runway confirmed the silhouette’s staying power. As part of the ongoing revival of so-called “boho chic,” Chloé and Etro showcased flares alongside sheer blouses, slouchy leather accessories, and delicate gold jewellery. Perfectly faded at the knees, grazing the body and flicking out at the hems, the jeans in question added just the right amount of ’70s nostalgia to both brands’ collections.
When it comes to footwear, the options are plentiful. A boot that slips easily under the hem remains a failsafe – think cowboy boots, slick knee-highs, or chunky bikers. But don’t overlook slimline trainers, polished penny loafers, and even ballet flats, which balance the volume of the flare perfectly.
Whether subtly leaning into their retro roots or styling them with minimalism in mind, flared jeans are back – and they’re here to stay.
Here’s how to style them according to the street-style savants.
1. Leather bomber + trainers
2. Oversized shirt + jumper
3. Denim shirt + wool coat
4. Blazer + trainers
5. Lace skirt
6. Leather bomber + heeled boots
7. Black + white
