How To Style Flare Jeans In Chic Ways

During the quiet, uneventful stretch of the pandemic, fashion felt like it came to a standstill. With little change or progress, it was only natural that people turned to familiar styles from past decades as a source of comfort and nostalgia.

Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok fueled this revival, allowing both Y2K and ’70s-inspired looks to reemerge and gain momentum.

For many—whether millennials, Gen X, boomers, or Gen Z—these trends became a way to cope, reconnect, and escape.

The return of Twiggy-inspired aesthetics brought along a renewed love for ’70s silhouettes. Skinny jeans briefly stepped aside, giving way to the wide-legged appeal of flares, a style reminiscent of Saturday Night Fever.

Even if most of us never lived through John Travolta’s disco-era fame, we tend to romanticize it through a dreamy, nostalgic lens.

And if you’ve got a pair of flared jeans in your closet, you’re probably asking the big question: how should you style them? The possibilities are endless, from laid-back graphic tees to breezy boho tops.

To help break through any styling block, this guide offers 15 outfit ideas that will show you:

• How to wear cropped flares in winter
• Classic outfit combinations with flare jeans
• What pairs well with flared denim
• Simple ways to style them for everyday looks

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What Are Flare Jeans?

Flare jeans are designed with a trumpet like shape, fitted through the hips and thighs, then widening out toward the hem. They are most often cut with a high waist, which helps create the illusion of longer legs and a more compact torso.

On the comfort scale, they earn a respectable 7 out of 10, especially compared to the restrictive feel of skinny jeans. Their peak popularity dates back to the 1960s and 1970s, though the style continues to reappear. We will dive deeper into their history shortly.

History of Flare Jeans

Denim itself can be traced back to Jacob Davis, a tailor in Nevada in the 1870s, who helped spark the Levi Strauss legacy by creating durable work pants for miners.

As for flares, the story takes shape in the early 1900s when American sailors wore bell bottoms for practical reasons. Some say the wide hem made it easier to roll up pant legs if they went overboard, while others point out it allowed room for boots. In those years, the design was functional rather than stylish.

The shift came in the 1960s, when icons like Twiggy and the Jackson 5 transformed flares into fashion statements. The style became closely tied to counterculture movements, symbolizing rebellion against mainstream looks.

Through the 1970s, flared jeans became synonymous with the hippie era. Later, the trend quieted down, making room for Y2K’s obsession with low rise denim, only to circle back again in modern fashion cycles.

When to Wear Flare Jeans

Costume events with a 1970s theme are an obvious place to pull out flares, but they are far from just novelty wear. Depending on the cut and color, they can be a regular part of any casual wardrobe. A simple tee and jacket work for a laid back vibe, while bolder shades or decorated pairs fit those who love standout looks.

They are best suited for everyday and casual outings rather than formal settings. Denim rarely passes for evening wear, where fabrics like tweed or silk are preferred. Seasonally, flared jeans are most practical in fall, winter, and spring. Their full length fit can be too warm for summer, though cropped versions make them easier to style in hotter months.

How to Wear Flare Jeans

Now that we have covered the basics of their shape and history, let us talk styling. To spark some ideas, we will share 15 ways to wear flares. And do not worry, we will include options suited for all genders.

Let us jump in.

15 Outfit Ideas With Flare Jeans

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What Types of Flare Jeans Can You Get?

In fashion, every category splinters into subcategories, and flare jeans are no exception. This silhouette comes in a wide range of cuts, washes, and finishes, which can make shopping feel overwhelming at first. To simplify the process, here are a few of the most popular styles to know about.

• Classic blue wash: The earliest jeans were made in blue denim, and that heritage still defines the most popular choice today. From pale pastel washes to deep indigo tones, this option remains the easiest to style for everyday wear.
• Rib cage cut: Not everyone has long legs, but high waisted flares can create that illusion. By sitting higher on the waist, this design elongates the figure while also drawing attention to the torso.
• Distressed flares: A polished silhouette is not always the goal. For those who lean toward an edgier aesthetic, distressed denim with rips, frays, or raw hems adds personality and a touch of attitude.
• Patterns and bold colors: When subtlety is not the mood, flares in standout shades or prints make a statement. Popular variations include crisp white, playful bleached motifs, and jewel tones like emerald green.

How to Choose the Best Flare Jeans

Let’s face it, jean shopping is not exactly a favorite activity. Unlike dresses or loungewear, denim requires serious thought when it comes to fit, wash, and design.

Since a quality pair often starts at around $60, it is worth weighing the pros and cons before checking out.

The best pair should provide a balance between structure and stretch. Think of it as a two to one ratio: sturdiness should outweigh flexibility, but both need to be present. This balance usually comes from a fabric mix that includes cotton, elastane, and polyester.

Going too far in either direction is not ideal. Extra stretchy fabrics lose shape quickly, while overly rigid denim can tear. The fabric content also directly affects comfort. And there is nothing more frustrating than being stuck in a stiff, scratchy pair all day.

Fit is another essential factor. Jeans should feel secure around the hips with just a little room at the rise. For flares, the shape should cling only at the thighs and then release through the leg.

Design plays a role as well. Bright colors or bold prints may catch your eye, but they often become pieces you reach for less often. Neutral washes or classic shades tend to be more versatile and practical.

As for price, flared jeans generally range from $60 to $200, depending on brand and retailer. Premium labels like AGOLDE and Reformation sit at the higher end, while Levi’s and Wrangler are considered more budget friendly.

How to Style Flare Jeans

Flare jeans call for a little extra attention when styling. Their dramatic cut makes a statement on its own, but the right details can take an outfit to the next level. Below are a few easy tips to keep in mind.

• Heeled boots: A go to choice for flares, heeled booties add height, lengthen the legs, and keep the hemline from dragging on the floor.
• Boxy tops: Slightly oversized button downs or sweaters balance well with the fitted upper half of flared jeans. Just be careful not to drown the look in an overly large top.
• Statement belt: For those who like minimalist outfits, a belt can provide a subtle upgrade. Vintage inspired buckles or embellished details add personality without being over the top.
• The French tuck: Since most flares are high waisted, tucking in the front of your shirt is a simple way to highlight proportions and keep the look polished.

Fashion Tips to Avoid with Flare Jeans

Congrats, you now know how to style flare jeans. Your closet finally feels refreshed, and the outfit ideas are flowing.

That said, there are still some styling mistakes worth steering clear of. Fashion is about freedom, but avoiding these common pitfalls will keep your look sharp.

• Overly exaggerated flares: If the hem is so wide it could swallow a car tire, it is best to pass. Beyond looking unbalanced, this shape can be a tripping hazard.
• Dragging hems: Cuffing works as a quick fix for too long pants, but it should not be the permanent solution. If your jeans pool at the floor, tailoring or trimming is the way to go.
• Low cut ankle boots: Boots that stop well below the hem of flares tend to break the line of the silhouette. Go for shoes that rise higher so the pants fall naturally over them.
• Tucking into tall boots: Flared denim should drape freely. Stuffing them inside knee high boots only creates bunching and bulk.

How to Take Care of Flare Jeans

Contrary to what many believe, denim should not be tossed in with everyday laundry. To preserve the quality of your jeans, limit washing and be mindful of how you clean them.

• For jeans that are not stained, place them in the freezer to help eliminate odors and bacteria
• Wash only in cold water with a gentle detergent to avoid fading or damage
• Skip the dryer. Heat increases the risk of shrinking. Instead, air dry naturally for best results

Best Places to Buy Flare Jeans

By now, it is clear that flare jeans are not just a passing trend. If you are looking to add a pair to your wardrobe, here are some popular places to shop:

• AGOLDE
• Reformation
• Levi’s
• Wrangler
• Everlane
• Urban Outfitters

Final Thoughts

As the influence of nostalgic fashion remains strong, it is no surprise that the 1970s continue to inspire modern style. Flared jeans are one of the most enduring elements from that era.

They may not be tied only to Saturday Night Fever, but they are often seen as the signature piece of the Twiggy era. With their groovy, form fitting design and flattering cut, flares have survived decades of fashion cycles.

From retro inspired outfits to updated contemporary looks, flare jeans remain versatile and timeless. Hopefully this guide gave you fresh ideas on how to wear them with confidence.