If you’ve been wondering how to style flared jeans, look no further. Identified by their figure-hugging fit around the waist, bums and thighs before widening below the knee into a bell bottom shape, flared jeans are super versatile. With a unique ability to flatter all silhouettes, it’s no surprise that flares are one of the biggest jeans trend this year.
First hitting our fashion radar in the ’60s and ’70s, the flared jean is key to discovering what is boho style, offering a uniquely bohemian feel to any look. Fast forward several decades and this chic denim silhouette is back as part of the denim trends 2022, in modern denim fabrications and colorways.
‘Flares are back as a true wardrobe must-have this season,’ says Jessica Oldfield, denim buyer at River Island, ‘What makes them a staple is their leg balancing shape, giving the illusion of longer legs no matter what your height!’
Universally flattering, flared jeans come in numerous iterations, including high, mid and low rise waists – regardless of body type, there’s a pair for you. The wider hem line helps to balance out pear shapes, larger busts and wide shoulders, as well as drawing the eye down and away from your middle. Incredibly versatile they’re the ideal denim choice for everywhere from the office to what to wear on a first date. So, whether you’ve got a pair hidden at the back of your wardrobe, or you want to trial the trend, we’ve got all the details on the best flared jeans to buy right now, as well as some easy-to-follow advice on how to style them for all occasions.
HOW TO STYLE FLARED JEANS ACCORDING TO A FASHION EDITOR:
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1. HOW TO STYLE FLARED JEANS WITH A BLAZER
Blazers add instant polish to any outfit. For an office-appropriate style, opt for your best blazer in a neutral or dark tone worn with a classic white shirt and dark-hued flares, with no distressed details. For an effortless day look, a directional bright blazer and your best white t-shirt are a stylish match for traditional blue denim.
A styling tip…
Oversized blazers are one of the biggest fashion trends 2022. To trial the trend, try a blazer two sizes up from your usual size. Make sure to pair is with a fitted top or shirt underneath to avoid looking overwhelmed, and don’t be afraid to roll up the sleeves.
Fashion editor’s picks…
La Redoute Relaxed Fit Blazer
RRP: $66 / £55 | Thanks to its chic, simple design, this tan blazer will be a timeless addition to your wardrobe so invest now and wear it for seasons to come. Made from recycled polyester, it’s a sustainable option for smarter shopping.
Marks & Spencer Linen Shirt
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Bershka Dark-Blue Flared Jeans
RRP: $45.90 / £29.99 | These dark flared jeans are a great option for those wanting a polished look. Easy to style, they’ll look great with a crisp white shirt or a floral blouse. To elevate your denim, finish your outfit with a simple block heel.
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2. HOW TO STYLE FLARED JEANS WITH A GILET
The best gilets and waistcoats are an easy and stylish way of adding a layer to your look without adding too much bulk. A major trend right now, we expect to see gilets continue into the fall 2022 fashion trends, making them a strong investment piece.
If you’re wondering how to style a gilet with flared jeans, it’s important to consider the overall look you want to achieve. For a coordinated feel, match your gilet to your jeans in either tone or texture, or, try a contrasting gilet for a more relaxed look.
When learning how to style flared jeans, it’s also important to think about proportions. As flares have a bell bottom finish, you’ll want your gilet to be relatively form-fitting to help balance proportions.
A styling tip…
How you wear your gilet can totally transform your outfit. Leave buttons undone for a more relaxed look or do them up for a more formal finish. While you can wear this look with a blouse, it’s also easy to wear with a plain block color or graphic tee too.
Fashion editor’s picks…
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Weekday Cream Button-Front Vest
RRP: $50 / £36 | Incredibly versatile, this vest can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Wear open over your favorite Breton top and light-wash flared jeans for an easy everyday look, or button up over a prairie blouse for a bohemian finish.
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Abercrombie & Fitch Flared Jeans
RRP: $90 / £75 | One of the best jeans for curvy women, these are designed to hug your silhouette. With a high-waisted cut to contour your shape, these jeans also feature additional inches at the hips to remove any unwanted gaping at the waistband.
Ted Baker White Bow Front Loafers
RRP: $180 / £150 | One of the biggest shoe trends 2022, loafers offer an androgynous finish to any outfit. The off-white hue gives these shoes a distinctly summery feel, while the bow detail offers a feminine finish. Ideal for giving a tougher finish to dresses.
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3. HOW TO STYLE FLARED JEANS WITH A SHIRT
A capsule wardrobe staple, a shirt is one of the most versatile items you can have in your closet and it’s the perfect fuss-free way to learn how to style flared jeans. A wardrobe essential, it’s a look that will never go out of fashion and will pair effortlessly with flared jeans of all colors. For a more tailored fit, tuck your shirt into the waistband of your jeans,, it’ll define your waist and give the illusion of longer legs. Want a slightly more relaxed feel? Try the fashion crowd’s favorite half-tuck for a more nonchalant finish.
A styling tip…
If you’re conscious of your bottom half leave your shirt half or fully untucked. The loose styling will skim your figure for a flattering fit.
Fashion editor’s picks…
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Arket Striped Shirt
RRP: $69 / £55 | Made from 100% linen this shirt offers an easy-breezy wear for a laid-back feel. The blue and white stripe has a touch of androgyny, offering a smarter finish, while the color combo is ideal for the summer months. Pair with white & blue denim.
River Island Petite Jeans
RRP: $98 / £86 | One of the best petite jeans, this flared design is crafted with bum sculpt technology for a flattering fit. Dress them down with a shirt and comfortable flats or add sky-high platforms to channel flared jeans’ naturally vintage vibe.
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COS Square-toe Flats
RRP: $150 / £99 | For a quirky twist on traditional ballet flats, look no further than this square-toed style. Available in both buttery cream and classic black, the ultra-modern shape is fashion-forward and elegant. Ideal for peeping out from beneath jeans.
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4. HOW TO STYLE FLARED JEANS WITH A SWEATER
The weather can be unpredictable right now so stay prepared by learning how to style flared jeans with a cozy sweater. The key to making this style work is to not overthink it. Team your flares with your best sweaters for a minimalistic feel, opt for a more figure-hugging fit to avoid losing your silhouette to the bell-bottom shape of the jeans. To add interest to this look, try a block-colored sweater in any of the fashion color trends 2022 for a fresh feel.
A styling tip…
A great sweater can be reached for season after season so don’t be afraid to invest in the best cashmere sweaters to add luxe to your look.
Fashion editor’s picks…
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Uniqlo Wool Jumper
RRP: $49.90 / £29.90 | Inject some color into your outfit with this refreshing blue sweater. Tapping into the bright color clothes trend, it’s made from 100% lambswool. Available in 10 wearable shades, you’re bound to find the right hue for you.
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H&M White Flared Jeans
RRP: $34.99 / £24.99 | Don’t be intimated by white jeans – they are actually incredibly wearable. For the best white jeans outfits, pair with a printed blouse – ideal for what to wear on holiday. As the weather cools, swap for a punchy sweater.
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5. HOW TO STYLE FLARED JEANS WITH DENIM
If you were put off double denim by the iconic looks from Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, you’ll have to trust us on this one. With ’90s nostalgia a major fashion theme this season, the look is back in favor. The key to double denim is not to overcomplicate it. If you’re nervous about the look, go for coordinating denim pieces – such as your best denim jacket, with matching flared jeans in the same hue. For those after a more directional feel, you can easily mix different shades and washes to give your look a modern edge. Finish by pairing with your best white trainers and a simple tee to keep it sleek.
A styling tip…
You don’t need to stop at double denim, finish your look with matching blue or denim accessories for extra style points.
Fashion editor’s picks…
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Warehouse Denim Jacket
RRP: $101 / £85 | This ’70s-inspired style is ideal for defining or creating an hourglass body shape. For a more expensive finish, swap the fabric belt for one of the best designer belts – instantly customizing your look.
Reiss Flared Jeans
RRP: $245 / £150 | These retro-feel, flared jeans feature clever, leg-lengthening, seam details on the center front of each leg. Drawing the eye down the body, the stitch work gives the illusion of elongated pins.
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Russell & Bromley Heels
RRP: $327 / £275 | Dress up everything from flared jeans to your best dresses with these sweet embellished slingbacks. Ideal for adding a party feel, the kitten heel will help put a stop to aching feet this summer.