If you identify as a denim lover, like I do, then fall is the perfect time of year to acquire and experiment with new jeans. Various denim silhouettes are constantly cycling in and out of style. The changing season is an ideal time for a denim refresh or, in the case of flared jeans — a reboot.
Flare-legged jeans are essentially bell bottoms, those good ol’ 70’s fashion mainstays. Looking even further back, bell bottoms actually originated in the early 1800s as part of sailor uniforms because who couldn’t use the extra flare on the high seas? Thankfully, though, we won’t be exploring sailor suit style with the modern version of wide-leg jeans. Read on for a rundown of how to style flared jeans this fall.
For all your favorite autumnal activities, from apple picking to cider drinking to pumpkin patching, check out a flared jean like Anthropologie’s MOTHER Weekender Mid-Rise Flare Jeans. The name clues you in that this is a casual pair of jeans you can wear with a tee, flannel, and hiking boots for all kinds of fall adventures.
Or consider an athleisure route to your fall style with Good American’s Power Stretch Pull-On Flare Jeans. With a high-rise stretch waistline, these curve-flattening jeans go great with a hoodie, fleece half-zip, and sneakers. A baseball hat and oversized sunglasses complete the look for outdoor fun!
For a night out, you can dress up a flared-leg jean like SPANX’s EveryWear Flare Jeans in black with a platform heel, metallic top, and hoop earrings if you’re feeling fancy. For a more reserved look, check out Levi’s 726 High Rise Flare Women’s Jean, also in black, and style with a ruffled blouse, pearls, and pumps. A dark jean is key for evening looks. Anything faded, distressed, or in a lighter wash gives an “under-dressed” vibe for dinner and drinks.
If a casual date or hang out is more up your alley versus a night on the town, look no further than Old Navy’s High-Waisted Wow Flare Jeans. In a medium wash worn with a statement sweater, these jeans will have you feeling all things fall. Lean into the current Western Wear trend and finish your look with cowboy boots and a fringed bag. Or check out Fit Jean’s Flared collection. Their mid-rise fit in sapphire blue hugs in all the right places and makes for a sleek going-out outfit when paired with a cropped sweater, oversized blazer, and boots.
Speaking of blazers, pair one with flared jeans to serve up a surprising worktime outfit. A tweedy blazer over a tucked-in button-up with Madewell’s Kick Out Full-Length Jeans mixes things up on a casual fall Friday. Flared jeans can also replace your everyday work uniform in more relaxed workplaces, especially a pair like Madewell’s Kick Out Crop Jeans. The cropped hem allows for a patterned sock and loafer combo to go along with a sweater set for a quirky work look.
A few things to watch out for when styling flared-leg jeans. First, unlike skinnies, the legs should not be tucked into knee-high boots. It defeats the purpose of the flare. You can still rock a taller boot underneath the jeans.
Second, while I do recommend tucking in your top, not all tucks are created equal. Play around with a looser versus full tuck-in, as well as half tucks and blouse-out tucks.
This is an even bigger factor when belting your jeans. To belt or not to belt depends on the snugness of the jeans, your comfortability, and how many other accessories you’re sporting. If you’re wearing a chunky heel, dangling earrings, and multiple bracelets, a big belt can overwhelm the look. On the flip side, a simple leather belt with flats and a delicate necklace can balance things out.
In general, wide-leg jeans should be form-fitting, which can be flattering on a variety of silhouettes once you work out your portions and get the right fit. Try to steer clear of anything too baggy or extreme extra-wide leg, as the material overwhelms those of us not up to supermodel height. If denim is not your cup of tea, but the flared fit is calling to you, consider another staple fabric of fall — corduroy!
