How to Style Flare Jeans: Fresh Outfit Inspiration for Modern Denim

Flare jeans — whether you know them as bell bottoms or flares — are one of the most recognisable denim styles, with a silhouette you can’t mistake; once worn by sailors for practicality and later synonymous with 60s and 70s bohemian and rocker fashion, they’ve drifted in and out of vogue. Now flares are back and bigger than ever—whether you’re channelling your inner disco diva or Kendrick Lamar’s Superbowl show — and we’ll take you through how to style flared jeans, the styles available, and what not to wear with them.

What Tops to Wear with Flare Jeans

Bell bottoms are a great choice when you want to make a statement that’s effortlessly chic and cool.

There are no rules — as with everything in fashion — but make stylistic choices that elevate your look with flares.

  • The high-rise waistband gives more weight to the bottom half of the wearer.
  • Baggy and oversized T-shirts can swamp the wearer, creating a dissonance between top and bottom.
  • Look for balance with more fitted, cropped tops and shirts.
  • Or create separation with a tucked top to highlight and accentuate the natural waist, balancing the proportions of the full outfit.

How to Wear Flare Jeans for Every Occasion

When deciding how you’ll wear flare jeans remember you can dress it up or down, making it the perfect style for any occasion.

Office-ready

  • Tailored blazer brings a modern style to a classic corporate feel.
  • Add Chelsea boots and a few statement jewellery pieces — boardroom look sorted.

Casual

  • Slim-fit top balances the silhouette created with flares.
  • Relaxed graphic tee + French tuck: define your waist, keep it cool and lowkey, balance top with the jeans.
  • Finish with a pair of trainers.

Office to night out

  • Loose shirt with a lightly flared jean for easy transition.
  • Smaller flare lets you go larger on top; tuck longer shirts where necessary to keep the balance.
  • Finish with an easy heel or platform loafers.

Flare Jeans Outfit Ideas for Different Body Types

As we’ve previously mentioned, there are no rigid rules when it comes to fashion. Any body type can wear flared jeans. However, if you see a model wearing an outfit, your results may vary if you don’t have the exact body shape. Thankfully, there are a few style hacks and tricks to get you the look you want.

Flare jeans for pear shape

  • Pear (triangle) shape: wide hips, smaller bust, weight in lower body, well-defined waistline.
  • Flare jeans flatter the waist with a fitted look through hips/thighs without looking tight.
  • If jeans feel tight, stretch your jeans.
  • A wider flare balances the silhouette, matching wider hips and flattering the wearer.
  • Pair with a structured, cropped top and statement jewellery for visual interest and balance.

Flare jeans for apple shape

  • Apple (inverted triangle): broad shoulders, larger bust vs. waist; weight carried in the top half.
  • Flare jeans create natural balance by drawing attention to the legs.
  • Wider flares help create a proportionate silhouette.
  • V-necklines draw the eye vertically down the upper body, adding the illusion of length.

Flare jeans for an hourglass shape

  • Hourglass shapes are complemented by flare jeans; the cut accentuates natural curves and balanced proportions.
  • A wider flare at the bottom suits this body type well.
  • A tucked shirt emphasizes the waistline; a statement belt does the same with added visual interest.
  • Pair with heels or wedges to elongate the legs and enhance the silhouette.

What to Wear with Flared Jeans: Footwear and Accessories

Styling matters as much as the clothes — make them work for you. We’ve covered tops by body type; now finish the outfit with the right shoes and accessories.

Vintage (60s–70s feel)

  • Flare jeans are often the focal point, evoking the 60s and 70s — lean into it.
  • Square-toed boots reminiscent of the era.
  • blue jeans + brown leather boot + printed shirt.
  • Finish with a chunky, statement belt and necklace.

Modern (cooler months)

  • Chelsea boots for a more modern feel; add a little height, lengthen the legs, create a slender silhouette.
  • Style with a turtleneck sweater and a long jacket for a streamlined, day-to-night look.

Warm weather / casual

  • Colour-block trainers for a laid-back vibe.
  • Works with any colour jeans.
  • Trainers give you the freedom to finish with more casual tops and accessories.

Flared Jeans FAQs

Are flare jeans in style?

Yes—flare jeans are back, alongside wider-fit silhouettes. They dress up or down, pairing with cropped T-shirts, blouses, and blazers, making them a versatile contemporary wardrobe staple.

Can petite women wear flare jeans?

Yes—petite women can wear flares. High-waisted styles create the illusion of long legs, and cropped tops amplify it. Add platforms or heels for extra length, and pick a pointy-toe shoe to contrast the wide hemline.

What length should flare jeans be?

Flare jeans should skim the floor — grazing the tops of your shoes without dragging or bunching. You can also experiment: cropped flares with summer sandals create a beach-ready look.