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With so many denim styles out there, it’s as important as ever to keep up with the ever-changing trend cycle. One minute we may be shopping for barrel cuts, and the next we’re discussing the age-old question of whether or not skinny jeans are back in style (Spoiler alert: I’m not convinced). Although there will surely be new and inventive denim interpretations—think laser cutouts, embellishments, and panels—the classics, as my mom never fails to remind me, “always come back.” So when Chloé single-handedly ushered in the return of boho chic with the appointment of their new creative director early last year, it was finally time for flared jeans to take back the spotlight.
Flared jeans, also sometimes referred to as bell bottoms, are a distinctive style that was popularized during the 1970s by the counterculture youth. Nowadays, they’re more of a fashion statement than an anti-establishment symbol. But they’re still one of the most flattering shapes available because of the natural proportions that they have always created. Since they’re fitted towards the top and wide at the bottom, flares create the illusion of elongated legs and an hourglass waist. In order to avoid looking retro or costumey, styling your flared jeans in an updated way should be the main focus.
That goes for shoes especially. With so much of the emphasis around the ankles, flared jeans tend to direct extra attention to that area. And while your shoes will mostly be covered by the longer length of your jeans, you’ll want to pick them out carefully so that they don’t get lost underneath the extra fabric. With that in mind, shoes with eye-catching details towards the front toe box and bottom heel will work best. The best tip is to to avoid shoes with ankle features as they won’t be visible anyway.
Since flared jeans require a bit of extra thought when it comes to what shoes to wear, we’ve compiled a list of seven kinds of shoes that’ll take your flare jeans to the next level.
Pointed-Toe Boots
A pair of black pointed-toe heeled boots are a must-have in any winter wardrobe. Whether they’re leather booties or knee-highs, you can wear either underneath flared jeans. The sharp pointed toe will create an edgy look while the heel elevates even the most casual outfit. Wear them with a black leather bomber jacket and a futuristic pair of sunglasses to match the energy of your pointed-toe boots.
Kitten Heels
A kitten heel is always a good idea coupled with flared jeans. They add that slight bit of height you need to elongate your legs, while also making sure your pants don’t sweep the ground. Even more than just a regular pointed kitten heel would be one with a dainty bow that pokes out of the front. It’s a subtle detail that will add so much to even the simplest denim outfit.
Wedge Sandals
After the aforementioned Chloé fall/winter 2024 show, during which the entire front row was seated wearing the same pair of wooden platform wedges, it was no surprise to see the shoes make their way from the front row to the streets in just a few short months. Their height makes them ideal to wear under long, flowy flared jeans. Plus, the wooden wedge being visible makes for a bold aesthetic choice.
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Cap-Toe Boots
Cap-toe boots are the perfect example of shoes to wear with flared jeans. This is because the most interesting detail of the boot, the cap-toe, is right up front and center. In this case, the flared denim is ankle cut which allows for even more of the beautiful suede block heel boots to be shown. But with short or longer flared jeans, cap-toe boots go hand-in-hand.
Western Boots
You can tell Western-style boots from regular boots by the inward-leaning heel and the snip pointy toe. Luckily, neither of those details will get lost underneath even the longest-flare jeans since they’re at the very bottom. Thus, making them a frontrunner when it comes to shoes to wear with your flares. Opt for a light wash pair of denim to contrast your black leather boots for that model off-duty look.
Sneakers
When given the choice between sneakers and any other kind of shoe, I’ll more often than not go for sneakers. And my answer is no different even when flared jeans are involved. In this case, a sneaker with a colorful outsole will make the most impact on an otherwise all-black and gray outfit. It’s the smallest detail, but it will add a lot of pep to your step.
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Saturated Stilettos
Since your shoes will poke out the tiniest bit with flared jeans, why not wear a pair of stilettos in a fun color? A supersaturated hot pink will give you just enough of a hue to spice up the rest of your outfit. Whether you want to keep things minimal up top or play up the bold color, saturated stilettos will work either way.