Flared jeans were once a nostalgic relic, reserved for ’70s cosplayers and Y2K revivalists, but today, wearing them right will earn you instant cool-girl kudos. Once dismissed as “retro”, the style has made a full comeback, proving that it’s a wardrobe essential worth reconsidering as we enter jeans season. And while ultra-baggy and balloon-leg denim have dominated for the past few years, flares offer a playful alternative to add to your arsenal.
Popular styles have been the patch-pocket flared jeans, made iconic by Kate Moss in the Noughties and reimagined by Chemena Kamali on the Chloé runway in indigo, pastel washes, and even corduroy. Equally loved are dark-wash, rodeo-ready flares, an off-duty model favourite (see Bella Hadid) that has cropped up in street-style galleries of late.
At the Fall 2026 ready-to-wear shows, the runway confirmed the silhouette’s staying power. As part of the ongoing revival of the ’70s boho chic aesthetic, Chloé and Etro showcased flares alongside sheer blouses, slouchy leather accessories, and delicate gold jewellery. Perfectly faded at the knees, grazing the body and flicking out at the hems, the jeans in question added just the right amount of nostalgia to the collections.
When it comes to footwear, the options are plentiful. A boot that slips easily under the hem remains a failsafe – think cowboy boots, slick knee-highs, or chunky bikers. But don’t overlook slimline trainers, polished penny loafers, and even ballet flats, which balance the volume of the flare perfectly.
Whether subtly leaning into their retro roots or styling them with minimalism in mind, flared jeans are back – and they’re here to stay. Here’s how to style them according to the street-style savants.
Leather bomber + trainers
PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 01: A model wears black sunglasses, a white tank top, a beige suede jacket, a brown leather belt, a grey suede bag, blue flared low waist jeans and black suede shoes outside Carven show during Day Four of Paris Fashion Week – Womenswear Spring/Summer 2027 on October 01, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Valentina Frugiuele/Getty Images)Valentina Frugiuele/Getty Images
Faux suede belted jacket, Zara, ₹5,550
R13 blue overflow boy flare jeans, Nykaa Fashion, ₹122,000
