You can never have too much of a good thing, and right now, our thing is denim. After being somewhat cast aside for the first time in recent history, thanks to trending wide-leg styles and prominent tailoring, denim is officially back on the radar. Searches for jeans and denim trends have been on the up since the beginning of the year, and new looks (such as patchwork, horseshoe and criss-cross waistbands) have been well received by shoppers. Flare jeans have also seen a resurgence, but it begs the question of what shoe styles look best with them.
We're living in a more democratic denim world, and that means flares are being adopted once more by stylish women in London, Paris, L.A. and beyond. With this newfound love for flares, we've developed some theories of the shoe styles that work best and will properly complete your outfit. We've found that platforms, strappy heels and any type of trainers are shoes that look great with flared jeans. Heeled boots, kitten heels and even clogs are another few other options that work well too, whether you prefer cropped flares or floor-dusting lengths. Whilst some shoes always look good with jeans, others feel like they were made for solely wearing with flares.
What Kind of Shoes Should You Wear with Flared Jeans?
NET-A-PORTER Fashion Director Kay Barron says that there are a number of different shoe styles that can work with flare jeans. "Statement making platforms like the JIL SANDER Metallic leather pumps will give maximum impact, especially when you want to elongate your silhouette. A block heel works much better than a spikey stiletto, especially if the hem is floor-length, which I always encourage. Although if high high heels aren’t you thing, then slingback pumps or mules, with shorter block or kitten heels work wonderfully with flared jeans such as the Manolo Blahnik Callamu 50 elaphe mules which will give your flares a more polished punctuation."
Can You Wear Flat Shoes with Flare Jeans?
If heels aren't your thing, you don't have to shy away from wearing flare jeans. Simply opt for a more cropped style to keep hems off the floor. Barron agrees, stating that, "There is something very elegant about a flared hem swinging above a bare ankle."
Keep scrolling to see seven footwear options in action that always look best with this denim cut.
7 Shoe Styles to Wear with Flared Jeans That Look So Chic:
1. Heeled Boots
Style Notes: The idea of a blazer with flares and a stripe tee is totally timeless. Thank you for the reminder, Tamara!
Style Notes: Franny Mozemba's white flared jeans look very chic with tan boots and a white blazer.
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Suede is a perfect finish for now through to spring.
These will go with everything.
These will pair just as well with black tights and dresses as they will with flare jeans and white ruffle blouses.
2. Ballet Flats
Style Notes: You might be wondering if you can wear flat shoes with flare jeans, and the answer is most definitely yes. This is especially true if you take a page from Marianne Smyth's book and style a pair of Mary Jane flats with cropped and flared denim.
Style Notes: Edgier outfits with leather jackets and wide-leg jeans instantly feel a little sweeter with a pair of ballet flats. If you're torn between shoe options, Chase Marie Wise's outfit shows it's worth giving your ballet flats a chance.
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This pair will look so good with a relaxed leather jacket.
COS' viral ballet flats now come in this chic Bordeaux shade.
The toe shape is so sleek.
3. Strappy High Heels
Style Notes: You can even turn up your flares slightly to show off more of your strappy heels à la Jessica Skye.
Style Notes: This is a look for all the minimalists out there. Allison Ho's white blouse and black strappy heels are just lovely.
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These also come in black, pink and beige.
This wide heel pair are comfortable but still stylish.
I'm bookmarking this pair as a strong wedding-guest shoe.
4. Trainers
Style Notes: The extremely trendy Adidas Sambas are another solid option when you're in search of trainers that look good with flare jeans. They keep the outfit casual without making it feel too sporty—which other styles of running shoes are capable of doing. Copy Camille Charriere's look that perfectly blends laidback with well-styled by wearing a relaxed white T-shirt and adding a jumper and compact handbag for wearing around your shoulders.
Style Notes: If you're looking to elevate your trainers-and-jeans pairing, Julia has the formula down. Just throw a blazer on over top of a tucked-in white T-shirt and add a structured handbag.
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It might be time to snag the shoe that has remained a concrete trend for 2024.
This ecru pair is softer than a bright white—but both colours are worthy of a spot on your shoe rack.
If you're after something a little more colourful.
5. Kitten Heels
Style Notes: For barely-there flares or cropped flares, try matching the shade of denim with your colour of kitten heel. Sylvie Mus does it best here, pairing her deep black jeans with sleek leather mules. If you're curious about where flare jeans should hit with heels, a good rule of thumb is about 2.5 centimetres above the shoe. With a cropped flare jean, the jeans will hit your ankle or just above, and therefore your full shoe will be on display.
Style Notes: Kitten heels, whether in a mule style or sling-back silhouette look good with many different trousers, but peeking out of flared jeans they look especially stylish. Choose a white l pair, like Andi if you want them to stand out from the volume of your jeans.
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A pop of red beneath your flares is always a good idea.
I love the tiny bow on these mules.
These look pretty whether the toes peek out of long flares or if the ankle strap shows when you're wearing cropped flares.
6. Chunky Flat Shoes
Style Notes: Yes, the idea extends to clogs—a pairing we've seen some of Instagram's more adventurous women trying out.
Style Notes: But you could also opt for thick-soled flip-flops, when the weather warms up again, as demonstrated so elegantly by TyLynn Nguyen here.
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Clogs are set to be big news this year. Look for classic pairs like Birkenstock's Boston style.
An investment pair.
These look so comfy. Wear them with chunky socks to keep your feet warm.
7. Platform Shoes
Style Notes: I don't like to make sweeping statements, but this one is true: So many French women (like Anne-Victoire Lefevre here) wear platforms with their flares, and it just works.
Style Notes: Julie Sergent Ferreri is an ardent flare wearer, and as such, she has many good outfit ideas for you to copy.
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Black platforms + indigo denim = a match made in heaven.
These consistently sell out and blur the line between a classic black boot and a statement shoe.
These feel so French.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
