Stylists Say These Are the Best Shoes to Wear With Flare Jeans

woman with flare pants and sneakers — Photo:
Phamai Techaphan/Getty Images

With the return of ‘90s and ‘00s nostalgia has come the re-emergence of flare jeans, which are fitted in the rear through knees and then flare outward to create a bell-shape.

"I love, love, love flared jeans,” says Brenda Cooper, an Emmy-award winning fashion stylist. “They are the magical style formula that makes you look taller and thinner, [and] they flatter all body types regardless of the size, shape, weight, or height. Truly!”

She says this flattering effect only gets better when you choose the best shoes to wear with flare jeans. From footwear that leans into the retro aesthetic (hello platform shoes) to heeled boots that further elongate your leg, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from.

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Chunky Sneakers

Jeans and sneakers are a classic pairing that’s perfect for a more casual fit. “The trick is picking the right pair of sneakers for the length of the flare to create a balanced silhouette,” says stylist Cortney St Clair. “If you have a full-length jean, opt for a sneaker that has some substance to it—think chunky grandad sneakers or something with a platform to balance the heaviness of the flare.” If you’re wearing a cropped version, though, she says to choose a sleeker sneaker.

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Retro Platform Shoes

Further embrace that classic ‘70s silhouette and put yourself in a pair of retro platform shoes—closed or open toe. “Combining a pair of flared or bell bottom jeans with a 1970s style platform gives the appearance of added height and makes legs look super elongated,” Cooper says. “Make sure that your flares are long enough to cover the shoe and just clear the ground by about a quarter of an inch.”

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Open Toe Heels

Dress up your flare jeans with a pair of open-toed heels, then add a simple top and accessorize with a chic bag and sunglasses. The lift of the heel makes your legs look longer, and also prevents the hem of your jeans from dragging on the ground. Plus, you’ll have a little style moment where your heel and toes peep out.

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Block Heel Booties

The combination of block heel booties and flare jeans is a match made in style heaven. “The juxtaposition between the fullness of the flared bottom and the sleekness of the boot creates that effortlessly chic visual interest,” St Clair says. “Meanwhile, the chunkiness of the block heel keeps the balance against the bottom-heavy style of the pants.”

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Metallic Pointed Heels

For a bit of pizzazz, slip into a pair of metallic pointed heels. They’ll peep out from underneath the flare, doubling as an accessory and key hero of your fit. The heel also keeps your pants from dragging and creates that long-leg look.

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Platform Wedges

Another favorite shoe to wear with flare jeans is an Espadrille-style platform wedge, Cooper says. This still creates a casual fit without feeling as dressed down as you might with your average sneaker. “To pull off a platform or wedge style shoe with a flared jean, make sure the flares are long enough to cover the shoe with about a quarter inch clearance from the ground,” Cooper says.

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Heeled Mules

Want to dress up your flare jeans? Try a heeled mule. “The near seamless transition between the bottom of the denim and the shoe prevents your foot from being swallowed by the fullness of the flare, while still giving you that sexy sandal vibe, ”St Clair says. A classic leather option is always a winner, but she says you can also play with textures or patterns “to give the shoe a little more substance to balance with the fullness of the flare.”

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Black Heeled Boots

Whether you go with a shiny black leather or a matte suede, a pair of black heeled boots looks great with a pair of flare jeans. “The heel adds enough height while still being comfortable for all day wear,” Cooper says. If you opt for suede with a dark pair of jeans, she says that the effect “creates a continuous and flattering unbroken line from the pant to the boot.”

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Blocky Ballerinas

Keep it chic with a pair of classic mary janes. If you opt for a cropped flare pant, like the outfit seen here, you’ll get to see more of that iconic strappy detail. An alternative here could be a pair of chunky mary janes, which you can wear with either a cropped or full-length pant.

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