Style Guide: 6 Best Shoes to Wear with Flare Jeans

While flare jeans first entered the scene in the 1960s and fully came into the mainstream style in the 70s, we’re seeing a comeback today that we haven’t seen since the early aughts. If you’re dusting off your flare jeans from 2005 or looking to snag a new pair like our must-have high rise Phoebe jeans, you might be wondering what kind of shoes to wear. Don’t worry: we have you covered. Here’s our style guide on the six best shoes to wear with flare jeans.

What Shoes to Wear with Flare Jeans

Flare jeans are a type of denim that are fitted through the thighs and slowly flare out from the knee down to the ankle to create a slight bell-bottom shape. Bell bottoms are a type of flare jeans that have a more exaggerated flare. The best shoes to wear with flare jeans include heeled boots and sandals to elongate your legs, or wedge and chunky heels to keep the overall look more balanced. If you want a more casual look, flats and sneakers work great, too!

1. Boots — Fashion and lifestyle blogger Terilyn Adams shares that you can pretty much wear any shoe type with flare jeans, but you just need to know how to style them so your boots don’t bulge. Go for heeled ankle boots to lengthen your legs or sleek pointed-toe boots for a polished vibe. For a laid-back look, pair your flare jeans with Western-style boots for a playful cowgirl-inspired twist. Pro tip: make sure your jeans graze the top of your boots for the perfect fit.

2. Flats — Keep your flare jeans looking sleek by wearing pointed-toe ballet flats or trendy loafers to get the perfect balance of comfort and style. For a more casual look, try minimalist mules or chic espadrilles. You’ll want your flare jeans to skip the top of your foot when wearing these shoes, too.

3. Heels — If you’re looking for the right women’s stylish shoes to pair with flare jeans, you’ll find that they pair really well with any type of heel. Elevate your look with platforms or block heels to add height and keep your flares flowing beautifully. Strappy heels bring a feminine touch, while pointed-toe heels create a sleek silhouette.

4. Sandals — Look easy/breezy this season by pairing your flare jeans with strappy flat sandals or wedges to add height. Opt for sandals in neutral tones for a classic look. Dare to go bold with sandals in statement colors or embellished styles.

5. Sneakers — For comfort without sacrificing style, dress down your flares with fashionable sneakers to keep the vibe cool and modern. Classic white sneakers keep things effortlessly chic. You can balance out the volume of your flare jeans and sneakers by pairing them with a fitted top or cropped jacket.

6. Wedges — Trendy jeans elevate any outfit, especially when you decide to go for chic wedges like our Cassandra wedges featuring an all-over raffia styling with a natural leather finish. Wedges lend themselves to a fun, retro-inspired look. Simply pair high-waisted flare jeans with a fitted top to accentuate your waist, and then add on wedges for a pop of height. Finish off the look with our Vera statement hoop earrings in pink and a structured handbag like the Serena bag in yellow with a wrapped scarf detailing.

Wondering how should jeans fit? Here’s a tip: Your flare jeans should hug your waist and hips, widening out gracefully to get that flattering leg-lengthening silhouette. Flare jeans are a total vibe, and the right shoes can make or break your look. Rock sneakers for a casual-cool moment or step up your style game with block heels because there’s a perfect pair for any occasion. With the right shoes, your trendy flare jeans become effortlessly chic in no time. Experiment with different styles and embrace your inner Avaraista!