This Anti–Skinny Jeans Trend Has Come Back With a Vengeance

If I opened your denim drawer right now, I bet I could guess some of the key silhouettes stored inside—straight-leg jeans, skinnies, and perhaps an of-the-moment outlier like those "grandpa" cuts. But what's one style that probably hasn't surfaced to the top of the pile as much as of late? Flares. Sure, cropped flares have been, well, cropping up over the last few years, but the more polarizing bootcut and bell-bottom styles (aka anti–skinny jeans) haven't been as popular again until recently. Well, get ready—as we continue to see on the runway and streets, flares proved in 2022 that they were back and continue to do so in 2023 with some cute inspiration for summer-worthy flare-jeans outfits.

Celebrities like Gigi Hadid, Margot Robbie, and Harry Styles have already been spotted in '70s-inspired flares, and fashion people are starting to embrace the vibe.

To highlight the look further, we broke down how the flare trend has taken over the runway, celeb, and It-girl world for you below. We also shopped out the coolest cuts of the moment if you're ready to try the trend out this time around. Keep scrolling to see how to wear flare jeans right now.

On celebs:

Petite flare jeans: Margo Robbie

Photo:

Christopher Peterson/SplashNews.com

Light-wash flares pop even more with black separates like this cropped black knit.

On Margot Robbie: Chanel sweater

The medium wash on these jeans feels so right.

Petite flare jeans: Harry Styles

Photo:

WP Pix/SplashNews.com

A tangerine-colored sweater half-tucked into wider-leg bell-bottoms feels so right now.

For an edgier denim look, try a deeper wash.

We have a feeling elevated denim flares like this will stay "in" for seasons to come.

Petite flare jeans:  Gigi Hadid

Photo:

Splash News

The split-seam opening at the bottom of the flare makes these jeans especially modern.

On Gigi Hadid: Monse jacket; 7 for All Mankind Luxe Vintage Exaggerated Kick-Flare Jeans ($225); Ferragamo bag

Petite flare jeans:  Penelope Cruz

Photo:

Backgrid

Amp up flared jeans even more with a vibrant cropped jacket and statement accessories.

On Penélope Cruz: Paige Genevieve flares; Chanel bag

On the runway:

Celine Runway Spring 2020 Flare Jean Trend

Photo:

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Celine sent a slew of models down the runway in a variety of bell-bottom cuts. This denim-on-denim vibe with the slouchy white blazer is where it's at.

These look like they came straight from the '70s.

Brandon Maxwell Runway Spring 2020 Flare Jean Trend

Photo:

Victor Virgile/Getty Images

We'd describe this Brandon Maxwell silhouette featuring iconic flared jeans and that popped-collar blouse as "classic with a twist."

Paco Rabanne Spring 2020 Flare Jean Trend

Photo:

Estrop/Getty Images

Embroidered flares turned up in Paco Rabanne's collection as the most playful way to lean into those '70s throwback vibes.

Team these flares with a printed top and heeled mules.

Alberta Ferretti Spring 2020 Runway Flare jean trend

Photo:

Victor Virgile/Getty Images

While the longer bell-bottom silhouettes generally reigned supreme, this Alberta Ferretti ensemble proves that cropped flares continue to be much-loved.

For anyone looking for a polished pair of cropped flares.

On the street:

How to wear petite flare jeans

Photo:

Melodie Jeng/Getty Images

Elevate dark flares with a modern blazer and classic white ankle boots.

Try these dark flared jeans with flats or heels.

How to wear flare jeans trend during winter

Photo:

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

A long duster coat works flawlessly with longer flares for an of-the-moment silhouette.

These will become a staple in your year-round wardrobe.

How to wear flare jeans for work

Photo:

Melodie Jeng/Getty Images

Slightly cropped flared jeans in a tailored cut paired with a tucked-in top and blazer always look polished.

Opt for a high-waisted silhouette for a retro-cool look.

Pair an extra-long pair with some heels for an elongated silhouette. 

How to wear flare jeans trend for a night out

Photo:

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Adding a multi-patterned turtleneck into your denim ensemble is a simple way to make a serious impact.

Black jeans are always dressier for formal occasions.

This post was published at an earlier date and has been updated. Next, 10 Fashion Editors Share Their Feel-Good Summer Outfits