8 Cool Outfits That Make Me Want to Try 2023's Controversial Denim Trend

Move over, skinny jeans—there's a new denim trend in town arriving to divide the internet. Enter flared jeans, the '70s-inspired silhouette that's taken over the runways and my heart and that's already being worn by celebrities in anticipation of spring 2023. Although it's still puffer-season weather in New York City, I'm starting to shuffle in my pair of floor-grazing denim I haven't touched in months.
While relaxed-fit and wide-leg styles have been all the rage for the last few years thanks to the fashion crowd's love of slouchy tailoring, flared jeans are the controversial look no one saw coming. Even though it seems like skinny jeans are firmly tucked away at the top of my closet shelf, the latest ultra-flared-denim trend reminds me to never say never when it comes to certain comebacks. It's 2023—why not stir up a little bit of controversy with some hippie-inspired flares?
Scroll on to shop all of the flared-jeans outfit combinations living in my head rent-free.
Next, The Shoes Fashion People Will Wear With the Anti-Skinny-Jeans Trend This Year
Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor known for her sharp takes on fashion and culture. She’s covered everything from Copenhagen Fashion Week to Roe v. Wade protests as the Editorial Assistant at Glamour after earning her journalism degree at the University of Florida in 2021. At Who What Wear, Ana mixes wit with unapologetic commentary in long-form fashion and beauty content, creating pieces that resonate with a digital-first generation. If it’s smart, snarky, and unexpected, chances are her name’s on it.
-
I Found a Trove of Cool-Girl Basics From the Nordstrom Sale—31 Chic Standouts
These have closet-staple status.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
It's Here: The 2025 Version of Skinny Jeans
Spotted on Emily Ratajkowski in NYC.
By Allyson Payer
-
35 Incredibly Chic Luxury Finds I Would Immediately Buy If My Salary Tripled Tomorrow
A girl can dream, right?
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
I Own $500 Jeans, But This Under-$150 Pair Looks and Feels More Expensive
Trust me.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
I Tried This Curve-Friendly Denim Brand for the First Time—These Are the Jeans I'm Wearing Now
Everything you need to know about popular Good American denim styles.
By Chichi Offor
-
Anti–Skinny Jeans Are Still Ruling in 2025—Finally, 15 Fresh Ways to Wear Them
Stealing these looks this season.
By Michelle Scanga
-
These 5 Inspiring Outfits Are Proof You Can Easily Merge Classic and Trendy Styles
Trust me, you're going to want to re-create these looks.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
The 2025 It Girl's Wardrobe: 9 Highly Specific Brands and Buys They're All Wearing
From handbags to jeans to jewelry.
By Anna LaPlaca