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 sandals and flat-sole trainers are shoes that look great with flared jeans. Almond-toe 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.
Keep scrolling to see seven footwear options in action that always look best with this denim cut.
1. Platforms
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.
White platforms + blue denim = a match made in heaven.
Style Notes: Aria Di Bari has paired her high-waisted flares with chunky platform sandals—a classic summer combination.
These feel so French.
Style Notes: Julie Sergent Ferreri is an ardent flare wearer, and as such, she has many good outfit ideas for you to copy.
These consistently sell out and blur the line between a classic black boot and a statement shoe.
2. Strappy Sandals
Style Notes: This is a look for all the minimalists out there. Allison Ho's white blouse and black strappy sandals are just lovely.
These also come in black and gold.
Style Notes: Using blue as a base colour, Naaomi Ross adds yellow strappy sandals and a pastel vest to her classic flares.
The suede straps are comfortable but still stylish.
Style Notes: You can even turn up your flares slightly to show off more of your strappy sandals à la Jessica Skye.
I'm bookmarking this pair as a strong wedding-guest shoe.
3. Almond-Toe Boots and Shoes
Style Notes: Jazmine Rogers knows the score: White or cream almond-toe boots always look great with flared jeans.
These will go with everything.
Style Notes: Franny Mozemba's white flared jeans look very chic with tan boots and a linen blazer.
Brown is a perfect colour for autumn through to spring.
Style Notes: The idea of a trench coat with flares and a white shirt is totally timeless. Thank you for the reminder, Charlotte Kuhrt.
These will pair just as well with black tights and dresses as they will with flare jeans and white ruffle blouses.
4. Chunky Flats
Style Notes: In this category, almost anything goes—so Jessica Torres's Velcro-strapped Teva-style sandals are absolutely a yes.
Tevas are ideal if you're planning on doing lots of walking, as they're super lightweight.
Style Notes: But you could also opt for the season's take on thick-soled flip-flops, as demonstrated so elegantly by TyLynn Nguyen here.
An investment pair.
Style Notes: And yes, the idea even extends to clogs—a pairing we've seen some of Instagram's more adventurous women trying out.
Clogs are set to be big news this year. Look for classic pairs like Birkenstock's Boston style.
5. Kitten Heels
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 bright and colourful pair, like Alyssa Coscarelli has done if you want them to stand out from the volume of your jeans.
A pop of red beneath your flares is always a good idea.
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.
I love the tiny bow on these mules.
Style Notes: Try finding a pair of kitten heels that matches your jacket or coat as Chrystelle Eriksberger has perfectly executed here. It's a smart way to tie an outfit altogether.
These look pretty whether the toes peek out of long flares or if the ankle strap shows when you're wearing cropped flares.
6. 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: Whilst the silhouette may feel a little more maximal, this style of denim is the perfect foundation for a statement shoe. Need ideas? Just look to Léna Farouil who paired her flares with leopard-print flats.
The toe shape is so sleek.
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.
This pair will look so good with a relaxed leather jacket.
7. Flat-Sole Trainers
Style Notes: Flat-sole trainers go well with flare jeans, even more so if you're looking for shoe options outside of heels. Anne-Laure Mais chose a pair of classic white Converse for her flare jean jumpsuit, which we're jotting down for the next time we wear this type of denim.
This ecru pair is softer than a bright white—but both colours are worthy of a spot on your shoe rack.
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.
It might be time to snag the shoe that has remained a concrete trend for 2024.
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.
If you're after something a little more colourful.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
