Fashion loves a retro moment. From indie sleaze to noughties-era y2k to ‘70s boho, style always has a way of coming full circle and bringing back trends that were once loved and revered. Take, for instance, the ‘90s. It was the decade that gifted us an eclectic mix of fashion staples like baggy trousers, minimalism, grunge, vintage tees, crimped hair and bandeau tops, and gave us style icons like Beyoncé, Kate Moss and Jennifer Aniston who we still look to for inspo today.
If one look defined the decade, it was denim. Low-slung, high-waisted mom jeans, embellished, snakeskin print — there was no barrier to what designers were doing with the versatile material.
And they're just as stylish as ankle boots.
But one style stood out amongst them all — flared jeans. This iconic look, loved by everyone from Britney to Christina, has come back around and is gaining popularity for its wearability and nod to retro style. Here's how to wear '90s flared jeans.
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It's all about balance
‘90s flared jeans cut a rather informal figure, which can be balanced out with a structured blazer and elegant accessories to give a high-low vibe. Stick within the same colour palette for an even more chic take on the style or mix things up for more of a statement look. We can’t get enough of this navy on black look above, which rubbishes the style rule that you should never wear the two tones together.
'90s flared jeans with oversized jumpers
ICYMI, we're in the depths of a pretty brutal winter chill at the moment, so reaching for cosy layers is a must. Thankfully, this jean style looks perfect layered up with oversized knits, preppy vests and elevated cashmere.
To add a stylish twist to your look, and to avoid everything feeling a bit too slouchy or bulky, tuck in the jumper completely, or at least tuck in the front. It helps to define your waist, add proportion and help balance the look. Shop more of the best knitwear here.
Make it maximalist
Your ‘90s flared jeans don’t always have to do all of the talking — as shown above, they can take a backseat while the rest of your outfit takes centre stage. This look is all about adopting a ‘more is more’ attitude — add accessories like chunky gold earrings, a slouchy suede bag and a hat and/or scarf. Just make sure you keep things within the same decade — the style pictured is very '70s-coded — and colour palette so that the overall look is as coherent as it is chic.
Up your coat game
One of the main styling benefits of flare jeans is the appearance of length that it gives you, so lean into that vibe by adding long layers in the way of a trench coat, cosy wool coat, long scarf and even a maxi skirt, silk scarf or dress layered over the top for ultimate impact.
To make a bold statement, you could restrict the colour palette to mono colours, draping yourself in all one shade head-to-toe. Or play around with earthy brown, deep purple and rich red in celebration of the winter season.
Play with silhouette
As artfully shown above, a great way to put a modern twist on your retro flare jeans is by playing with silhouette and structure. The V-neck white top against the black, asymmetric waist jeans creates an overall look with visual impact. Pair with a patent black boot, leather biker jacket and shades for maximum cool points.
Take a look at texture
When we think of ‘90s flared jeans, we automatically think of denim, but this corduroy style, shown at Chanel AW25, highlights that leaning into vintage-inspired materials like cord and velvet can help up the style stakes. The flattering fabric is perfect for the colder months, and paired with a matching jacket or top can create a bold, Insta-worthy look. Tres chic.
