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 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. The more we move towards spring, the more we notice denim-centric outfits coming back to the forefront. In the past few weeks alone, the Who What Wear UK team has reported on the rise of slouchy jeans, pinpointed 5 easy jeans outfits that all revolve around your favourite blues, decoded how French women style jeans perfectly 24/7, worked out which pair of Arket jeans are worth ordering and much, much more. What we have discovered along our travels is that there is no “in” or “out” when it comes to silhouettes. Although it’s true that skinnies are slightly less in favour than they were a few years back, they’re not off the table. Instead, we’re seeing that all cuts, washes and colours are applicable to the here and now because it’s all about choosing the right style for you and your wardrobe. 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. But which shoe styles work the best with flare jeans? We have some theories on that. Keep scrolling to see the four footwear options that always look best with this denim cut.
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.
Suede makes for a softer fabrication to wear during springtime.
Style Notes: This is a look for all the minimalists out there. Allison Ho’s white blouse and black strappy sandals are just lovely.
The wrap-around straps and stiletto heel add to the overall elegance of this heel.
Style Notes: Using blue as a base colour, Naaomi Ross adds yellow strappy sandals and a pastel vest to her classic flares.
These are some of the comfiest shoes I own.
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.
Style Notes: Jazmine Rogers knows the score: White or cream almond-toe boots always look great with flared jeans.
These also come in a classic brown hue.
Style Notes: Franny Mozemba’s white flared jeans look very chic with tan boots and a linen blazer.
The perfect boot for 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.
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.
You’ll struggle to find a comfier sole than this.
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 spring. Look for classic pairs like Birkenstock’s Bostons.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Next Up: I Just Ordered Some New Trainers—9 Stylish Ways I’ll Wear Them With Trousers