Are you trying to decide whether to splurge on a pair of bell-bottom jeans, but not sure where to start? And, are they even still in style? We can help because, if you’re anything like us, you want to keep up with the latest fashion trends. However, you don’t want your teenager raiding your closet searching for styles that really only should be worn by someone with — uh — fewer life experiences.
Are Bell Bottoms Back in Style?
A flared or bootcut denim is in style now and has even had a recent bump in popularity since Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show. Throughout the last couple of years, we’ve seen a trend for the bottom part of jeans (the hem): the wider, the better. Bell-bottom jeans, also called flares because of their wide-legged shape, were inspired by 19th century U.S. Navy uniforms and rose to mainstream fashion in the 1960s and ‘70s.
Since their ‘70s heyday, bell-bottom jeans have had a few big moments over the last few decades: Most notably, in the ‘90s, when they were first rebranded as bootcut jeans. It’s time to let your legs breathe after years of skinny jeans because bell-bottom jeans are once again coming back in a big way.
Of course, shopping online for jeans, or any clothes, can be tricky. When searching for bell-bottoms, in particular, it’s wise to start with an idea of how much jean flare you really prefer. Do you want a subtle, modern kick-flare or a dramatic, all-out retro bell shape — or something in between? The good news is you have plenty of options.
To guide you through the numerous nostalgic denim styles swarming the modern market, these are the hippest, most stylish, and affordable bell-bottom jeans and flared pants out there.
Our Favorite Bell Bottoms to Shop Now
— Editors’ Pick —
Wrangler x Lainey Wilson Pull On Bell Bottoms
Any country music fan will know Grammy-winning artist Lainey Wilson and her hit songs like “Things a Man Oughta Know,” “Watermelon Moonshine,” or “Heart Like a Truck.” But did you know she also has a collaboration with Wrangler? In fact, her second collaboration with the brand just dropped, so fans of Lainey and/or Western fashion can shop flared bottoms, cute tops, fun accessories and more. The Pull On Bell Bottoms featured above are made from comfy stretch denim made to hug curves gently and flare out wide at the hem for a silhouette that would make Lainey herself proud. The pull on waistband makes these jeans so comfortable and easy to throw on that they’ll likely become your new favorites. For extra savings, activate 4% cash back for purchases sitewide at Wrangler when you shop with RetailMeNot.
Price: $89.99 at Wrangler
Free People Jayde Flare Jeans
Even though these retro-inspired jeans look like they’d be impossible to sit down in, they’re made of semi-stretch denim that lets you sit comfortably. They feature a super high rise and have a flared silhouette with two-button closure and come in so many stunning colors with options perfect for all seasons.
Price: $98 at Free People
High-Waisted Wow Flare Jeans
We love a high-waisted flare jean, and this classic pair from Old Navy comes in four different washes and is also available with a super-inclusive range of sizes and inseam options from which you can choose. While Old Navy always has pretty awesome prices, the current markdown on these flares is super sweet.
Price: $22, $36.99 at Old Navy
Shape Vintage Wash High Waist Skinny Flared Jeans
Check out these skinny flared jeans from Pretty Little Thing if you want some cute denim with a double throwback. This vintage wash will have you feeling super nostalgic and can pair perfectly with some band tees whenever you want to lean into some ’80s vibes.
Price: $20.25, $45 at Pretty Little Thing
The Relaxed Flare Jean
The look of this flare is all in the name. It’s not as dramatic and therefore much more relaxed and subtle but these still have the flattering shape and classic look of flared jeans that we know and love. The black denim will make a versatile addition to your wardrobe and looks timeless with black boots as depicted in the image above.
Price: $120 at Banana Republic
The Yvette Rigid Wide Leg Jean
These wide-legged jeans have a nice bell bottom feel at the hem and give off an even more relaxed vibe with the classic tears at the knee. While ripped jeans became more popular in the ’80s and ’90s, we have the ’70s to thank for the start of the distressed denim trend, making these a doubly fashionable love letter to the decade.
Price: $54.97, $109.95 at Eloquii
Levi’s High-Rise Ribcage Bell Jeans
White pants are so fun to style throughout spring and summer, so now is the perfect time to grab this pair from Macy’s and enjoy building looks with them all season long. They may not be the best choice for outdoor events or spaghetti nights, but give any other daytime or evening look some extra flair with these flares.
Price: $79.50 at Macy’s
High Rise Super Flare Jeans in Vintage Indigo Wash
The exaggerated flare in these indigo jeans is absolutely stunning, and we love the textured look these get from the extra seams on both the front and back. If you’re ready to take this trend and run with it, you can’t do much better than this pair at this price point.
Price: $32.49, $89.95 at LOFT
The post ’70s Bell Bottom Jeans To Show Off Your Retro Flare appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
