7 Rules for Wearing Cropped Flare Jeans

Flared denim has risen—both literally and figuratively. It's no coincidence that many of our favorite new releases from denim brands are both flared and cropped. A throwback Jane Birkin–esque style, cropped flare jeans come with a variety of benefits, showing off your shoes with ease among them. Beloved by stylish It girls such as Alexa Chung and Jeanne Damas and fully embraced by street style stars, this denim trend has officially hit the mainstream, proof that it's going to be around for a while. In fact, we'd even call it a classic at this point.

To see how to pull off cropped flare jeans successfully (don't worry—it's easy), keep scrolling for our tips, outfit inspiration, and the best styles on the market to shop.

1. The perfect length is right above the ankle.

how to wear cropped flare jeans shown on a woman walking wearing light wash jeans with a white t-shirt, creme corset, and black sandals

2. A frayed hem is the most polished form of distressing.

how to wear cropped flare jeans shown on a woman walking wearing a printed shirt with jeans and heels

3. When in doubt, wear block-heeled shoes with cropped flare jeans.

how to wear cropped flare jeans shown on a woman standing wearing torn denim with a button-down top, blazer, and block heel gold sandals

4. Tuck your shirt in to show off a high-waisted style.

how to wear cropped flare jeans shown on a woman standing wearing dark wash denim with a striped shirt and red ballet flats

5. An ultra-wide flare looks best with heels.

how to wear cropped flare jeans shown on a woman walking wearing black jeans with a black turtleneck, brown leather jacket, and brown leather boots

6. Cropped flare jeans, a statement top, and fun heels are an easy combination.

how to wear cropped flare jeans shown on a woman wearing cropped jeans with a white blazer and blue pumps

7. For the most flattering look, go with black cropped flares.

how to wear cropped flare jeans shown on a woman walking wearing black denim with a white t-shirt, patchwork denim jacket and sandals

(Image credit: Style du Monde)

This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.