Nothing screams vintage chic more than bell-bottoms and flared jeans. While these are a closet staple and a modern icon for workwear, they’re not the easiest pants to style.
The issue with bell-bottoms and flared jeans is their length and how they elongate your legs. If you’re on the shorter side, you might struggle with the length of these ‘70s-inspired trousers.
Gigi Hadid, Amal Clooney, Hilary Duff, and Rihanna each bring their unique flair to flared or bell-bottom jeans, styling them with everything from sleek tanks to sporty jerseys and embroidered denim (Credit: Cousart / JFXimages / WENN)
Whether you want to stick to the vintage look or give your bell-bottoms a contemporary twist, we’re rounding up which shoes to style with your flared pants and which ones to avoid. Spoiler alert: it’s all about boosting your height.
Best Shoes to Wear with Flared and Bell-Bottom Jeans
1. Ankle Boots: A Chic Match for Cold Weather or Casual Days
If you’re a fan of a western-inspired look or want to wear bell-bottoms in winter, ankle boots are your best friend. They’re effortlessly chic and versatile, if you wish to dress them up or down.
Halogen’s cozy crewneck sweater pairs effortlessly with Levi’s flared high-rise jeans and Schutz’s Lupe croc-embossed leather booties for a balanced look that blends comfort, structure, and height
The secret to wearing ankle boots with your bell-bottoms is to choose a tight-fitting style at your ankle to create a streamlined silhouette.
Don’t overlook the toe shape either. Avoid a pointed-toe silhouette, as it can create a harsh line. A rounded toe gives you a more subtle, understated, and elegant look.
2. Block Heels: Comfortable Height for Everyday Wear
Another shoe you should consider is block heels. They’re a popular styling choice for all the same reasons as ankle boots, while also helping to raise the hem of your bell-bottoms off the ground.
If you’ve ever tried wearing stilettoes with bell-bottoms, you’ll know how easy it is to catch the hem with your heels.
Casa Raki’s Siena cropped linen top and Amapo’s flared denim trousers with stud details create a playful yet polished silhouette, perfectly elevated by Steve Madden’s woven Tielo block-heel sandals
A block heel can give you extra stability and is easier to walk in than stilettoes. If you’re heading out for brunch or a night on the town, a block heel is a perfect alternative to a thinner heel when you want extra height and a sleek look.
What Shoes Not to Wear with Bell-Bottom or Flared Jeans
1. Skip the Stilettos: They Can Damage the Hemline
Although we’ve already touched on them, it’s worth pointing out again that stiletto heels are a definite style to avoid when wearing bell-bottoms.
It’s a risky pairing that can damage both your bell-bottoms and your stilettos. Instead, reserve stiletto heels for outfits with raised hemlines or cropped trousers, where they can truly shine without getting caught.
2. Avoid Pointed-Toe Heels: They Clash with Flared Silhouettes
While pointy heels are our ride-and-die shoes, they’re one style that we prefer to avoid wearing with bell-bottoms and flared pants.
You want to consider that bell-bottoms have a larger silhouette, contrasting with the slimmer appearance of a pointed-toe shoe, giving the illusion of larger legs.
Instead, you want to look for shoes that help balance the size and shape of your bell-bottoms and flared pants.
Stepping Out in Style: Celebrities Who Love Flared and Bell-Bottom Jeans
Flared and bell-bottom jeans have made a significant comeback, with numerous celebrities embracing this ’70s-inspired trend. Here are some standout moments:
Olivia Palermo’s Fashion Week Flair
- Event: Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2015/2016
- Outfit: Olivia Palermo wowed in wide-legged jeans paired with a vest and sequined sweater, offering a chic nod to ’70s elegance.
- Footwear: She completed the look with pointed-toe heels, a bold choice that added a modern twist to the retro ensemble. This proves that with the right styling, even fashion rules can be bent.
- Read more: Flare Pants and More: Celebrities Embracing ’70s Fashion This Season
Victoria Beckham’s Signature Look
- Event: Shopping at Eres in Paris
- Outfit: Victoria Beckham styled her Chloe high-rise wide-leg jeans with a basic t-shirt, making a bold statement with understated pieces.
- Footwear: She paired the jeans with Chloe buckle strap wedge sandals, exemplifying effortless chic.
- See more: Victoria Beckham’s Chic Parisian Flare: Embracing ’70s Flare Jeans with Style
Rachel Zoe’s Upscale Denim
- Event: John Varvatos Charity Event
- Outfit: Rachel Zoe added sophistication to her flared denim with a loose shirt and a classic double-breasted coat.
- Footwear: She opted for platform heels, enhancing the retro vibe of her ensemble.
- Discover more: Rachel Zoe’s Timeless Flare Jeans Love Affair Continues at John Varvatos Charity Event
Vanessa Hudgens’ Bohemian Chic
- Event: Outing in New York City
- Outfit: Vanessa Hudgens showcased a chic bohemian look in flared jeans and a fringed tank top.
- Footwear: She completed her outfit with platform sandals, embodying a free-spirited style.
- Explore her style: Vanessa Hudgens’ Bohemian Chic: Flare Jeans and Fringe Tops
Selena Gomez’s Chic Airport Style
- Event: Arrival at Los Angeles International Airport
- Outfit: Selena Gomez wore J Brand high-rise flare jeans with a Truly Madly Deeply fitted cropped tank top, achieving a stylish yet comfortable look.
- Footwear: She paired the outfit with ankle boots, perfect for travel.
- See her look: Selena Gomez’s Chic Airport Style: How to Wear Flare Jeans
These celebrity ensembles highlight the versatility and enduring appeal of flared and bell-bottom jeans, inspiring fashion enthusiasts to embrace this timeless trend.