French Women Have Always Been Loyal to This Anti-Skinny Jeans Trend—Now, So Many Celebs Are Wearing It

I don't know about you, but my algorithm is on a mission to bring back skinny jeans.

I'm not necessarily against the return of skinnies—in fact, it's led me to appreciate just how chic they can look with the right styling—but I'm growing a little tired of the endless endorsement. Craving something a little different, I was thrilled to spot some of my favourite celebrities reaching for an alternative and very retro denim shape. That's right—flares are back, and I've spotted model Bella Hadid and actor Sydney Sweeney wearing them this week.

The distinct shape, which skims the thighs before flaring out at the calf, became popular in the 1970s as the boho trend took root. Heavily associated with the platform boots and tie-dye prints that debuted at the same time to define the era in fashion terms, flared jeans have never quite shaken their throwback associations.

In 2025, however, we're taking a fresher approach to styling flared jeans. Take Hadid's chic outfit. Nodding to the trend's '70s routes, she wore her flared jeans with layered coin necklaces and square-toe boots—both of which enjoyed popularity across the stylish decade. She even added another '70s icon in the form of an oversized fur-trimmed leather jacket.

Taking a similar approach to her flared jeans look, Sweeney paired hers with a black leather jacket in a more fitted cut and completed the outfit with patent leather boots. Whilst most of us haven't worn this jeans style in years (straight-leg pairs really did take over, didn't they?), French women wouldn't dream of overlooking them.

A staple in many a Parisian wardrobe, these jeans are often styled with classic T-shirts and chic knits. In my years spent analysing French style, the discerning appreciation French women have for '70s fashion is clear, so it's no surprise that this particular jeans style never really went away across the channel.

Up and down the high street and across designer brands, I've spotted more and more flared jeans entering the market. Available in a range of shades—I have my eye on Paige's deep-blue style—this trend is set to ripple out this season.

Read on for our edit of the best flared jeans.

SHOP FLARED JEANS: