It’s hard to say exactly what makes bootcut jeans so popular. But the popularity is undeniable. Bootcut jeans come in all shapes and sizes, so they can be found in almost any store from The Gap to Nordstrom.
Bootcuts are typically made in a flattering, relaxed fit that stop at the knee and flare out slightly around your ankle. They also have a slight tapering, or taping, which runs down from the knee for a flattering silhouette (i.e., they taper gradually to make you look thinner than you actually are).
What kind of boots can you wear with them?
Bootcut jeans look great with a variety of ankle boots, including the much storied cowboy boot. The tapering in the jeans will fall nicely over cowboy boots, giving you a flattering silhouette. But you could also try your favorite loafer or canvas sneakers to create a more casual, everyday ensemble that’s still high on style.
How do you wear bootcut jeans?
Bootcut jeans are best worn with heavier, structured boots that add a little extra height. They can also look great with ankle boots or flats on their own. This is a versatile style that can be worn at work or out to town but also put together for the weekend, just like any other denim-on-denim outfit.
What about cuffed or rolled hems?
Bootcut jeans usually have some kind of taper that runs down from the knee, and some bootcut jeans even come with cuffs at the bottom of each leg, which adds a bit of edge. But any bootcut in general has a slight tapering in the legs, so that portion of the jeans is not as important when deciding on which model and brand to choose.
What about flare jeans?
Shorter bootcuts, which have a slightly flared out leg, are called flare jeans. These can be worn with almost anything, including boots, sneakers, or heeled sandals. They can also add a touch of femininity and sexiness to an outfit.
How do you style them?
Bootcuts in particular look good with lighter colors or neutral shades, while darker shades should be reserved for darker denim. Pants in lighter colors will also look better with darker shoes.
Wearing jeans with a blazer or leather jacket is always a good choice, particularly for nailing that casual look. But the bootcut jeans that you’re looking at here can also be worn with semi-casual cardigans, which will give you the edge of a casual look without sacrificing the formal details of your outfit.
While you might think more colorful tops or brighter shades on your bottom half would make your outfit go from bland to bad, there are actually some causal outfits that just don’t work if they’re too dark. Try wearing bright colored jeans and an equally bright top to create an outfit that looks fantastic when paired together but also works apart.
What about colors and patterns?
The bootcut jeans that you see here are made from light denim, which is the ideal color for wearing with boots, but I also have some cool options with darker denim. Bootcuts are best when worn in a neutral shade, like tan or light gray. Bootcuts in darker shades tend to look boring when paired with lighter colored shoes.
Patterned bootcut jeans can be a good idea if you’re going for something more casual, but avoid things like plaids and pictures. Instead, you can play with a more subtle design like pinstripes or stripes.
What kinds of flare jeans should you look for?
Choose flared or bootcut jeans that fit very tight on the seat and thighs, but then flare out a bit just below the knee. The flare should be subtle but noticeable. They’re usually shorter than bootcuts, which means they can give off that sexy vibe when paired with heels, boots, or even without shoes. Flare jeans work well in neutral shades and non-solid colors (i.e., animal prints).
What kind of shoes go best with flare jeans?
Flare jeans that have a taper that’s more noticeable than definite flares will look better with boots or heeled sandals, while jeans with a definite flare can be worn with sneakers or sandals to create a more casual outfit.
