Barrel leg jeans reigned supreme for me in 2025. I just love the relaxed, effortless feel the silhouette gives you, and I’ve pretty much got them in every colour by now.
But Jennifer Lopez is persuading me to try something a little different this January. She proved that retro flares are well and truly back when she was photographed out for lunch late in October, teaming a pair of blue high-waisted jeans with a smart wool blazer and a frilly lace blouse, adding sky high Saint Laurent platform boots and a Gucci bag for good measure.
(Image credit: Backgrid)
Shop the look
Reiss
Flared Seam-Detail Jeans
You might not think of Reiss when you’re looking for the best jeans for your body type, but trust me when I say you’ll be impressed. The seam detail on these will add to the leg-lengthening effect.
The ME+EM sale has some of the best January offers I’ve seen, but if you’re prepared to pay full price, this blouse will instantly upgrade your winter wardrobe. Layer it beneath knitwear to have just a bit of the frill neck showing, or wear it under a blazer à la JLo to add some softness.
Lauren Ralph Lauren
Wool Blend Herringbone Tweed Blazer
This blazer is very Jennifer Lopez. It’s an investment piece that you’ll treasure for years, and it will make any pair of jeans look polished. Size up to allow for layering.
Next
Dark Blue High Rise Stretch Wide Leg Jeans
These jeans have got a nice bit of stretch to them, and I love the slightly darker blue wash. If you’re new to flares, these are a great place to start.
Aldo
Voss Leather Heeled Ankle Boots
Platforms aren’t essential – kitten heels or even flats will still look great if you’re wondering what shoes to wear with wide leg trousers, but these heeled boots are super manageable. Give them a go while they’re reduced in the sale!
Gucci
Blondie Interlocking G Cross Body Bag
Yes, it’s just been Christmas, but you definitely deserve a treat to get you through these long January days. With the distinctive interlocking G logo, this Gucci bag is just dreamy.
My barrel leg jeans needn’t worry too much – I’m sure I’ll be back when I want some comfortable jeans to throw on with trainers, but a smart pair of flares is exactly what I need to pull me out of the style slump we can all feel like we’re in when January hits.
High-waisted, flared jeans offer a refreshing antidote to the baggy low-rise styles we’ve been seeing a lot of lately, plus they’ll carry you through to summer too. There’s nothing better than a simple white T-shirt paired with sandals and blue flared jeans in the warmer months.
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