You’ve treated yourself to a fabulous pair of flared pants and you’re wondering what to wear with them? What outfit should you choose to achieve a seventies look? What accessories should you use?
You’re in the right place.
As a fashion enthusiast, I was thrilled to see the return of flared pants in 2019, particularly with the disco-themed runway show by Tommy Hilfiger.
Today, I invite you to explore how to make this iconic 1970s garment your own, whether you’re going for a complete bohemian look or a more casual and subtle outfit.
Whether they’re classic or made of denim, flared pants are easy to style. To create a balanced look, you can pair them with a short top or a tucked-in bohemian blouse at the waist. If it’s cold, an open kimono or a long cardigan will elongate and slim your silhouette. If you’re tall and slim, you can also wear a chunky sweater or an oversized jacket, which will contrast nicely with your flared pants for a harmonious look. It’s best to wear heels to ensure your flared pants fall perfectly and to give you a more elongated appearance. Finally, don’t hesitate to accessorize your outfit to make it your own!
Want to know more? Keep reading to find out:
- How to wear flared pants with a boho tunic,
- Outfit examples for everyday wear with flared jeans,
- Ideas for seventies outfits featuring this style of pants,
- What shoes to wear with flared pants,
- And plenty of ideas to accessorize your wide-leg pants to complete your look!
A Boho Top for a 70s Look
Iconic of the hippie era, bell-bottoms perfectly complement the bohemian style that emerged during this revolutionary time. In the following sections, I’ll share three outfit ideas inspired by this trend, ranging from the most unique to the most versatile.
A Bohemian Tunic or Blouse, Hippie Chic Style
No matter what type of flared pants you have, there will always be a bohemian-style tunic that will enhance your look. If your pants are solid-colored or if you have a pair of jeans, I recommend a colorful tunic with patterns. You can also pair it with a solid top that has a unique cut, featuring details like lace or an off-the-shoulder neckline, for example.
People often think that flared pants are only for slim and tall figures. This isn’t true, and the issue doesn’t lie there: frequently, flared pants are paired with a long top. However, to enhance your body shape with this type of cut, it’s essential to adhere to the renowned proportions that create harmony in your silhouette, which are ⅓ on top and ⅔ on the bottom. Therefore, with flared pants, regardless of your height or body type, it’s best to wear a short top or tuck in a tunic, allowing it to blouse a bit. This will serve to highlight your waist!
👉 Looking for a chic bohemian top? Check out our ultra-trendy bohemian clothing collection now!
Dare to Wear a Kimono or a Maxi Jacket to Lengthen Your Silhouette
You found the perfect top for your pants, but you’d like to wear a jacket over it? To maintain that boho-chic vibe, I recommend layering. For instance, over a solid, somewhat short top, you can throw on a flowing printed kimono or even a long knit jacket (and why not with some fringe?).
By leaving your jacket unbuttoned, you’ll create the effect of a slimmer waist, which you can further emphasize with a wide leather belt. Your flowy maxi jacket will move with you, elongating your silhouette while remaining comfortable to wear. It’s a perfect outfit for spring 🌷 and fall 🍂!
A Solid Blouse for Everyday Wear or Work
Do you have a pair of flared pants that you’d like to wear every day in a stylish yet understated way? I recommend pairing them with a solid-colored top that is simple and avoids prints. This could be a shirt, blouse, or even a t-shirt. To balance out the wide cut of the pants, go for a slightly fitted piece that is well-tailored.
👉 Is your flared jeans a pair of jeans? If so, a white or beige top would be perfect for a casual work outfit. 😉
Back to the 2000s with a Fitted Top!
Although it’s associated with the 1970s, bell-bottom pants made a comeback in the early 2000s as well. Back then, they were typically worn with fitted tops, usually in solid colors.
Or, for the past few seasons, it’s the crop top that has been seen everywhere. This top, which exposes your midriff, is perfect for creating a vintage look when paired with flared pants.
👉 However, I recommend this outfit for individuals with a slender and tall body type. In fact, it slightly disrupts the proportion balance mentioned earlier and may risk making someone with an hourglass figure appear a bit wider, for example.
If you don’t want to wear a crop top, you can also opt for a fitted t-shirt or shirt that you can tuck into your pants. In this case, a belt will be your best friend to accentuate your waist and create a contrast between your top and your flared pants.
A Chunky Knit Sweater or a Boho Cardigan for Fall and Winter
A loose sweater or a chunky-knit jacket pairs perfectly with flared pants, especially if they hug your curves at the thighs and waist. An oversized jacket will not only provide warmth but also add balance to your outfit. This will help you achieve a casual and bohemian look.
If you’re petite, you might want to avoid wearing oversized sweaters, as they can make you appear shorter. Instead, I recommend opting for a long open jacket, which will help you look taller!
👉 If you’re looking for a sweater or jacket that pairs perfectly with your flared pants, be sure to check out our fall-winter collection! You’ll find plenty of trendy and unique styles there!
What Shoes to Match with Bell-Bottom Pants?
Even though they are often partially hidden by the flared hem of your pants, the choice of your shoes is essential! In fact, it’s primarily the heel height you choose that will affect your posture and make you look taller or shorter. A flared pant, to create a beautiful silhouette, should give the impression that you have long legs. This can be achieved very effectively with heels, or if you prefer not to wear heels, with light-colored shoes like sneakers.
Here are some shoe styles that are perfect to wear with flared pants:
🔸 High and wide-heeled sandals, made of leather or straw,
🔸 Leather ankle boots with a rounded pointed toe,
🔸 Heeled boots,
🔸 White sneakers…
On the contrary, flat shoes like ballet flats or sandals really won’t enhance your pants.
🛑 If you’ve ever worn bell-bottom pants, especially during middle or high school, you might have experienced the frustration of them dragging on the ground and soaking up water. This is something you definitely want to avoid, as it not only looks unattractive but also damages your clothing. Before wearing flared pants, make sure they are the right length for your legs and the shoes you plan to wear. If they’re not, you should consider getting them hemmed! 😊
Some Accessories That Reflect Hippie Style
Do you want to rock your flared pants like it’s the seventies? Remember that the boho style is nothing without its iconic accessories! These accessories define your look and add a personal touch, highlighting what makes you a unique individual.
So, to customize your outfit, consider the following:
- fringe bags,
- hats,
- unique sunglasses,
- bohemian and floral necklaces from Atelier Passiflore,
- shawls and scarves,
- belts,
- designer dangling hippie-chic earrings,
- braids and hair accessories…
Blend and combine them to create a look that reflects your personality!
Now you know everything you need to wear bell-bottom pants with style and avoid any missteps. For more fashion tips, feel free to check out our bohemian blog! New articles are published every week. 😉