This Overlooked Jeans Trend Is Back for Spring—French Women Have Already Started Wearing It

While my loyalty to straight-leg jeans runs deep, and my devotion to baggy pairs is unwavering, when I want my denim to take centre stage rather than play a supporting role, I find myself reaching for one silhouette in particular: the cropped flare.

With its distinctly retro energy and effortless spring-ready feel, this shape skims the leg before subtly kicking out at the knee and finishing just above the ankle—a flattering cut that delivers equal parts polish and nostalgia. A staple of the ’70s, the cropped flare has drifted in and out of fashion ever since, but my trend radar tells me it’s gearing up for a major resurgence.

Aligning perfectly with the wider flare revival that’s been gaining traction—thanks in part to the return of boho influences—this chic iteration feels tailor-made for spring. Lighter, breezier and easier to style as temperatures rise, cropped flares slot seamlessly into transitional wardrobes. Pair them with chunky clogs or Mary Janes for a playful, vintage-inspired look, or opt for a pointed-toe heel or streamlined boot to instantly elevate the silhouette.

A long-standing favourite among the French—who, let’s be honest, know a thing or two about great denim—this timeless style is poised to hit the mainstream in a big way. If you’re ready to get ahead of the curve, scroll on to shop the best cropped flared jeans of the season.