How to Wear and Style Bootcut Jeans

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Pull off a flared pant leg with these chic suggestions
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Bootcut jeans can be a versatile addition to your wardrobe, as they look great paired with boots, heels, or stylish flats. This style is tighter on top and looser on the bottom, with a slight flare. To wear bootcut jeans, start by finding the right fit for your body type. Then, select a style that is flattering and comfortable. You can create outfits with bootcut jeans so you look your best from head to toe.

Things You Should Know

  • Wear bootcut jeans with high-heeled boots for a timeless look. Or, pair cropped bootcut jeans with flats for a more sensible style. [1]
  • Pair bootcut jeans with a flowy top for a loose and fun look, or with a fitted blazer for a more business casual vibe.
  • Wear a shorter inseam to complement a petite figure, or go with a longer inseam if you plan to wear heels.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Creating Outfits

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  1. One of the most popular ways to style bootcut jeans is to wear boots with a 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 cm) heel. Make sure the jeans hit just above your boots or just below your ankles. Go for boots with a pointed or rounded heel. [2]
    • Wear boots in a lighter color with dark wash bootcut jeans for a nice contrast or in darker color a more sleek look.
    • Light wash bootcut jeans look great with brown or grey boots.
    • Bootcut jeans also go great with cowboy boots. [3]
  2. Cropped bootcut jeans that sit just above your ankles look great with casual flats, low sandals, or flat boots. You can also try wearing stylish sneakers or casual slip on shoes with this style.
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  3. Bootcut jeans look great with short sleeve tops with a round or V-neck in flowy materials like lace, silk, cotton, or linen. Get tops that hit just below your waist to balance out the bootcut of the jeans. [4]
    • You can also opt for tops that are cropped and flowy if you are wearing bootcut jeans that are high waisted.
  4. Try wearing a blouse or collared shirt and layer a blazer or a casual jacket over it to give your bootcut jeans are more put together look for a Friday at the office or a meeting with a business contact. You can also wear a casual t-shirt and a blazer or a statement jacket to complement the jeans. [5]
    • Wearing bootcut jeans with a blazer or longer jacket can help to elongate your frame and make your legs look longer.
  5. Pick a cropped sweater with a fun pattern or in a bold, bright color to give your outfit some personality. Look for sweaters that sit just above your waist, as the mid-rise or high-rise will ensure you do not show off too much skin. [6]
    • You can then throw on a longer coat over the cropped sweater to complete the outfit.
  6. Dress up your bootcut jeans by wearing strappy heels or heels with a bit of chunky heel for a more retro look. Pick heels in a metallic color for a fun look or a chunky heel with embellishments around the toe area. The heels should be 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 cm) high so they just poke out of your bootcut jeans. [7]
    • You can also wear bootcut jeans with strappy sandals or heels for a day out running errands or going for lunch.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Finding the Right Fit

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  1. The inseam, or length from the top of the inside of your thigh to the cuff, is important when it comes to bootcut jeans, especially for petite or shorter people. You do not want an inseam that is very long, as the jeans will be too long for your legs and you may need to hem off the bootcut portion of the pants to get them to fit. Instead, opt for an inseam that is made for petite people, usually around 29 to 30 inches (74 to 76 cm).
    • You may need to still hem the jeans to fit your legs, but with a shorter inseam, you will have to take off less of the bootcut.
  2. Bootcut jeans are usually styled with high heeled boots, pumps, or sandals with a heel. Make sure you get a nice long, lean look by getting a pair of bootcut jeans that have an inseam that is 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) longer than your usual inseam. A longer inseam will ensure the jeans hit 1 inch (2.5 cm) above your shoes.
    • If you are petite, opt for a shorter inseam so the jeans sit above your shoes when you wear heels.
  3. Cropped bootcut jeans sit 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 cm) above your ankles, flaring slightly below your knees. They are a fun option if you want to show off a pair of shoes or even a pair of socks with your shoes. This style is very on trend and can be worn by petite or tall people.
  4. You may opt for jeans that hit just above your hips if you don’t want to feel too constrained or covered up. Maybe you like showing off your stomach and want too much fabric over this area. Keep in mind you may expose your stomach or a bit of skin if you tend to wear crop tops or shorter tops with your jeans.
    • Make sure the low-rise pair fits your hips snugly so you do not have to keep pulling them up when you sit or bend down. Wearing a belt with low-rise jeans can also help you avoid this problem.
  5. Mid-rise, where the jeans hit you just above your hips, or high-rise, where the jeans sit just below your belly button, are good if you prefer to keep your stomach area covered. They are also a good option if you want to make your legs look longer and do not have to worry about pulling up your pants when you sit or bend down.
    • Mid-rise and high-rise bootcut jeans are also a good option if you like wearing cropped tops or shorter tops with your jeans and do not want to worry about exposing your stomach.
  6. The only way to confirm the jeans fit you properly is to try them on in the store before you buy. Walk around in them, and sit or bend down while wearing them to see how they feel. The inseam should hit you correctly and the waist should not feel too tight or constraining.
    • If you prefer to shop for jeans online, read the measurements for the jeans carefully before you buy. Measure your inseam and waist with measuring tape to ensure the jeans will fit you properly.
    • Bring someone with you when you try on jeans since you won't be able to see how the jeans look on you at all angles. [8]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Choosing a Style

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  1. If you have larger hips and thighs, go for bootcut jeans that have a woven design or embellishments along the lower half of the jeans. Look for jeans that have interesting cuffs or cuffs that are a different color so your frame appears longer.
  2. Highlight your thighs and butt by looking for a pair with pockets that have embellishments or a woven design. Make sure the pockets are larger and closer together to highlight this area.
  3. Dark wash bootcut jeans look great with a dressy top or a blouse for a night out. They can also be worn as part of a business casual outfit with a blazer, if your office allows jeans. [9]
    • Look for a dark wash pair with contrast stitching around the cuffs and pockets, such as yellow or white stitching.
  4. Light wash bootcut jeans are great for a casual day out running errands or having lunch with friends. Look for a pair made of light, soft denim or even white denim for a fun look. [10]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What tops should I wear with bootcut jeans?
    Kathi Burns, CPO®
    Fashion Stylist
    Kathi Burns is a board certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Organized and Energized!, her consulting business with a mission to empower people to master their environment and personal image by assisting them in taking control, making change and organizing their lives. Kathi has over 17 years of organizing experience and her work has been featured on Better Homes and Gardens, NBC News, Good Morning America, and Entrepreneur. She has a BS in Communication from Ohio University.
    Kathi Burns, CPO®
    Fashion Stylist
    Expert Answer
    You can dress-down dark wash jeans by pairing them with a T-shirt and casual shoes, so they're super versatile.
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      Tips

      • Don’t wash your jeans excessively. Denim will lose its shape faster if you place them in the dryer and wash them every week. Some denim websites suggest washing every three to six months or so to keep the integrity of the denim.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-style-bootcut-jeans
      2. ↑ https://cyndispivey.com/how-to-style-ankle-boots-with-bootcut-jeans/
      3. ↑ Kathi Burns, CPO®. Image Consultant. Expert Interview. 31 December 2019.
      4. ↑ https://www.liveabout.com/stylish-ways-to-wear-bootcut-jeans-2040352
      5. ↑ https://www.liveabout.com/stylish-ways-to-wear-bootcut-jeans-2040352
      6. ↑ https://www.liveabout.com/stylish-ways-to-wear-bootcut-jeans-2040352
      7. ↑ https://www.liveabout.com/stylish-ways-to-wear-bootcut-jeans-2040352
      8. ↑ Kathi Burns, CPO®. Image Consultant. Expert Interview. 31 December 2019.
      9. ↑ http://www.elle.com/fashion/street-style/g28291/bootcut-jeans-for-women/
      1. ↑ http://www.elle.com/fashion/street-style/g28291/bootcut-jeans-for-women/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To wear bootcut jeans, try pairing them with some high-heeled boots for a classic look. If you wear heels with them, go with jeans that are 1-2 inches longer than your usual size so they're not too short. You can also pair some cropped bootcut jeans with flats, sandals, or sneakers. If you want to dress up a pair of bootcut jeans for a fun night out, pair them with strappy or chunky heels that are 1-3 inches high. To learn how to pair shirts with bootcut jeans, scroll down!

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