This Early-Aughts Denim Trend Is Making a Comeback

Just in case you want the same look as the Celine jeans, but without the price tag, this is a great alternative for less than $300—which feels like a far cry from the over-$1,000 dent in your bank account. Plus, despite the fact that these are 100 percent cotton, I can say from personal experience that GRLFRND’s denim is supremely soft and maintains its shape through washes.

Sizes: 23-32

Colors: Fairfax North

Materials: 100 percent cotton

It’s hard to go wrong with a brand as good in denim as Madewell. And if you’re not quite sure if you’re ready to sprint back to the world of bootcuts and flares, consider this option (which has a subtle flare so it doesn’t feel outrageous) that you can get for less than $200.

Sizes: 23-33 (Petite, Standard, and Tall)

Colors: Concho Wash, Vintage Ivory, Catalini Wash

Materials: 100 percent cotton

These are the jeans that convinced me to start looking into bootcut jeans again. I love that these are looser and puddle at the ankle, which feels like a great way to shift away from the super-wide silhouettes and return to shapes with a bit more structure. These are a great relaxed option that will make any ensemble look effortlessly cool.

Sizes: 23-33

Colors: Blue

Materials: 100 percent cotton

The world already knows I swear by Levi’s, but why just take my opinion? Let ELLE’s digital director, Claire Stern Milch, put it simply: “Levi’s forever.”

Sizes: 23-32

Colors: Fair Point

Materials: 99 percent cotton, 1 percent elastane

“I am still very much a baggy jeans girl, but I can’t deny how flattering flared jeans are, both in making your butt look fantastic and in adding length to your legs,” Madison Rexroat, the assistant accessories editor at ELLE, recently mused to me that—despite being a baggy jeans girl—she loves how flattering flared jeans can be “both in making your butt look fantastic and in adding length to your legs.” She recommended this pair from Frame, which are sleek but still casual thanks to the light-medium wash and the frayed hem. Her final thoughts? “They almost look vintage!”

Sizes: 23-34

Colors: Alderton

Materials: 100 percent cotton

Yes, you can, in fact, get the same jeans Kendrick Lamar wore during his Super Bowl halftime show. Can it really get any cooler than that?

Sizes: 24-30

Colors: Blue Eclipse

Materials: Denim

When I first entered the workforce, a pair of Citizens of Humanity flare jeans made me feel like I was editor material. Yes, I was a young intern, but styled with a pair of pointy-toe pumps and a chic button-down, I felt like I was on the fast track to what I do now. And as the saying goes, dress for the part you want.

Sizes: 23-34

Colors: Medallion

Materials: 71 percent cotton, 23 percent modal, 4 percent elastomultiester, 2 percent elastane

This silhouette from AG Jeans might be the most nostalgic pair, thanks to that fade on the upper half of the legs—and it also happens to be another recommended option from Madison Rexroat. “I have a vivid memory of trying on a pair of dark-wash semi-flared jeans as a pre-teen and doing a dance in the fitting room because I just looked and felt so great in them,” she told me over Slack. “The closest style to those fantastic jeans that I can find in my adult years is these from AG (also appropriately called the Madi), with a super flattering dark blue wash and a stunning silhouette.”

Sizes: 23-33

Colors: Deja Vu

Materials: 98 percent cotton, 2 percent elastane

Everyone needs a casual pair of jeans to wear for those off-duty moments. So, let me present you with these flare jeans from Good American, a brand that knows how to create jeans that hug you in all the right places. The frayed hem and slight distressing give these jeans a more casual look, making them great for running weekend errands and beyond.

Sizes: 00-28

Colors: Indigo513

Materials: 48 percent lyocell, 47 percent recycled viscose, 4 percent polyester, 1 percent elastane

According to one customer review, these Veronica Beard jeans have a great fit and “just enough stretch that [it] doesn’t stretch out throughout the day.” Sounds comfortable and flattering. So, if you prefer a bit of stretch in your jeans, these might be the ones for you.

Sizes: 24-32

Colors: Bright Blue

Materials: 92 percent cotton, 6 percent elastomultiester, 2 percent elastane

Jeans that can act as a stand-in for more structured trousers? I certainly won’t say no. Everyone needs a pair of solid black jeans in their arsenal—and these will look perfectly polished with your office-approved shoes.

Sizes: 24-32

Colors: Black

Materials: 68 percent cotton, 29 percent organic cotton, 3 percent elastane

I got a pair of Jeanerica’s Kyoto jeans over the weekend, and I truly cannot stop wearing them. At first glance, these may look like a wider leg, but the puddle hem gives them the appearance of a looser flare or bootcut. I think these might be my new favorite—and if you’re considering them as well, I have one piece of advice: Size down.

Sizes: 23-31

Colors: Vintage 69

Materials: 46 percent cotton, 46 percent recycled cotton, 8 percent recycled polyester

I’ve heard tons of fashion girls—including ELLE editors—rave about Favorite Daughter’s The Favorite Pants. Why should the brand’s jeans be any different? Wear these with your go-to heeled ankle boots for an easy everyday pairing.

Sizes: 25-28

Colors: Austin

Materials: 76 percent cotton, 24 percent lyocell

Khaite may have amassed its cult following with its undeniably chic shoes and accessories, but that doesn’t mean you should turn a blind eye to the brand’s denim. I recently acquired a pair of black jeans from the label, and I can confidently say that these are worth the price tag. Without a doubt, you’ll be wearing these for days on end.

Sizes: 23-32

Colors: Bartlett

Materials: 98 percent cotton, 2 percent polyurethane

For under $100, these are a great pair of jeans to keep in your rotation. Plus that deep indigo hue is to die for. Style them with your favorite cardigans this spring; when the temperatures go up, all you have to do is swap the knits for an easy T-shirt or tank.

Sizes: 24-33

Colors: Weathered Rose, Howdy Honey, Glacier Blue

Materials: 99 percent cotton, 1 percent elastane

If my notes are correct, these flared jeans are selling out—and fast. With the slightest flare, these are a great option to ease yourself into the trend the designer way. Plus, that light-medium wash is a classic, so I guarantee you’ll keep these in your closet for a handful of seasons.

Sizes: 32-44

Colors: Light Blue

Materials: 77 percent lyocell, 23 percent cotton