Bootcut denim is having a useful second act because it fixes the gap between a close-fitting hip and a shoe without demanding a dramatic bell shape. The leg stays relatively narrow through the thigh, then opens from the knee, creating a clean line that works with a low heel, pointed boot, or sneaker with a solid sole. It is less forgiving when the hem is wrong. Too short and the flare looks accidental; too long and the fabric drags through every wet sidewalk. Look for stretch with recovery, a waistband that lies flat, and enough room at the knee to keep the kick from twisting. The D'Arcy Flare Jeans make the opening more pronounced, while the Coated Sofia Flared Jeans add a slick surface that reads differently from classic blue denim. Wear either with a tucked ribbed tank and a cropped jacket, then let the hem skim the top of the shoe. A long blazer can work too, but avoid a tunic that ends at the widest part of the thigh. That break shortens the line the cut is supposed to create. Keep the rest spare.

The proportion is the point, so styling should not compete with it. A tucked shirt, a short knit, or a close-fitting tee leaves the flare visible, while a pointed toe gives the hem somewhere to travel. We would be careful with very flat shoes unless the jeans are hemmed for them, since excess fabric can pool and make the ankle look lost. Distressing also changes the message, taking the shape from polished to relaxed in a single wash. That is useful, but it is not interchangeable. Try the fit standing and seated, then check the hem from the side. If you take one thing away, buy bootcut denim for the shoes you will wear most often.