How to Style Bootcut Jeans
Trends come and go, but bootcut jeans will always be a classic. The comfortable, durable style was introduced in the 1850s and quickly became popular with cowboys and ranch workers. The cut of the pants allowed plenty of room to accommodate their everyday work boots while still being fitted enough to stay up while riding a horse. The trend of wearing denim workwear as casual wear took off when Hollywood began using jeans as part of costumes in the classic Western movies we love today. By the 60s and 70s, the bootcut jean widened into a bellbottom, which took the center stage until the 80s. Bootcut jeans made a huge comeback in the early 90s as acceptable casual wear for men and women and remained in style today.
The signature flare at the ankle allows you to wear bootcut jeans with almost any type of footwear and pretty much any kind of top. With something this versatile, you can’t go wrong. It's surprisingly easy to build cute outfits with bootcut jeans. Here are a few great tips for how to wear yours.
The Fit of Bootcut Jeans
One of the main reasons bootcut jeans never go out of style is because they are flattering for many different body shapes. It’s all in the cut—they’re designed to fit snugly from the waist until the thigh, where they taper slightly into a subtle flare that begins at the knees and widens to the hem. This unique fit has a slimming effect that balances the body, elongates the leg, and accentuates the curves.
For a trendy look, choose a pair of cropped bootcut jeans. Sitting a few inches above the ankle, this style is a fun way to show off a great pair of shoes or even a cute pair of socks. Mid-rise and high-rise bootcut jeans will offer coverage while highlighting your natural curves. A low-rise pair of bootcut jeans is a great option if you prefer a looser fit around the midsection.
Shoes to Wear With Bootcut Jeans
Bootcut jeans aren’t as broad as wide-leg or bellbottom jeans, but they do fall nicely over... you guessed it...boots! They also look great with chunky shoes, sneakers, sandals, and heels. How to wear bootcut jeans with flats, you ask? Go for a pair that has a slight heel and a pointed toe. To prevent your jeans from dragging and getting wet in the rain or snow, be sure to hem them so they stop ¼ to ½ of an inch above the floor.
If you have shorter legs, consider wearing your flats with high-waisted jeans and a tucked-in shirt, which will create the appearance of length. Taller women will find a mid-rise pair works nicely, but you can up your style game by wearing flats that contrast with the color of your jeans for a look that pops.
Wearing Bootcut Jeans in Warm Weather
You might be wondering what kind of tops to wear with bootcut jeans, or how to accessorize, but no worries. It’s hard to go wrong when styling bootcut jeans—they go with almost anything! For an easy spring or summer outfit, pair yours with a white top and wedge sandals. Keep it casual in a t-shirt, or add a feminine touch to your look with a lace blouse. For a more relaxed, boho vibe, wear a flowy shirt tucked into embroidered bootcut jeans with a leather belt.
Bootcut jeans will also look great with an off-the-shoulder top and pointed toe boots or flats. Highlight your gorgeous figure with a peplum blouse, or go for the denim-on-denim look with a matching denim shirt or jean jacket. If ripped denim is your thing, pair your distressed bootcut jeans with a graphic t-shirt and lace-up sneakers for a casual, edgy look. On breezy nights, try a colorful kimono as a coverup, or go for a tailored blazer to keep it sleek.
Wearing Bootcut Jeans in Cool Weather
When the weather cools down, it’s time to pack on the layers. For a sophisticated look that’s simple to achieve, wear your bootcut jeans with a black turtleneck or mock neck and black boots. Finish it off with a matching belt, accessories, and your warmest winter coat, and you’ll be good to go. Choose one in black to keep your outfit clean, or liven up your look with vibrant colors and prints.
For a more casual look, pair your bootcut jeans with a cozy sweater, leather jacket, and chunky knit scarf. A plaid or flannel shirt will also work well; wear it tucked into your jeans with sneakers or boots and add a coat in a matching color. For an ultra-comfy look that’s still chic, wear your bootcut jeans with a tunic and a women's winter vest.
Wearing Bootcut Jeans to Work
You’ll have to save your blue jeans for evenings and weekends if your office has a strict corporate dress code, but if things are more relaxed, you can definitely get away with wearing bootcut jeans to work. Keep it professional with a dark wash and higher waist in a style that’s more classic than trendy. As long as your outfit is well put-together, your bootcut jeans won’t seem out of place.
For a classic, everyday office look, pair your bootcut jeans with a cashmere sweater or a crisp, tailored blouse. Add a smart blazer and a silk neck scarf for a classy touch. Instead of sneakers, try polished leather boots, heels, or pointy-toe flats to complete your look.
Caring for Bootcut Jeans
Even though jeans are durable and long-lasting, remember not to wash them too excessively. Denim easily loses its shape if cleaned too often in the washer and dryer. Try to wait at least six weeks between washes to ensure the longevity of your bootcut jeans. You can always spot clean in between if they get visibly dirty. When you do wash them, make sure to use cold water. Not only does this use less energy, but it also keeps the fibers and dyes of your denim from wearing and fading. Hang your jeans up on the line, or lay them out inside a well-ventilated room to dry. Short on time? Turn your jeans inside out and throw them in the dryer on the lowest heat setting until damp, then hang them up to finish drying.
No matter where you go in your bootcut jeans, you will get plenty of wear out of them. Find your perfect fit from Lands' End to create endless looks all year round.