A Guide on How to Style Bootcut Jeans

Breaking news — bootcut jeans are making a comeback! We first saw this revolutionary style in the '60s, where fashionistas sought to break the status quo and take control over their femininity and personalized fashion. Now, along with wide-leg and flare jeans, current-day fashionistas are styling bootcut jeans when running errands, on their way to dinner or even at the workplace.

Here, you'll learn where to find your perfect pair of jeans and how to wear bootcut jeans for almost any occasion.

What Are Bootcut or Wide-Leg Jeans?

In the jean world, there are three similar styles — bootcut, wide-leg and flare jeans. Despite their similarities, each cut has tiny differences that alter your look, body shape or overall aesthetic. The differences between the three are as follows.

• Bootcut: The style is narrower at the knee, almost like skinny jeans, and widens at the leg opening.
• Wide-leg: Rather than being narrower at the knee, wide-leg jeans gradually get wider in the knee and through the leg opening. The leg opening is comparatively wider than a bootcut's.
• Flare: Flare jeans are even bolder and wider than bootcut or wide-leg jeans. Some styles can be narrow at the knee — like a bootcut style — but flare far beyond where a typical bootcut would. Or, some may be extremely wide from the knee and to the leg opening.

Bootcut, wide-leg and flare jeans became popular in the '60s. Their bold designs countered the current trends at the time, establishing their trademark as a revolutionary style. Today, people wear bootcut styles to create oversized, boho chic, disco diva and other notable aesthetics. 

What Body Type Should Wear Bootcut Jeans?

Any body type can wear bootcut jeans — if it's what you feel confident in, rock your favorite look! However, bootcut jeans best accentuate the curves of pear and hourglass silhouettes. They're also great for people with shorter legs, as most bootcut jeans run long, elongating the legs' appearance when paired with the right shoes.

When shopping for bootcut jeans that fit your body shape, also consider the rise. There are three types of rises — low, medium and high. Low-rise jeans sit below your navel, closer to your hipbones. Mid-rise jeans sit below your navel, too, but in the middle part between your waist and hipbones. High-rise jeans sit right at your navel in the crook of your hips.

Mid-rise jeans are a safe option for most body shapes. If you have natural curves and a wider waist, you may enjoy accentuating those with low-rise jeans. High-rise jeans are great for people with a slender midsection and wider hips, as the cut calls attention to features in the lower midsection and hips.

What Goes Well With Bootcut Jeans?

Bootcut jeans are incredibly versatile. You can wear them to the grocery store, on a family photo shoot or to the office. It all depends on what bootcut wash or color you choose, as well as the clothing you pair it with.

Clothing that typically goes well with bootcut jeans are blouses and casual T-shirts. If your goal is to accentuate your natural curves, aim for form-fitting tops that end right around the rise of your jeans. And, as bootcut jeans run long, you'll want to pair your outfit with heels, wedges or platform shoes.

7 Bootcut Jeans Styling Ideas

Are you already looking into your closet and thinking about what to wear with your favorite pair of bootcut jeans? Gain some inspiration from the following ideas on how to style wide-leg and bootcut jeans.

Casual

Casual outfits are fit for days lounging around the house or quick trips to the grocery store. There's no one to impress, but you still want to look and feel good about yourself. Consider these ways to style your favorite pair of bootcut jeans.

1. Tucked-in T-Shirt

Everyone loves the T-shirt/jean combination. It's a classic for any style of jeans, not only bootcut. Rummage through your closet and find any T-shirt that ends around your navel. Finish off your outfit with your favorite pair of everyday earrings, a comfortable pair of shoes and a casual hairstyle. 

2. Knotted Graphic Tee

Put a twist — literally — on the classic T-shirt-and-jeans look with your favorite graphic tee. For this look, an oversized or long shirt works best. Start by putting on your jeans and shirt. Then, grab your shirt front and twist it into a knot, right below your navel. The goal is to gently crop the tee and add some dimension to your outfit.

For a more retro look, find a pair of distressed or ripped bootcut jeans. Accessorize with a dainty necklace or a pair of hoop earrings, along with a comfortable pair of sneakers.

3. Oversized Sweater and Pointed Shoes

If the weather is a little colder, T-shirts won't keep you warm. Wear your bootcut jeans in fall and winter by pairing them with a comfortable, oversized sweater. Tuck the oversized sweater into the front of your jeans. This look also works well for other fitted sweaters and those with high necklines, such as turtlenecks.

Take your look to the next level by wearing a pointed pair of ankle booties, heels or flats and a statement necklace.

Elevated

Elevated looks are a perfect fit for days spent hanging out with friends or catching a movie with your significant other. You want to feel good about yourself, so why not show off your figure and style? Here are some elevated bootcut jean looks.

4. Tucked-in Blouse and Cropped Cardigan

Style your bootcut jeans with your favorite neutral-colored blouse. Completely tuck your blouse into your jeans, and put on a dainty belt if you think the look calls for it. Finish the outfit by putting on a fun-colored or patterned cropped cardigan. A cropped cardigan adds texture and layers to your ensemble without detracting from the jeans' body-accentuating power.

5. Denim-on-Denim

In the fashion world, you can count on nearly every vintage trend to make a comeback eventually. There's hardly anything more classic than the '90s denim-on-denim trend. Embrace this look by matching a pair of dark-wash denim jeans with a light-wash denim blouse. Round out your ensemble with a pair of white heels or flats and gentle accessories, like a pair of earrings.

Business

Nothing is better than wearing comfy clothes to work. When you want to look work-appropriate but don't want to sacrifice comfort, consider the following bootcut jean looks.

6. Button-Down Blouse and Wide-Brimmed Hat

Bootcut jeans flare at the bottom and narrow around your thighs and midsection. This narrowing gives your lower half an added curve, which you can accentuate by wearing a flowy button-down blouse, preferably one with a high-low hemline. Accessorize the look with a curled hairstyle, a wide-brimmed hat and layered necklaces.

7. Dark-Wash Denim, Tucked-in Shirt and Statement Blazer

Keep a dressier pair of bootcut jeans in your closet for workwear looks. A "formal" pair of bootcut jeans are usually dark wash, resembling a pair of dressy pants — just a far more comfortable alternative. Complete your outfit with a tucked-in neutral-colored shirt, like black or white, and a statement blazer. Finish by adding a statement necklace and a pair of pointed heels.

Browse Our Bootcut Jean Selection at Perfectly Priscilla

Bootcut jeans are back! We're seeing people of all shapes and sizes enjoy the accentuating benefits of the narrow-knee and wide-leg pants. Are you looking to add a pair to your collection? Perfectly Priscilla is an inclusive boutique brand that offers women of all sizes high-quality clothing, including bootcut jeans.

Browse our jean selection online. And, if you have any questions, reach out to us via our contact form or give us a call at 229-469-9627.