I’ve never really thought of jeans as an elegant item. Chic? Certainly. Cool and effortless? Always. But refined and polished? Not quite.
This week, however, I spotted denim outfits on Jennifer Lopez and Victoria Beckham that have shifted my perspective. After seasons of low-rise, slouchy and oversized silhouettes dominating the street-style crowd, high-rise flares feel like a fresh offering. Channelling '70s energy, both J.Lo and VB reminded me that denim can, in fact, give you an elegant edge—provided you get the proportions and the shoe pairing just right.
With their structured, leg-lengthening fit and subtly exaggerated hems, these jeans carry a sense of intention that their baggier counterparts often lack. Rising high on the waist and flowing smoothly past the ankle, they create a sleek, sculptural line that instantly elevates whatever they're paired with. Styling her flared jeans with tall platform heels, Jennifer allowed the denim to cascade uninterrupted to the floor, creating a statuesque silhouette that, paired with her romantic ruffled blouse and beige blazer, felt impossibly polished.
Victoria took a similarly chic approach to her denim styling this week, wearing a pair of her favourite Alina jeans with a white T-shirt and heeled brown boots. This sleek jeans and shoe pairing lays the foundation for an elegant ensemble.
Below, I’ve rounded up the best flared, high-waisted jeans to shop right now.
Shop Flared, High-Waisted Jeans:
These come in UK sizes 4—30, so you can find your perfect fit.
Whilst I love these in the dark-indigo shade, they also come in black and lighter blue.
Style these with platform heels or pointed-toe boots to make you legs go on and on.
The patch-pocket design gives these a relaxed, '70s edge.
These are designed with a stretchy finish, ensuring a comfortable fit.
Be quick—these are on their way to selling out.
These also come in brown, camel and indigo blue.
Shop the specific jeans Victoria Beckham loves.
Style these with a simple white tee for a timeless look you can keep coming back to.
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