Bootcut jeans were a 2000s staple: low-rise, distressed, usually paired with a crop top and a chunky belt. Whether they're in or out of fashion, they can work as an important part of your wardrobe. Even better, the bootcut jean of today has some important, necessary updates like higher rises, different washes and colors, and a lengthening shape that includes some fun twists. If you like flare jeans, bootcut jeans are a slightly more subtle style (usually it's got a smaller flare at the bottom so you can fit a boot underneath, as the name implies).

If you have worries about how to wear it, just know that it's all in the styling—here are a ton of ways to wear bootcut jeans.

Business Casual

When in doubt, follow our queen Margot Robbie (who's rocking a bootcut expertly as part of her "casual cool" street style). Her bootcut denim is worn loose with an oversized button-down, and then she adds structure with the blazer and pointy boots. The whole outfit gives off slouchy but still polished vibes.

With Edgy Hardware

A cropped top works brilliantly with bootcut jeans, especially when you're trying to elongate your legs. But you can still draw focus to your upper half—and keep the whole look visually interesting—with some chunky hardware. This works especially well if your hips are wider than your shoulders, and you want to "balance" your upper half.

A Colorful Moment

Beyond the fact that red is a popular color right now, it's always fun to play with color to add dimension to a basic look. Here, the bottom half is pretty basic, with a longer hem and heeled boots to add height; then the beret, sweater, and bag all feel fun, exciting, and (crucially) complementary to each other.

Big and Baggy

If you've got a floral or feminine style, bootcut jeans are a nice touch—especially when you're using them as a contrast to your more delicate pieces. Here, the bagginess contrasts with the more structured boot and deeply feminine top, but if you look closely, the pretty studs on the jeans make the whole look feel cohesive.

Going Tonal

We're on the record as loving monochrome outfits, and you don't just have to use neutrals! This blue-on-blue look is such a cool idea, particularly because the color story continues onto the bag—and there's a contrasting red color in the glasses and shoes. The final outfit is lengthening and feels intentional.

Y2K Cosplay

If you happen to love the '00s (no shame!) and want to style your bootcuts with a bit of trendy flair, go all in with a crop top, Doc Martens, and bucket hat. What keeps this from feeling like a costume is the modernized high rise of the pants, classic bag, and relatively neutral jacket and jewelry.

With a Split Hem

Since a bootcut jean is—as the name implies—designed to fit over a boot, a split hem bootcut is a popular option when you want to show off your shoes. These are tight through the calves and then flare suddenly at the ankle, which (plus the visual interest of the slit) really draws attention to the contrasting cap-toe boots.

In Cropped Form

Cropped bootcut pants might feel a little stressful, especially if you're short and you need your pants to add length instead of take it away. But if you want to rock the trend anyway, choose a top in a similar color—or go full Canadian tuxedo as you see here—so that the eye takes in the whole look instead of stopping right at the ankle.

With Artful Distressing

Like any other pair of jeans, bootcut denim can be made cooler with a little distressing (and in this case, a raw hem). To keep the outfit from looking too "messy," the button-down top is structured and ironed perfectly.

Add a small structured bag and some polished shoes to make the ripped knees look intentional and surprising.

Almost Straight-Leg

Modern jean-makers like to play with shape, innovating by combining two types of jean styles together. This looks like a straight leg-bootcut leg hybrid: These pants are not fitted through the thighs and don't flare through the calf—but there's a split hem. It's a cool effect and also offers the chance to show off your boots.

Almost Flare

Bootcut and flare are similar styles, and the difference often comes down to the shape of the flare at the bottom. These are fitted at the top and then start to flare at the knee—but they're not as extreme as, say, a bellbottom style. Wearing them a little cropped with a cool boot underneath keeps it from feeling too '70s.

A Really Long Hem

It's cool right now to wear your jeans so that they "pool" at the bottom, almost dragging on the ground and bunching up a bit. Even when this look isn't "trendy" anymore, though, it's still a fun choice to wear your jeans this way (especially when you want to lengthen your bottom half!) with a pointed-toe shoe peeking out from underneath.

With a Touch of Class

If you like wearing suits but are aiming for something that's a little more business casual, swap out your trousers with bootcut jeans (and keep the blazer, nice jewelry, and structured bag). The classic shape of the jeans will still feel polished for work but will add just a touch of perfectly laid-back cool.

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