We Tried ’70s Style Bebe Flared Jeans — & R29 Readers Can Score 40% Off Them

While reports of the death of skinny jeans have been greatly exaggerated, there's no doubt that pant legs are continuing to flare out again. We spotted several flared jeans walking down the recent Autumn/Winter 2023 runways, and Gen Z Scream queen Jenna Ortega rocked a pair for a promo just this week. The groovy style is definitely back but with a firmly 2023 sensibility.

Flare jeans may solely remind you of the ‘70s, but the wide-leg style has had a facelift since then. The over-exaggerated bell-bottom hemline has become more streamlined, with most modern interpretations offering a more subtle flare. This provides a fun, figure-hugging, and flattering style that lengthens the look of your legs. And it’s one of this year’s top denim trends, so you’ll be sure to start seeing them (and, hopefully, wearing them) more often this spring.

When a nostalgic trend is taken on by a nostalgic brand, it makes it even better. You may associate Bebe with Y2K fashion, but the 1976-founded brand is embracing the decade of its birth. Bebe made a fairly recent resurgence when the younger generation discovered its style (and its iconic rhinestone-embellished logo shirts), and plenty of people who rode the first wave of bell-baring styles are back for a second helping. The brand has a stylish, all-new spring denim collection, which features some '70s-inspired flare jean styles.

Some wide-leg skeptics on the R29 Shopping team put the brand’s new high-waisted wide-leg jeans to the test to see if they’re truly wearable and worthy of a spot in our wardrobes. Both the wider-flared dark-wash style and the vintage-inspired light-wash style are available for 40% off exclusively for R29 readers, now through Friday, March 17.

If you’re looking for some extra character, this style has it. From the stone-washed fade to the prominent front seams to the thick waistband, these are sure to be the statement piece of any outfit. Less flared than the first style, this hemline may be a bit more subtle and practical for everyday wear. The brand’s vintage stretch denim also offers the feel and texture of high-quality vintage jeans but with added stretch (which was not at all common) for those of us who favor comfort.

"I will rock a flare jean until the day I die. Although I could use a little more flare at the bottom, I love the overall design and fabric of these Bebe jeans! They stretch without looking cheap and the stitching down the middle of each leg is adorable.

I’m 5'8" and around a 34-inch inseam in jeans, so these don’t go all the way to the bottom, but as long as I put on a boot or a shoe to cover my ankles I’m good to go. Definitely buy if you’re looking for a pair of denim that you can actually sit down or dance for hours in — I truly can’t get over the stretch."

These flared jeans could have easily been seen on the likes of Farrah Fawcett skateboarding in Charlie’s Angels, or Diana Ross dancing at Studio 54. The sleek style comes in a true blue wash that’s just barely faded, giving a slightly lived-in, vintage look. The gold buttons and stitching also give them some extra flare (get it?!). Made from Bebe’s newest denim material, Heritage Denim, the 98% cotton and 2% spandex blend slightly stretches to offer a figure-hugging and curve-defining look.

"When it comes to denim, I’ll admit that I was pretty set in my ways for a long time. I thought that since I’m petite (a strong 5’2, to be exact), I couldn’t pull off a flare style. Wrong! This pair of Bebe jeans feature a super-high waist and button detailing that is giving me major Daisy Jones energy. They’re also just the right amount of stretchy while still holding their shape — and surprisingly comfortable!

I will say, they do run a bit small in the waist, so you may want to go up a size if you’re in between sizes. (I also had to get mine hemmed because I'm short, but if you’re an average to tall height, then you’ll be just fine.) Other than that, I will definitely be wearing these all spring long with light, breezy sweaters and crop tops."

"I’m not usually a flared jeans wearer, but I decided to give these a try —because why not! When I put these jeans on, the first thing I noticed was 1. How comfortable they were, and 2. The bright blue wash is perfect for the summer.

The jeans had great stretch and were not overly stiff, giving them a comfortable, worn-in feel that is perfect for 24-hour comfort. Lengthwise, the jeans were just right for me, hitting right at my ankle when wearing boots to polish off the look. I can’t wait to pair these jeans with a crop top, my hat, and some boots for the Houston rodeo next year!"

"I am pro wide-leg jeans, having distanced myself from skinny jeans a few years ago. As I’m a bit curvier, especially around my hips, I really like a wide-leg or flared moment to balance me out. So I was really excited to try out this Bebe style. In between sizes, I originally picked the smaller one. But when that didn’t fit, going one size up made a world of difference and fit really well. These jeans are slightly stretchy but definitely sturdy. I like when my jeans are a bit tighter around my lower stomach, and this style offered that. It also didn’t have the dreaded back gap, which is amazing considering this style doesn’t have belt loops. It was perfectly cinched on its own.

I love the dark wash, the ultra-wide hemline, and the button detailing, which made me feel like a little sailor. I can see myself styling this with sooo many different tops and shoes this spring. But it’s a style I’ll also be wearing next fall and winter, too! As another shortie (just under 5’3), I know I’ll be wearing these jeans with platform boots or wedges, but I’ll still need to get this denim hemmed so that I can walk with more ease."