Kate Middleton Wore the Flattering Jean Style Youre Probably Sleeping On

Publish date: 2024-05-05

Skinny! Baggy! Wide-leg! Flare! Straight-leg! The list of jean silhouettes goes on and on, and while you certainly have your favorites — and some that you simply will not wear (for me, that’s skinnies) — I guarantee that there’s one style that you’ve probably been sleeping on. I know I have, but thanks to Kate Middleton’s latest outing, I was reminded that it’s a major sartorial powerhouse that I simply need to start wearing again. 

The Princess of Wales was photographed out and about during her latest outing in Scotland, during which she and the Prince of Wales took part in a series of engagements in Moray and Inverness, meeting with organizations supporting local rural communities. For the occasion, Middleton wore a fitting, low-key look that felt very fall. She wore a quilted Burberry coat (chic!), a black turtleneck sweater for warmth, chunky brown Reiss boots (which she also wore the day prior), and last but certainly not least, those dark-wash, kick-flare jeans that ooze ’70s vibes to a T.

If you’re not familiar with the kick-flare variety, now’s the time to get, well, familiar with it. And before you get worried — no, this isn’t some hard-to-wear, controversial denim style that you can wear now but probably not in three years. We have our fair share of those (ahem, baggy, looking at you!), but the cropped kick-flare is the perfect option between skinnies and flares — not to mention they’re suitable for petite frames, as well.

Paige Laurel Canyon High-Waist Kick-Flare Jeans

Nordstrom

Spanx Kick-Flare Jeans

Spanx

Kick-flare jeans tend to have a fitted, flattering leg that slowly moves into a subtle flare at the hem. Middleton’s dark-hued blues stop right above her ankle with a distinct flare at the base, allowing her fall-perfect boots to make a statement. Full-length flare jeans would likely cover up her footwear, whereas tucked-in skinnies would feel slightly more controversial. Crop kick flares are low-key but still stylish and elegant. 

TL;DR? Middleton’s jean style of choice seems to be among the least controversial of jeans out there, so I’m not sure why I’ve been missing out on them. They ooze retro vibes, show off shoes, and seem super versatile. Yes, I just sold myself on them, and yes, I’m adding a few pairs of my rotation for fall and winter.

Shop more cropped kick-flare jeans inspired by Middleton’s pair below.

Get the Look: 

Madewell Kick Out Mid-Rise Crop Jeans
Shop now:
$138; nordstrom.com

Mother the Hustler Fray Ankle Bootcut Jeans
Shop now
: $248; nordstrom.com

Jen7 by 7 for All Mankind High-Waist Destroyed Hem Kick-Flare Crop Jeans
Shop now:
$109; nordstrom.com

Veronica Beard Carly High-Waist Kick-Flare Jeans
Shop now:
$248; nordstrom.com

We the Free In My Feelings Cropped Slim Flare Jeans
Shop now:
$68; freepeople.com

J.Crew Slim Demi-Boot Jeans
Shop now:
$110 (Originally $148); jcrew.com

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