Flared jeans are back. You can argue with whoever you’d like; just not me. ’Cause I’ve got Grammy-winning AND Pulitzer Prize-winning artist Kendrick Lamar to officially back me up now—not to mention a large majority of the internet.
Lamar made history as the first solo rapper to headline a Super Bowl Halftime Show, and he did so in a pair of the 2000s fashion staple. Regardless of how you feel about his latest string of denim outfits—his Grammys Canadian tuxedo was definitely something to talk about—there’s no denying that the “divisive” pair of trousers looked stellar on the guy. In fact, it was one of the most notable things about his performance—outside of the cultural innuendo, the Serena Williams’ cameo, and the iconic “a-minorrrrrr” emphasis (along with that lowercase “a” necklace!) that had the crowd break the sound barrier.
The Compton rapper’s light-wash trousers had a sizable bell bottom on the hem. The denim, a Céline original by Hedi Slimane, effortlessly mushroomed over his Nike Air DT Max ’96 sneakers. (It’s worth noting that his footwear was a tribute to Deion Sanders, a former NFL player and standing coach of the Colorado Buffaloes.) His outfit was complemented by a motorsports-flavored leather jacket, giving Lamar that urbane look that the modern guy strives to achieve.
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The public’s reaction to Lamar’s seminal performance focused on plenty of things (like his confidence and his diss to his industry enemy Drake). However, many watchers also noticed the “Not Like Us” rapper’s flared pants and both men and women shared their appreciation.
It doesn’t matter where you scroll; TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) imploded with remarks on the flared denim style. Lots of posts came from people inquiring where his jeans were from so that they could buy their boyfriends and husbands a pair. (My favorite video was of a woman catching her partner already looking up where to buy similar jeans himself.) Some posts were about Lamar indirectly being a “’90s teen” and “elder millennial” representation.
A quick search for these posts on any social media platform will induce a cheeky-smile and a serotonin boost. But if you’re searching for your own affordable version, I have done the work for you. Look below for our best looks-a-likes to Kendrick Lamar’s Céline flares.
