Marie Claire Marie Claire
  • Celebrity
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Culture
  • Power
  • Nice Talk
  • Fashion Month
  • More
    • Politics
    • Career Money
    • Health Fitness
    • Power Play
    • Travel
    • Promo Codes
    • Food Cocktails
    • About Us
    • Subscribe
    • Sex Love
  • Newsletter SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
  • Marie Claire
    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!


    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

    You are now subscribed

    Your newsletter sign-up was successful


    Want to add more newsletters?

    Marie Claire Daily

    Delivered daily

    Marie Claire Daily

    Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.

    Marie Claire Self Checkout

    Sent weekly on Saturday

    Marie Claire Self Checkout

    Exclusive access to expert shopping and styling advice from Nikki Ogunnaike, Marie Claire's editor-in-chief.

    Maire Claire Face Forward

    Once a week

    Maire Claire Face Forward

    Insider tips and recommendations for skin, hair, makeup, nails and more from Hannah Baxter, Marie Claire's beauty director.

    Livingetc

    Once a week

    Livingetc

    Your shortcut to the now and the next in contemporary home decoration, from designing a fashion-forward kitchen to decoding color schemes, and the latest interiors trends.

    Homes amp; Gardens

    Delivered Daily

    Homes Gardens

    The ultimate interior design resource from the world's leading experts - discover inspiring decorating ideas, color scheming know-how, garden inspiration and shopping expertise.


    An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
    Trending
    • NYFW
    • Life In Plastic
    • Cari Champion
    • New Books
    • Postpartum Psychosis
    1. Fashion
    2. Spring Fashion

    I’m Going All In on Bootcut Jeans for Spring, Thanks to Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy

    21 pairs from Nordstrom, Gap, and Madewell the '90s style icon would approve of.

    Brooke Knappenberger#039;s avatar
    By Brooke Knappenberger
    Published 23 March 2026 In News

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    collage of carolyn bessette kennedy wearing bootcut jeans with black border on beige background
    (Image credit: Getty Images)
    • Facebook
    • X
    • Pinterest
    Share this article
    Join the conversation
    Follow us
    Add us as a preferred source on Google
    Subscribe to our newsletter

    I'm blaming Love Story for my obsession with Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. From her signature khaki pants to her headbands, I can't get enough of her chic, minimalist looks. It's gotten to the point where I'm incorporating her favorite pieces into my personal style—the latest Bessette-Kennedy wardrobe staple I'm trying is her favorite denim trend: bootcut jeans.

    Bessette-Kennedy was often photographed in a pair of Levi's jeans, specifically the 517s. The style featured a slim fit through the hips with a subtle flare at the knee. Nowadays, the silhouette is on the up-and-up, with It girls like Bella Hadid and Anne Hathaway recently sporting the trend. It was my newfound appreciation for all things CBK, though, that led me to search for the perfect pair.

    Although it's been said she liked to buy her jeans vintage, I'm shopping for the look from my favorite denim brands at Nordstrom, Gap, and Madewell. Ahead, I'm sharing all of the styles I have my eye on for spring—here's to adding another style to my CBK-inspired minimalist wardrobe.

    Latest Videos FromMarie Claire
    Watch full video here:

    Molly Classic Mid Rise Bootcut Jeans

    Mavi Jeans
    Molly Classic Mid Rise Bootcut Jeans (Were $108)
    $72
    SHOP NOW

    A stretchy construction means this pair is ultra-comfortable—a feat for jeans.

    Sweet Bootcut Jeans

    Lucky Brand
    Sweet Bootcut Jeans (Were $90)
    $67
    SHOP NOW

    This in-between wash is great for everyday outfits.

    Mason Mid Rise Crop Bootcut Jeans

    PAIGE
    Mason Mid Rise Crop Bootcut Jeans (Were $249)
    $187
    SHOP NOW

    CBK particularly loved a cropped hem.

    Wedgie Bootcut Jeans

    Levi's
    Wedgie Bootcut Jeans (Were $98)
    $74
    SHOP NOW

    Levi's hip-hugging Wedgie fit will always be a fan-favorite.

    Peyton Mid Rise Bootcut Jeans

    rag bone
    Peyton Mid Rise Bootcut Jeans (Were $258)
    $194
    SHOP NOW

    As far as designer denim goes, rag bone makes some of the best.

    Flawless - Hi Honey High Waist Bootcut Jeans

    Joe's
    Flawless - Hi Honey High Waist Bootcut Jeans (Were $168)
    $126
    SHOP NOW

    I'm obsessed with how these jeans look with pointed-toe heels.

    Good Standard Bootcut Jeans

    Good American
    Good Standard Bootcut Jeans (Were $168)
    $118
    SHOP NOW

    Good American jeans are well worth the hype.

    Mid Rise Rigid Relaxed Flare Jeans

    Gap
    Mid Rise Rigid Relaxed Flare Jeans
    $90
    SHOP NOW

    I have these Gap jeans and feel like an It girl the second I throw them on.

    High Rise Kick Flare Jeans

    Gap
    High Rise Kick Flare Jeans (Were $80)
    $47
    SHOP NOW

    CBK definitely would've loved this style.

    High Rise #039;70s Flare Jeans

    Gap
    High Rise '70s Flare Jeans (Were $90)
    $71
    SHOP NOW

    This pair has a bit more of a flared leg for a boho vibe.

    Low Rise Long amp;amp; Lean Jeans

    Gap
    Low Rise Long Lean Jeans (Were $90)
    $71
    SHOP NOW

    You'll be the coolest girl in the room in this low-rise pair.

    Extra Low Rise Long amp;amp; Lean Jeans

    Gap
    Extra Low Rise Long Lean Jeans (Were $90)
    $44
    SHOP NOW

    An extra low rise screams "early 2000s" and I'm here for it.

    Low Rise Long amp;amp; Lean Seamed Split-Hem Jeans

    Gap
    Low Rise Long Lean Seamed Split-Hem Jeans (Were $100)
    $49
    SHOP NOW

    Show off your favorite pair of spring shoes with these split-hem jeans.

    High Rise Kick Flare Jeans

    Gap
    High Rise Kick Flare Jeans (Were $80)
    $39
    SHOP NOW

    Why not try the trend in a cool black wash?

    Madewell , The Flare Crop Jean in Super Stretch Denim

    Madewell
    The Flare Crop Jean in Super Stretch Denim
    $148
    SHOP NOW

    These jeans hit right at the ankle, so they make for the perfect pairing to high-vamp flats.

    Relaxed Bootcut Jeans

    Madewell
    Relaxed Bootcut Jeans
    $140
    SHOP NOW

    You can easily dress these jeans up or down with a simple swap of your shoes.

    Madewell, The Stretch Flare Jean (Were $148)

    Madewell
    The Stretch Flare Jean (Were $148)
    $125
    SHOP NOW

    These jeans feature Madewell's signature "Magic Pockets" for a supportive, hold-you-in feel.

    Madewell, The Flare Crop Jean in Super Stretch Denim

    Madewell
    The Flare Crop Jean in Super Stretch Denim
    $148
    SHOP NOW

    You can't go wrong with white jeans for spring.

    Madewell, The Curvy Flare Crop Jean in Super Stretch Denim

    Madewell
    The Curvy Flare Crop Jean in Super Stretch Denim
    $148
    SHOP NOW

    With a narrower waist and extra room at the hips and thighs, these jeans will feat hourglass body shapes like a dream.

    MW, The Flare Crop Jean in Super Stretch Denim

    Madewell
    The Flare Crop Jean in Super Stretch Denim
    $148
    SHOP NOW

    Solid black jeans are great for your spring work outfits.

    Madewell, The Flare Crop Jean in Super Stretch Denim

    Madewell
    The Flare Crop Jean in Super Stretch Denim
    $148
    SHOP NOW

    The cropped raw hem just feels right for the warmer weather.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
    Explore More
    Nordstrom Gap Madewell
    Brooke Knappenberger
    Brooke Knappenberger
    Social Links Navigation
    Former Associate Commerce Editor

    Brooke Knappenberger is the former Associate Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she specialized in crafting shopping stories—from sales content to buying guides that span every vertical on the site. She also oversaw holiday coverage with an emphasis on gifting guides as well as Power Pick, our monthly column on the items that power the lives of MC’s editors. She also tackled shopping content as Marie Claire's Editorial Fellow prior to her role as Associate Commerce Editor.

    Read more
    collage of women wearing fall 2026 denim trends: cigarette jeans, ripped jeans, embellished jeans, light wash denim, denim skirts
    Fall fashion These 5 Denim Trends Will Define Fall 2026 From slim cigarette jeans to sweeping denim skirts.
    By Lauren Tappan
    transitional outfits featuring sweaters, blazers, jeans, white pants, denim shorts, loafers, and structured handbags.
    Fall fashion 6 Street-Style Denim Outfits to Recreate
    By Avery Matera
     
     
    Street style denim
    Fall fashion Fall's Best Jeans Look a Little Different This Year
    By Laura Lajiness Kaupke
    Five women wearing jeans styled with fall jackets, including leather, tailored, military-inspired, and utility silhouettes, plus a striped top.
    Fashion 5 Easy Jeans Outfits to Wear This Fall
    By Laura Lajiness Kaupke
     
     
    Latest in Spring Fashion
    Ashlyn, Diotima, Heirlome models in a collage side by side
    Fashion NYFW is Here! Discover the IYKYK Brands Making New York Cool Again
    Summer Sweaters
    Summer fashion Summer Sweaters That Work Into Fall
     
     
    woman wearing a blue t-shirt and a brown blazer
    Spring Fashion The Best Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale Deals Are Also the Most Affordable
    Ashlyn Delaney
    Spring Fashion A Plus-Size Editor’s Guide to Dressing for Miami’s F1 Weekend
     
     
    Latest in News
    Jennifer Lopez wears a brown leotard with rare Nike sneakers, embracing Hailey Bieber#039;s jelly shoe sneaker hybrid trend.
    Celebrity Style Jennifer Lopez Is Embracing the Jelly Shoe Hybrid Trend
    Michelle Obama was spotted attending Celine Dion’s concert in Paris, where she made a stylish appearance in a Diotima dress and carried a Liffner bag
    Celebrity Style Michelle Obama Hops on Fall 2026's Suede Bag Trend
     
     
    Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana (1961 - 1997) and Prince Charles at Victoria Station, London, where they will welcome a state delegation from Nigeria, March 1989.
    Royals Why Queen Elizabeth "Was Furious" With Princess Diana
    King Charles wearing a crown at his coronation
    Royals Royal Fans Help "Fix" an "Embarrassing" King Charles Mistake
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Marie Claire
    RSS
    • About us
    • Contact Future's experts
    • Contact us
    • Advertise Online
    • Newsletter
    • Terms and conditions
    • Privacy policy
    • Cookies policy
    • Careers
    Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google

    Marie Claire is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

    © Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.