I’m Five-Feet Tall, and I’m Trying This Leg-Elongating Petite Style Hack for Summer

Reese Witherspoon is on board.

Being under five-foot-four, I’ve come to embrace my petite stature over the years, but that’s not to say I don’t take advantage of flattering style hacks whenever I get the chance. Recently, I saw Reese Witherspoon—a.k.a. one of my favorite petite celebrities—wear the leg-elongating bootcut jean trend, and I knew I had to try out the optical illusion bottoms for myself.

The flared style is known to provide the appearance of lengthened legs, while offering a flattering, butt-lifting look that never goes out of style. I turned to some of my favorite petite-friendly brands, like Spanx and Madewell, to find the best bootcut jeans, from true '70s-inspired styles to a subtle flare. Keep reading for all the options I have saved in my shopping cart, starting at just $40.

Best Petite Bootcut Jeans

#1 Editor’s Pick: SPANXshape EveryWear Flare Jeans, $148; spanx.com
Prettyleaf Petite Stretch Bootcut Jeans, $46 (originally $50); amazon.com
Rare Deal: Lands’ End Denim High-Rise Skinny Flare Jeans, $75 (originally $100); nordstrom.com
Gap High-Rise '70s Flare Jeans, $48 (originally $80); gap.com
Sellout Risk: Good American Soft-Tech Good Petite Flare Jeans, $159; nordstrom.com
Joe’s the Molly High-Waist Flare Jeans, $188; nordstrom.com
Splurge-Worthy: Frame the Pixie Lax Frayed High-Waist Flare Jeans, $288; nordstrom.com
Madewell Petite Flea Market Flare Jeans, $138; madewell.com
Levi's Classic Bootcut Jeans, $42 (originally $60); amazon.com
Wdirara Petite High-Waisted Raw-Hem Flared Jeans, $40; amazon.com
Madewell Flared Wide-Leg Crop Jeans, $148; madewell.com

SPANXshape EveryWear Flare Jeans

$148

Spanx is one of my favorite brands to shop for petite clothing since almost all of its best-selling styles are available in petite sizing, including these flattering flare jeans. Spanx’s four-way stretch denim makes for an ultra-comfy fit and the subtle flare on these jeans helps elongate legs while giving a butt-lifting look. Plus, given that there are no zippers or buttons, they’re easy to slip on and off. I have my eyes on the light-wash option for summer, along with the bright white for a more elevated look.

Prettyleaf Petite Stretch Bootcut Jeans

~~$50~~

$46

Available in both 26- and 28-inch inseams, these Prettyleaf bootcut jeans fit a range of petite heights. Despite being made with a breathable cotton blend that moves with you, the soft, stretchy denim bottoms are wrinkle-resistant, so they’re ideal for travel—no steamer needed. Amazon shoppers are raving about the petite sizing, with one person, who ordered the 26-inch inseam, vouching that they’re the “best-fitting jeans” they’ve ever purchased.

Lands’ End Denim High-Rise Skinny Flare Jeans

~~$100~~

$75

If you’re not in the market for a true bell-bottom, consider these subtly flared jeans from Lands’ End. The petite-friendly pants complement curves while lengthening legs, making for a flattering everyday jean. In addition to a classic mid-wash, the pants also come in a sophisticated black and '90s-inspired light wash. The best part? They’re all 25 percent off right now.

Good American Soft-Tech Good Petite Flare Jeans

$159

Alternatively, if you really want to lean into the flattering flared trend, try out these Good American jeans. Made with a figure-sculpting design and stretchy denim fabric, these soft bottoms balance comfort with style. The ultra-light wash is perfect for summer, but hurry: Sizes are selling fast, so snag them before they’re gone.

Keep reading for more flared and bootcut style jeans from Gap, Madewell, Levi’s, and more, starting at $40.