Celebrity relationships are a complicated thing. So many people date each other, break up, date each other again, that sometimes there are almost no degrees of separation. For example, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck dated, got engaged, broke up, got back together, got married, and then divorced. That’s a long story of many years. So, there are feelings there, even if the two are now over.
Reportedly, the two have now reconnected, and are trying to be friends. Lopez in particular is reportedly eager to use Affleck’s professional advice to get ahead in her acting career.
Related: JLo Reportedly ‘Struggling’ with ‘Cash Flow’ & ‘Recent Earnings’ After Ben Affleck Divorce
“Ben isn’t neurotic at all about Jennifer continuing to rely on his counsel, and even his emotional support, when it’s needed,” an insider said, per Closer Magazine.
“He’s still advising her, and he wants her to win. In fact, it fuels his ego – in a healthy way – to know that she still takes him incredibly seriously as an advisor, even though they couldn’t make it work as a married couple,” they added. “He is also genuinely fascinated by her business moves, so he always gets something out of it when she comes to him for advice.”
Reports indicate Lopez “trusts” Affleck more than most people in her circle. “They truly are kindred spirits, even long after they stopped being man and wife,” they added.
“Jen is over the moon that things between her and Ben have settled into such a good place now that the divorce is behind them,” the insider also said. “She loves that she can call him pretty much any time and he almost always picks up and is happy to hear from her – though she’s careful not to call too much because she doesn’t want to push him away.”
Friendly exes and all that.
“She definitely takes a lot of pride in the fact that he’s someone she can go to for advice and guidance,” they continued. “She’s always quick to tell people they are better off as just friends and that she’s totally over him romantically, although it’s hard not to notice how attached she still is,” the source added.
Ironically, this comes after a report from Heat World that Lopez had a “flirty” friendship with Keith Urban when they worked together on American Idol and have been “leaning on each other” after their respective high-profile splits from Nicole Kidman and Ben Affleck.
“Keith and Jennifer actually have a huge amount in common,” a mutual friend said about the two getting closer. “They got along so well when they worked together and really developed a great friendship, so – of course – when the news broke out about Keith’s divorce, Jen reached out to offer her support. They’ve been in touch ever since.”
But things between them are not romantic, yet.
“At this point, it’s still very much in the friend zone, but it’s no secret Keith thinks that Jen is absolutely drop-dead gorgeous,” the source explained. “The problem is he doesn’t seem to have the guts to make the first move. Whenever his friends tell him he should ask her out, he comes up with excuses.”
Amal Clooney Wore Optical Illusion Jeans Cosigned by Jennifer Lopez—Fall-Ready Styles Start at $44
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My list of must-try jean trends for 2026 is growing; it currently includes all the silhouettes one denim expert revealed to me as the must-watch of the year (save for baggy jeans, because I’ve been wearing those for years). That said, one style that didn’t land on said aforementioned list, but is clearly due for big, big things this year, is flare jeans. With a growing list of celebrity fans that includes Meghan Markle, Jennifer Lopez, Reese Witherspoon, Cindy Crawford, Kendrick Lamar (you know that moment), and, of course, Amal Clooney, there’s no denying the retro denim style that was popular in the early aughts is back—and bigger than ever.
The fact that Clooney wore flared jeans is noteworthy in and of itself. The human rights lawyer is known for her refined dressing approach, regularly opting for billowy trousers, trendy boho blouses, and comfy sweater dresses—all staples that read elegant and timeless. So, when I spotted her earlier this year in the laid-back blues while out to dinner with hubby George Clooney, I knew I had to write about it. Of course, the fact that she wore flare jeans, the style countless celebs have worn the last few weeks, is noteworthy, too, as it further cements the style’s ‘It’ status for 2026.
Pistola Kinsley Flare Jeans
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Spanx SpanxSculpt ReDefine Flare Jeans
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Clooney opted for a pair of medium-wash jeans with subtle fading (another Y2K reference, IMO). Her blues had an ultra-high waist—so high, in fact, that they appeared to hit at the ribcage. It’s the complete opposite of the controversial low-rise denim, so it’s a possible sign that the high-high waist is coming back, too. Not to mention, Clooney’s jeans had a slightly oversized fit from the thighs to the ankles, but it’s that flared hem that has all my attention; it’s taking me back to my middle school days when I’d wear my True Religion flares every single day. (No joke.)
Gap High-Rise ‘70s Flare Jeans
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Mother The Weekender Jeans
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It’s undeniable that Clooney’s jeans have that nostalgic flair (ahem, flare, wink, wink), but it’s also undeniable that celebs are clamoring to the style because it’s incredibly flattering. The blues basically act like an optical illusion, making legs look super long, especially when paired with a style that has an extra-long hemline and sky-high platforms á la Lopez; the singer is 5-feet-5-inches, but don’t you agree with me that she looks way taller in these jeans? Yeah, that’s thanks to the flares. The flare hem and longer inseams help create the look of legs for days, but add in a high-waisted cut, platform heels, and a crop top, and you’ll fool people into thinking you’re inches taller.
Leg-elongating factor aside, there’s no denying that flares are fun and nostalgia-inducing—and that’s exactly what I need right now. So, shop some more fun, funky flares from Frame, NYDJ, and Mavi below.
NYDJ Barbara Jeans
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Gap High Rise ‘70s Flare Jeans
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Frame The Icon Raw Hem Flare Jeans
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