With 2021's renewed obsession with all things denim, I've found myself looking back to decades gone by for outfits to inspire my style today, and when it comes to denim, you don't get much better than the '80s and '90s. From Gwyneth Paltrow and Halle Berry to Cindy Crawford and Jennifer Aniston, a quick trip down memory lane (aka the Getty Images archive) proves that these decades were packed full of impeccably dressed A-listers who knew the power of the perfect pair of jeans.
One hour into my throwback scroll fest, it became clear that there was a recurring theme in all of my favourite celeb outfits: a monochrome top and straight-leg jeans. I understand that this is hardly groundbreaking stuff, but again and again, it was this simple formula that yielded such chic minimalist ensembles, be it a leather blazer and bleached denim or a black tank and true-blue jeans. You could essentially take any of these outfits and transport them into 2021, and no one would blink an eye.
My favourite look? I would have to say that Paltrow's outfit comprised of a blazer, a white tee and straight-leg jeans gets me every time, and despite not being a trainer person, she totally convinced me to invest in pair of black Converse. Well and truly influenced. Naturally, it would be rude of me not to share my in-depth denim research with you, so if you have a bit of a soft spot for the clean-lined, cool-girl stylings of the '80s and '90s, scroll down to see the throwback denim pairings inspiring my wardrobe this year.
I'm seriously loving the perfect straight-leg cut of Julia Roberts's denim in this pic, particularly with a pair of chunky-heel boots.
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy looks every inch the '90s style icon with a black tank top, jeans and strappy sandals.
Cindy Crawford always had the best airport looks. Case in point: She looks amazing in this white-shirt-and-bleached-jeans outfit.
Another fab shirt-and-blazer combo from Whitney Houston and another reason to buy a pair of black Converse high-tops.
Jennifer Aniston is the ultimate '90s style pin-up, as seen in this classic tee-and-jeans outfit, which she pairs with blue-tinted sunnies (obvs).
There's a hint of noughties Kate Moss in this pairing of low-slung jeans and a white tank top. Also, I'm so into the addition of strappy black heels.
Shop '90s-Inspired Denim Pairings
DENIM LOOK #1
DENIM LOOK #2
DENIM LOOK #3
DENIM LOOK #4
DENIM LOOK #5
Up Next: 29 Random Archive Shots That Inspire My Personal Style
-
This Is Your Last Chance to Shop the Amazon Big Spring Sale—31 Chic Finds Not to MissSo good even Levi's jeans are on sale.
-
Light-Wash Jeans Always Look More Expensive When Worn With This Elevated BasicAs seen on Zendaya in Italy.
-
Tired of Jeans? We Are Too—Here's What We're Wearing Instead This SpringChic and comfortable.
-
7 Ways to Style Your Jeans for Spring That Feel Very 2025Courtesy of the street style set.
-
My Most Complimented Everyday Jeans Are on Sale for Just a Few More HoursGrab them now, or pay full price later.
-
Rich-Looking Outfits Are the Goal—31 Chic Pieces From the Amazon Big Spring Sale That Fit the BillThese will have you doing a double take.
-
The 1993 It Bag Every Celeb Owned Is Back—It's $158, and I'm Buying One in Every ColorFrom Gwyneth to Ashley and Mary-Kate.
-
I Found a Trove of Cool-Girl Basics From theReplica Store Sale—31 Chic StandoutsThese have closet-staple status.
