This Jeans Style Is Controversial, But I've Got the Pics That Prove It's a "Yes"
Mom jeans have come a long way since they first earned that controversial moniker in the late '80s and early '90s. No longer the weekend mainstay of the era's stereotypical image of the suburban housewife, the mom jeans of the 21st century can actually be quite chic. That is if you know how to style them.
While today's mom jeans come in endless iterations, at their essence, each pair features a mid- to high-rise waist with straight legs that aren't too snug and hit just at the ankle. Typically made of sturdier denim with a looser fit, mom jeans have limited stretch, so you may have to try on a few different brands before you find your perfect match. Basically, mom jeans are the antithesis of the low-rise bootcut and flare designs that were popular in the Y2K era. And, having lived through that once, we're actually quite happy to embrace mom jeans as our endlessly wearable everyday pair.
So back to creating amazing outfits with mom jeans: If your immediate instinct is to pair an oversize sweatshirt with retro sneakers, then you may be veering a bit far into throwback territory. The mom jeans made today can easily be dressed up or down as needed. Thinking about what shoes to wear with mom jeans is key. For instance, the same pair of jeans could be worn with a blazer, T-shirt, shoes like slingback heels and chunky loafers or brightly colored accessories and a silk blouse or slouchy sweater.
While a great-fitting pair of mom jeans is definitely a throw-on-and-go item, keep in mind that the key to styling any high-waist pants is to play with proportions. Mom jeans got a bad rap in the '80s and '90s, but let's be honest: It was easy to see them as caricatures when worn by so many characters in iconic movies and television shows of the era. With that in mind, we've pulled 12 outfits with mom jeans that demonstrate how this storied denim style is anything but matronly.
Keep scrolling for major outfit inspo, and prepare to embrace the high-waist.
Shop Outfits With Mom Jeans
Next, From Baggy to Bootcut, These Are the Strongest Jeans in Every Category
Drew Elovitz is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but has spent the last decade living and working in New York City. She earned a master's degree in media and popular culture from New York University, then began her career on the internet as the Twitter voice of Barbie. She worked previously atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing as the director of content strategy and also spent several years leading the social media teams at Teen Vogue and Entertainment Weekly. You'll find her byline on the site around topics such as celebrity fashion, must-have basics, beauty favorites (particularly nail polish), and wellness tips and tricks.
-
Bring On the Transitional Weather—29 Perfectly Chic Pieces FromReplica Store to Wear Straight Through Fall
Effortless dressing right this way.
-
I'm My Bestie's Stylist—I Sent Her 7 Stylish Outfits FromReplica Store That I Created for Under $250
So rich looking.
-
Not Ballet Flats, Not Sneakers—Everyone With Cool Style Is Wearing These Shoes With Jeans Right Now
They're bound to be fall's go-to flat shoes.
-
I'm Manifesting a Fashionable Fall in NYC With These 36Replica Store Anniversary Sale Finds
Frye, AllSaints, Vince, Coach, and more.
-
Still Over Skinny Jeans? This Elegant Denim Trend Is Making a Major Comeback for Fall
Get ready.
-
This Is the Classic Black Shoe Tasteful Dressers Wear With Jeans and a White Tee to Make Them Look Chic
As seen on Molly Gordon.
-
Cool Jeans and Chic Flats Is Such a Killer Combo—If I Were You, I'd Buy These
The bestReplica Store Anniversary Sale denim and flats deals ahead.
-
The '90s Dress-and-Shoe Pairing It Girls Are Wearing to Parties in East Hampton (Sorry, Flip-Flops, You Weren't Invited)
Classic elegance spotted at Gucci's star-studded soirée on Long Island.