Characterised by an ultra-high waist and tapered legs, the mom jean has been around since the late 1960s, but it took almost three decades for the relaxed cut to be catapulted to popularity. We can't help but shout out two major contributors to this surge: Monica Gellar and Rachel Green on Friends, whose ’90s-tinged outfits (many of which featured mom jeans) still haven't dated twenty-five years on—as someone who's on roughly their 50th rewatch of the show, I can confirm this as fact.
This particular jean remains one of the duo's most relevant fashion choices, as easy to style in 2023 as it was back then. I wear my favourite mom jeans (a £30 pair from H&M) and straight-leg jeans interchangeably, finding that both achieve the same goal of making an outfit feel uncomplicated, and their simplicity means I can treat them as a neutral and build all kinds of looks around them.
I've also found that the majority of mom jeans I've tried hit right at my ankle, allowing me to show of whichever shoes I'm wearing that day, and the narrow cuff works with a broad range of footwear. Boots, sneakers, heels, sandals—the list goes on. Similarly, the waist-cinching fit goes just as well with crop tops as with a tucked-in cotton shirt.
Need further proof? Scroll on to see six effortless mom jean outfits that breathe new life into this ’90s denim trend.
1. Trench Coat + Mom Jeans + Mary Janes
Style Notes: A trench coat isn't just an elegant choice, it's also a practical one. In the UK, it makes sense to have a jacket on-hand year-round, and this timeless silhouette balances out the casual feel of mom jeans nicely.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Thanks to this linen trench, we can continue wearing our favourite coat style into the summer months.
These flattering jeans come in nine different washes. Yes, really.
I always turn to Charles Keith for chic flats.
2. Tank Top + Mom Jeans + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: If you've decided to keep things minimal with a tank-top-and-jeans combination, why add some interest in the form of siren-red ballet flats?
SHOP THE LOOK:
High-quality basics are always worth spending a little more on.
Since we discovered that M&S jeans are way underrated, we haven't looked back.
These could also be incorporated into a tonal look.
3. Denim Jacket + Mom Jeans + Ankle Boots
Style Notes: Double denim was all over the SS23 runways, and influencers have wasted no time in applying the trend to their outfit rosters.
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This is unisex, guaranteeing that cool boxy shape.
Crafted from organic cotton.
It doesn't get sleeker than a heeled black ankle boot.
4. Button-Down Shirt + Mom Jeans + Trainers
Style Notes: This will be my go-to for informal spring outings and errand-running afternoons. Let's face it, there's no shoe comfier than a sneaker.
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Who knew a yellow shirt would be so useful?!
Wear-everyday denim.
Adidas' Gazelles keep selling out, but I think these are an equally stylish alternative.
5. Sleeveless Knit + Mom Jeans + Strappy Heels
Style Notes: Surely it's not just me who's reluctant to let go of their knitwear when warmer weather comes along. I'll be getting around this ambivalence by pairing a sleeveless jumper with my mom jeans.
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This cashmere vest is so soft you'll never want to take it off.
I love everything about these jeans; from the subtle pleating to the pale-blue wash.
Sport these sandals all through wedding season.
6. Oversized Jumper + Mom Jeans + Loafers
Style Notes: A jumper, jeans and loafers are three of our most-relied-on items, so why not wear them all together? It's a triple threat.
SHOP THE LOOK:
A great chuck-on knit for chilly spring evenings.
H&M has a seriously impressive selection of mom jeans.
The OG leather loafer is still as desirable as always.
Up Next: You Should Never Get Rid of These Classic Jeans—We've Got Proof