Skinny jeans are officially canceled – at least according to Gen Z. Straight leg jeans are back in style, and they’re all that is everyone is talking about.
If you’re looking to shake up your closet or find a year-round staple, straight-leg jeans are your new BFF. They’re a style you can rely on to take you everywhere, from a casual day at the office to drinks with friends or a trip to the city. If the ‘90s are your style muse, these jeans are the one for you.
We’re sharing our favorite way to style jeans, which shoes you should wear, and the most popular styles to have on your wish list. Straight-leg jeans are our favorite everyday style and one that you need to have in your closet.
How to style straight leg jeans
Irina Shayk, Ashley Roberts, Kerry Washington, Jade Thirlwall, and Rita Ora show how to style straight-leg jeans (Credit: Mega / Brett D. Cove / Avalon / Michael Wright / WENN)
What we love about straight-leg jeans is that they work for everyone – unlike their skinny jean counterpart. Whatever height you are or body shape you have, there are straight-leg jeans for you.
If you’re a die-hard denim fan, it’s worth remembering that your straight-leg jeans will have a little extra volume compared to skinny jeans. Unless you’re planning on tucking your shirt in, you’ll usually want to choose an oversized shirt to help balance out your look.
Straight-leg jeans are just as versatile as their skinnier silhouette. We’re sharing our top tips on how to style these jeans to make them work for any occasion. Straight-leg jeans are one of the most flattering styles and work for every body shape and height.
1. Oversized shirts
There are two schools of thought when it comes to straight-leg jeans – you either love to wear them with oversized shirts or you think it’s a fashion faux pas.
BP. knit oversize tee, $29 at Nordstrom, Love Moschino quilted logo plaque shoulder bag, $149 at Farfetch, Steve Madden Rezume sneakers, $59.95 at Zappos, Topshop Premium straight-leg jeans, $95 at Nordstrom
It all depends on the silhouette you want to create. Most people prefer oversized shirts as it helps add to the casual aesthetic of the jeans and balances out the volume in the leg.
You can always get the best of both worlds by taking an oversized shirt and tying it in a bow at your waist to give it a more fitted silhouette at the waistband while leaving it oversized at your shoulders.
An oversized blouse is an easy way to make straight-leg jeans summer-appropriate and keep you cool as the temperatures start to rise.
2. Fitted tops
If you want to contrast the volume in the leg of your jeans, tuck in a fitted shirt. This styling tip is ideal for high-waisted straight-leg jeans and allows you to accentuate the appearance of your waist.
Boyish Jeans high-waist straight-leg jeans, $251 at Farfetch, Liverpool Los Angeles fitted plaid blazer, $109 at Nordstrom, Lauren Ralph Lauren refined stretch 1X1 rib short sleeve top, $35 at Zappos, Amanii The Queen Tiye snake gold-vermeil necklace, $121 at Matches Fashion, Good American The Standout square-toe sandal, $169 at Nordstrom
Adding a fitted top can help make these jeans workwear appropriate. Most offices are becoming more casual with their dress codes and knowing how to style your favorite jeans can help you blend comfort and professionalism.
Throw on a blazer and some gold jewelry for an elevated look. You can style with textured loafers or slingback heels to wear to your next business meeting or conference.
Don’t overlook the faithful t-shirt or silk chemise – they’re a must-have for styling with straight-leg jeans. They’re comfortable and easy to wear, letting you layer them during the colder months or wear them solo during the summer.
A striped t-shirt and straight-leg jeans are a signature preppy look, while a silk vest top can make your jeans evening-appropriate with a blazer and heels.
3. Statement belts
With most straight-leg jeans having a high waist, they’re perfect for tucking in shirts to show off the waistband. If you have a designer belt that you want to show off, now is the time!
Agolde Riley high-waist crop straight-leg jeans, $178 at Nordstrom, Karl Lagerfeld bow puff-sleeve shirt, $226 at Farfetch, Sarto by Franco Sarto pointed-toe slingback flats, $98.95 at Nordstrom, VonZipper Scenario sunglasses, $130 at Zappos, Pinko framed leather pouch bag, $260 at Farfetch, Versace Medusa leather belt, $330 at Mytheresa
Choose a style that will fit through the slots on your jeans. It’s usually best to choose a thinner belt width with a statement buckle.
If you want to give your look an extra ‘90s feel, you can swap out your leather belt for a chain style. It’s also another way to elevate these jeans and style them for drinks in the city or bottomless brunch.
4. Knitwear
When the temperatures start to drop, no one wants to get caught in the rain in a dress or shorts. Throw on your straight-leg jeans and layer up with knitwear.
SLVRLAKE London high-rise straight-leg jeans, $339 at Mytheresa, BB Dakota That Wing You Do dolman sleeve sweater, $89 at Nordstrom, LAUREN Ralph Lauren crepe drape front wrap, $190 at Zappos, Schutz block heel ankle boots, $149 at Farfetch
This ultra-comfortable look will keep you warm as the temperatures drop and make the perfect transitional outfit to wear on colder days throughout the year. Style with ankle boots or keep it more casual with white sneakers.
The most popular straight-leg jeans
If you’ve made it to this part of our guide, you’re probably ready to add a new pair of straight-leg jeans to your closet.
We’re sharing the most popular styles that you should have on your radar. They’re all an instant ‘add to cart’ and worth making a splurge to see you through the season.
1. Arket – Regular Cropped Stretch Jeans, $79 at Arket
These are a classic pair of five-pocket mid-rise straight-leg jeans made from organic cotton
When you’re shopping for jeans, you don’t always have to break the bank to get a high-quality style. Arket is famous for having designer-quality jeans without a heavy price tag.
Their cropped straight-leg jeans are amongst their most popular style and perfect for the warmer months.
This mid-rise style is made with organic cotton that is cultivated and harvested in a suitable manner and without using chemical fertilizer and pesticides.
2. KSUBI Playback Karma High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans, $205 at Saks Fifth Avenue
The Playback Karma is ’90s-inspired relaxed straight-leg denim jeans with an ultra-high waist and five-pocket
Jeans are the perfect investment into your closet. KSUBI is an Australian brand that is loved by some of the world’s most famous supermodels, including Cara Delevingne and Kendall Jenner.
Their ‘Playback’ style is amongst their most famous and features a fitted high-rise waist.
These jeans have a retro aesthetic and are cut using rigid denim, coming in the brand’s signature blue wash color for ultimate versatility. The shade allows you to style it with everything from earth-tone neutrals to pastels.
Given the brand’s celebrity following, they can be hard to find in stock. If you’re looking to make a splurge on new jeans, these are the style that should be top of your list.
3. Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans, $108 at Nordstrom
Could we write a list of jeans recommendations without featuring Levi’s? If you’re looking for the ‘90s inspired straight-leg jeans, Levi’s is your best shot.
Available in several colorways, Levi’s Ribcage has a 12-inch high-rise and an ankle-grazing straight-leg profile
Their ‘Ribcage’ straight jeans are one of their signature styles, available in ten different denim shades. Whether you’re hunting for on-trend blue indigo or summer-appropriate white, this style is one that you need in your closet.
These jeans end just above your ankle, making them perfect for styling with everything from low-top sneakers to platform heels.
The style is also Levi’s highest high rise and amongst their most versatile and popular style. They’re perfect for casual days or dressing up at the weekend.
The ‘Ribcage’ jeans are made with Water<Less technology, meaning they use 96% less water than standard finishing techniques. This style is a total win-win for your closet.
4. Reformation Cynthia High Rise Straight Jeans, $128 at Nordstrom
If you’re looking for straight-leg jeans with plenty of color options, check out this style by Reformation. You’ve got eight colors to choose from, including earth tones and classic denim shades.
The Reformation Cynthia is non-stretch fitted jeans with a high waist and a relaxed straight leg
These jeans are another sustainable choice and utilize Reformation’s FibreTrace technology, allowing you to see where your jeans have been ‘from farm to butt’.
You can give these jeans a quirky twist or add a touch of Cottagecore to your look with the Cynthia Mushroom high-rise straight jeans.
Straight-leg jeans are a staple for every woman’s closet – taking you from spring to summer and straight through to winter with the right styling.
They’re a universally flattering silhouette that gives you comfort without compromising on style. Once you find your favorite way of styling them, they’ll become part of your go-to outfit.