How to Style Straight-Leg Jeans: The Ultimate Guide (With Outfit Photos)

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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.

Straight-leg jeans are your new BFF if you want to shake up your closet or find a year-round staple. 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 for you.

We’re sharing our favorite way to style jeans, which shoes you should wear, and the most popular styles on your wish list. Straight-leg jeans are our favorite everyday style and one that you need to have in your closet.

Mastering the Art of Styling Straight-Leg Jeans

Style Icons Showcase Straight-Leg Jeans: Irina Shayk, Ashley Roberts, Kerry Washington, Jade Thirlwall, and Rita Ora demonstrate versatile straight-leg jean looks, proving their timeless appealStyle Icons Showcase Straight-Leg Jeans: Irina Shayk, Ashley Roberts, Kerry Washington, Jade Thirlwall, and Rita Ora demonstrate versatile straight-leg jean looks, proving their timeless appeal (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 jeans 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, remember 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.

Styling Tip 1: Embrace the Charm of 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.

Casual Chic: A perfect ensemble featuring a BP. knit oversized tee, Love Moschino shoulder bag, Steve Madden sneakers, and Topshop straight-leg jeans, blending comfort with styleCasual Chic: A perfect ensemble featuring a BP. knit oversized tee, Love Moschino shoulder bag, Steve Madden sneakers, and Topshop straight-leg jeans, blending comfort with style

It all depends on the silhouette you want to create. Most people prefer oversized shirts as they help add to the casual aesthetic of the jeans and balance 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.

Styling Tip 2: Pairing with Fitted Tops for a Sleek Look

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.

Elegant and Professional: A sophisticated outfit combining Boyish Jeans high-waist jeans, Liverpool Los Angeles blazer, Lauren Ralph Lauren top, and Good American sandals, ideal for both office and evening wearElegant and Professional: A sophisticated outfit combining Boyish Jeans high-waist jeans, Liverpool Los Angeles blazer, Lauren Ralph Lauren top, and Good American sandals, ideal for both office and evening wear

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.

Styling Tip 3: Accentuate with Statement Belts

Most straight-leg jeans have a high waist, so 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!

Classically Tailored: Highlighting a polished look with Agolde high-waist jeans, Karl Lagerfeld shirt, Franco Sarto flats, complemented by a statement Versace belt and Pinko bag for a refined finishClassically Tailored: Highlighting a polished look with Agolde high-waist jeans, Karl Lagerfeld shirt, Franco Sarto flats, complemented by a statement Versace belt and Pinko bag for a refined finish

Choose a style that will fit through the slots on your jeans. Choosing a thinner belt width with a statement buckle is usually best.

You can swap out your leather belt for a chain style if you want to give your look an extra ‘90s feel. It’s another way to elevate these jeans and style them for drinks in the city or bottomless brunch.

Styling Tip 4: Cozy Up with 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.

Cozy Elegance: A warm and stylish outfit featuring SLVRLAKE jeans, BB Dakota sweater, LAUREN Ralph Lauren wrap, and Schutz boots, perfect for chilly daysCozy Elegance: A warm and stylish outfit featuring SLVRLAKE jeans, BB Dakota sweater, LAUREN Ralph Lauren wrap, and Schutz boots, perfect for chilly days

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.

Top Picks: Popular Straight-Leg Jeans You Can’t Miss

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 cottonThese are a classic pair of five-pocket mid-rise straight-leg jeans made from organic cotton

When 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 fertilizers and pesticides.

2. KSUBI Playback Karma High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans, $205 at KSUBI

The Playback Karma is a '90s-inspired relaxed straight-leg denim jean with an ultra high waist and five-pocketThe Playback Karma is ’90s-inspired relaxed straight-leg denim jeans with an ultra-high waist and five-pocket

Jeans are the perfect investment in your closet. KSUBI is an Australian brand loved by some of the world’s most famous celebrities, including Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried.

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 splurge on new jeans, these styles should be at the 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, the Levi's Ribcage has 12-inch high-rise and an ankle-grazing straight-leg profileAvailable 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 a non-stretch fitted jeans with a high waist and a relaxed straight legThe 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.