There’s no denying that jeans are a classic wardrobe staple. With its versatility, comfort, and enduring appeal, it’s hard to find something to hate about good old blue jeans. But there’s a certain style that is often surrounded with skepticism. Yes, we’re talking about mom jeans!
Although its name was derived from a Tina Fey joke on Saturday Night Live, what was once a mark of motherhood has now become a new classic piece of denim for anyone of any age. In fact, every style maven owns at least one pair!
If you’re confused as to what differentiates the mom jeans from other styles, here’s a little rundown: They’re characterized by a high waist, slightly low crotch, and butt-hugging shape via long back pockets. They also taper around the ankles, but there are new styles that feature a straight cut or a more relaxed fit. Most mom jeans are also rendered in raw denim, which is what gives it the vintage vibe.
Given its chunky fit and rounded shape, mom jeans may seem tricky to style in a flattering way, but we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 cute ways to do so:
For a casual look, wear with a white shirt and sneakers.
Mom jeans can flatter any figure when styled correctly. The jeans’ high waist and long back pockets can lengthen your legs and accentuate your buttocks, giving the illusion of an hourglass figure. Embrace this by tucking in simple T-shirts, cinching your waist with a leather belt, and completing the look with a classic pair of white sneakers.
Use your mom jeans to add a casual touch to an all-black ensemble.
While jeans are typically associated with casual occasions, they can still make you look chic and put-together nonetheless. To pull this off, consider matching your jeans with cool black separates like a mockneck long-sleeved shirt, a leather jacket or a longline blazer, and finish the look with brogues or booties. It’s the perfect travel outfit!
Channel the ‘90s in vintage-inspired tees.
Although the mom jean trend was born in the ‘80s, they lasted well throughout the ‘90s but in a more relaxed silhouette with a straight cut or slightly flared bottom. That said, you could totally cop a ‘90s look when you match your mom jeans with cute printed shirts that will have you reminiscing about Nickelodeon shows. Oh, don’t forget to wear sneakers to really seal the look!
Cozy up in a cute cardigan.
Haven’t you heard? Sporting a cardigan as a top is cool again, but if you’re looking for an outfit that doesn’t look too "trendy," might we suggest copping a cardigan in neutral tones? Consider black, white, or nude. Otherwise, if you’re going all-out Cher Horowitz, then by all means, go for those pretty pastels and fuzzy knitted cardigans.
Look sharp in an oversized blazer.
For those days when you aren’t in the mood to flaunt a high-waisted denim look, pack on the layers and go for an oversized blazer. You could even play up the large proportions by wearing an equally oversized T-shirt. Sneakers will make this ensemble look decidedly "streetwear," but you can always slip on your favorite pair of heels if you’re feeling posh.
For an everyday casual uniform, go for a cropped top and relaxed blazer.
We have the supermodels of our time to thank for the street style popularity of this jean style—just look to Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and Bella Hadid, who all gravitate towards their favorite pair of mom jeans for a cool off-duty look. Their go-to combo? A cropped top and a relaxed blazer, which you can totally wear for your everyday affairs—even to the office if your dress code permits.
Elevate your mom jeans with a sleek one-shouldered top.
Whether you’re heading out to run errands or having lunch with friends, why not make your comfy mom jeans dressier by flaunting a one-shouldered top? The asymmetry will immediately draw attention to your ensemble, making for an outfit with maximum impact yet minimum effort. Simply complete the look with footwear depending on the occasion. Sneaks for daytime and cute heels for evening affairs!
Go retro in an ‘80s-inspired buttondown.
Sharp-shouldered button-downs were a staple in the ‘80s, and they definitely balance out figure-hugging mom jeans well. Inject a youthful vibe to your outfit by opting for printed button-downs and pairing them with vintage-inspired sneakers. If you’ve got a dressier occasion coming up, choose a button-down in luxe fabrics like silk and in solid colors to play it safe.
Double the denim in a Canadian tux.
While adding another denim piece isn’t warm weather-friendly, you can consider the Canadian tux (which is simply a two-piece denim outfit) for when you’re traveling. Opt for a denim jacket in the same wash as your mom jeans to achieve the look, and keep your inner shirt simple, like a neutral-colored tee or cropped top.
Up the luxe factor by slipping into a silk blouse.
If your style falls on the classic and romantic side of the spectrum, know that you can wear your mom jeans and still exude elegance. In this case, it’s all a matter of letting the top shine in the ensemble. Choose a silk buttondown, a prairie blouse, or any dainty-looking top with feminine details like embroidery or a subtle floral print. Do a French tuck to really seal the je ne sais quoi vibe.
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