If you’ve ever heard the saying, “Just because you’re 40+, it doesn’t mean you have to start walking around in mom jeans,” you might have developed a dislike for mom jeans, associating them with an outdated pair of pants. However, the resurgence of mom jeans in contemporary fashion highlights how trends are cyclical and how fashion staples can evolve to suit current tastes.
Originally popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s, mom jeans— characterized by a high waist, relaxed fit through the hips and thighs, and tapered legs— have made a strong comeback, becoming a staple in modern fashion. If you have a pair of mom jeans lying around in your closet and aren’t sure how to style them, this is your sign to switch things up. Ahead, we’ve curated 9 ways to style the mom jeans like the modern woman you are.
What are Mom’s Jeans?
Mom jeans are among the most timeless denim pieces you can own. With their high waist sitting above the natural waistline and a baggy leg, they often create the illusion of added height, offering a feminine alternative to the more relaxed boyfriend silhouette. Typically available in classic blue and often without any rips or tears, mom jeans combine vintage appeal with a modern fit.
Why choose mom jeans? Mom jeans have a relaxed fit through the hips and thighs, providing comfort and ease of movement. Unlike tight-fitting skinny jeans, mom jeans offer a more laid-back and comfortable silhouette for various body types. While roomy around the hips and thighs, they typically taper down to a narrower leg opening. This gives the jeans a slightly more structured and tailored look compared to other loose-fitting jeans.
How to Wear Mom Jeans
Wear Mom jeans with a bodysuit
Photo Credit: Getty Images Wear a bodycon to keep your silhouette close without revealing too much. Pair it with a cropped jacket and roll your cuffs to show off a cute pair of boots.
Mom jeans with a cropped cardigan
Photo Credit: Instagram.com/@isabellaloie Creating a look with your cropped cardigan and matching bra top might seem daunting, but it’s not. Simply pair it with high-waisted mom jeans and add some flair with accessories for a fun and fresh combination.
Tucked-in sweater
Photo Credit: Getty Images Tuck a thick sweater into your mom’s jeans for a laid-back luxe vibe. Add an oversized coat, white sneakers, classic sunglasses, and a structured bag to complete the look.
Roll the cuffs
Photo Credit: Instagram.com/@ a_.smirnova._ Simply breathe new life into your mom’s jeans by rolling the cuffs to expose your ankles. This leaves you with ample room to explore complementary footwear options like heels, Chelsea boots, or high-top sneakers.
Tuck your mom’s jeans into boots
Photo Credit: Getty Images Simply roll and tuck your mom jeans into your favorite heeled boots to show off your footwear for a versatile look.
Wear mom’s jeans with your best blouse
Photo Credit: Instagram.com/@Karina Tucking in your finest, dressy blouse or button-down is an easy way to enhance this cut and look polished. Opt for a white pair and a skinny belt, paired with delicate heels or sandals, and you’ll have an outfit ready for the office or a casual lunch.
Try the mom’s jeans with a crop top or shirt
Photo Credit: Getty Images Make the most of the high-rise jeans style by pairing it with a crop top. You can choose how much midriff to show; keep it casual with a muscle tee and sneakers, or elevate the look with a collared shirt and stilettos or strappy sandals for a chic nighttime ensemble.
Style the 90s Way
Photo Credit: Getty Images It’s no surprise to know that mom jeans seamlessly blend with the ’90s trend revival. Experiment by pairing them with chunky-soled boots, Platform heels or loafers, a statement belt, and either a halter top, a long-sleeved sweatshirt, or a racerback tee for a bold and impactful ensemble.
Prep it Up!
Photo Credit: Instagram.com/@genymaks Elevate your mom’s jeans with a preppy, upper-crust European vibe. Pair them with a blazer, blouse, penny loafers, and a sweater draped over the shoulders.
In Summary, when finding the perfect fit for your mom’s jeans, focus on the details. Look for a pair that hugs your curves in all the right places while offering a relaxed, effortless feel. Mom’s jeans should be high-waisted, so choose a pair that sits comfortably at your natural waistline. Take your time trying on different sizes and styles to find the most flattering fit for your body shape. Ahead, shop a pair of mom jeans for yourself:
The Tall ’90s Straight Jean
The Standard Jeans
Topshop High Waist Tapered Mom Jeans
Photo: Edward Bethelot/Getty Images
