HOW TO STYLE BAGGY JEANS

For many, the year 2000 doesn’t seem so far in the past. But more than two decades have come and gone since the turn of the millennium, and younger generations are flaunting the fashions of the ’90s and ’00s.

In the last several years, ’90s style and Y2K fashion have made a comeback, particularly amongst Gen Zers, who have warmly welcomed the return of one of the era’s most characteristic pieces, baggy jeans. Coupled with confidence and the right styling tips, loose jeans make for a flattering and functional must-have, allowing fashion-conscious people of any age to enjoy the style. 

Gen Z is well-versed in how to style baggy jeans—and they wear them with a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era. This rekindled romance for the Y2K aesthetic has turned thrifting into a popular pastime and urged designers to create new renditions of this turn-of-the-century favorite.

WHAT ARE BAGGY JEANS?

The trend toward remote work brought the long reign of skinny jeans to an end, making way for their wider-legged, roomier cousin to take center stage. Commonly referred to as “mom jeans” or “boyfriend jeans,” any denim pants with a generous silhouette can be classified as a baggy jean. 

Available in high-waisted or low-rise fits, shoppers have a number of washes to choose from. And while Gen Z tends to gravitate toward the manufactured distress of rips, tears, and shreds, those favoring a less-worn look have a number of options to suit their personal preference. These iconic pants can enhance a casual outfit or give the wearer’s look an off-beat edge—it’s all in the styling.

HOW TO STYLE BAGGY JEANS

Baggy jeans offer comfort without compromising style. Their versatility allows them to be easily styled to complement multiple wardrobe pieces. Dress them up for a chicer look or down for a fit that’s more fun and casual. 

These eight baggy jean outfits put a modern spin on the ’90s favorite:

Colorful crop top

Crop tops pair well with both high-waisted and low-rise baggy jeans. Opt for a higher waist for more coverage or low-rise to emphasize the waist. Triarchy high-rise wide-leg jeans coupled with a Versace cutout crop top create a casual yet put-together look. Medium indigo-colored jeans perfectly complement the most powerful hues. Add a chunky gold bracelet, white sneakers, and a pouch to complete the look.

Statement boots

Pulling statement boots overtop the legs of baggy jeans lets the footwear do the talking. For a subtler impact, let a strong pattern or flash of color peek out from beneath the hem. Jimmy Choo's iconic crystal ankle booties with vintage slouchy jeans are the perfect pairing for a girl’s night out. Light-washed jeans bring brightness to crystals and metals, allowing them to shimmer. Finish the look with a black bodysuit, black shoulder bag, and silver earrings for a stylish, slightly understated outfit that clears the way for any statement boot to shine.

T-shirt + ripped jeans

Ripped jeans have been a fashion mainstay since they were first popularized in the 1980s. In the ’90s, ripped jeans were a trademark of skater and grunge culture, but they’ve become normalized for everyday wear in the years since. Today, a pair of distressed baggy jeans and a white tee is the ultimate cool-girl look. 

For a minimalistic style, combine ripped jeans from MOTHER with a simple non-graphic tee. Complete the outfit with platform sandals, hoops, and a black shoulder bag. Turn to Rag & Bone’s jet-black high-rise jeans for an edgier, more rebellious look, topping it all off with a Ganni graphic tee.

Blazer

Blazers put a bit of polish on an otherwise casual outfit, elevating the look from street-smart to sophisticated. From leather to wool, there’s no shortage of materials to choose from.

Perfect for autumn, start with a brown oversized leather jacket from LaMarque. A piece like this is versatile enough to be worn with different denim washes and various accessories. To work within an earth-tone palette, combine the blazer with light-wash, wide-leg frayed hem jeans, and medium-brown leather knee boots. Finish the look with a turtleneck, wooden earrings, and a structured handbag.

Puffer jacket

Pair a short-cropped puffer jacket with baggy jeans for an outfit that’s both warm and fashionable. Couple a pair of wide-leg jeans from PAIGE with an Amiri knit cropped puffer for a minimalist cold-weather look, and finish it off with white or black combat boots and a trusty tote bag. 

Trench coat

Trench coats and baggy jeans are an uncommon but flattering combination. Models have been captured by the paparazzi numerous times wearing this exact pairing. Create a retro combo by pairing mid-rise jeans with a caramel leather trench coat. For a more minimalist look, opt for a beige trench, high-waisted jeans, and a simple white tank.

Colored baggy jeans

Embroidered and colored jeans are a callback to the formative years of the generations that came before Gen Z. These styles allowed wearers to express their creativity and rebel against plain denim while creating memorable outfits. As baggy jeans reclaim their footing in the fashion world, designers have once again embraced this expressive trend with a range of subtle and not-so-subtle shades to help the fashionable show their true colors.

Pastel patchwork jeans are the perfect in-between for minimalists who want a slight dash of color. Pair this style with a matching button-down top, gold jewelry, and white sneakers for a playful look.

Cozy sweater

Whether hosting brunch or meeting a friend for coffee, a sweater and baggy jeans make for a comfortable and laid-back outfit. Put a stylish spin on the cozy look by coupling baggy jeans from Citizens of Humanity with a neutral-colored cashmere sweater from The Row, topping it off with a watch and black loafers.

For a bolder look, opt for baggy jeans with a vibrant fuchsia V-neck sweater, beautifully complemented by gold accessories.

Keep an open mind when exploring how to style baggy jeans, and don’t be afraid to tap into your creativity. For help finding the perfect pair for your style and shape, book a one-on-one in-store or virtual appointment with a Neiman Marcus style advisor.