I can recall a time, around 2008 I think it was, when black skinny jeans were life. They were one of the coolest things to wear; perfect with the influx of bold-shouldered Balmain rip-off blazers and spiked platform shoes fashion editors favoured, cool with a Breton and ankle boots to get that French-girl look, and great on a night out with a nice top. Like many other basic denim styles, they have become a relied-upon but oft forgotten part of our wardrobe. It’s been a long time since I felt excited about wearing a pair of black jeans, and I’m pretty sure the ones I did own (a nice little cropped flare from Frame) are languising somewhere in the back of my closet. No more shall you be overlooked, my inky jeans! Because in the past few days a flurry of celebrity arbiters of taste have decreed the darkest of denim washes to back in fashion. Lily Allen has been wearing her black skinnies on multiple nights out with multiple cute tops; Kendall Jenner has both a baggy-fit, straight-leg pair and a flared corduroy style, and they are her trusted partner for crop tops; Bella Hadid has opted in for a super-low-rise, skater-girl vibe, while Emma Roberts has stayed true to the ’00s with some ankle-grazing skinnies.
All of the A-listers in this gallery have styled their chosen black jeans very differently and are wearing them in different cities and different continents. What this variety does showcase is that it’s less about a cut and more about the fact that black is back for autumn 2021. So will you take their lead and swap in some jet-coloured jeans this season? Keep scrolling for outfit inspiration and to shop some of the coolest black jeans out there.
Style Notes: Black jeans really can be used as a base for all other colours—this unusual burgundy and green crop top of Kendall’s being a great example.
Style Notes: Another day, another mesh, form-fitting top to wear with black jeans. Only this time Kendall’s opted in for a skinny-cord pair of flares.
Style Notes: Lily Allen’s Victoriana blouse is the perfect gothic accompaniment to a pair of black jeans. Very London.
Style Notes: For a cuter look like Emma’s ribbed cardigan, skinny jeans and platform sandals combination.
Style Notes: Are you spotting a theme by now? Low-rise are in, and so are crop tops too. Bella Hadid’s skater-girl jeans and lip-smacking tee are totally ’00s.
Up next, 6 trends we’re into for autumn.
