There’s a big debate about how to wear slouchy jeans—yes, the relaxed style that dominated your teenage wares—and it goes very much like this: Should you wear heels or flats? And as for tops? Some argue that to counteract the looser fit, you should opt for something more fitted to elevate the denim to a more sophisticated look. Others say that you should embrace the slouchy style and choose a chunky knit and trainers.
Much like skinny jeans, we imagine that a pair of slouchy blues are lurking in your wardrobe. But thanks to other styles getting more attention (straight legs or cropped flares, for example), perhaps they haven’t been your go-to for some time. But when you look at some recent street style pictures, we’ve noticed other fashion types haven’t been so quick to forget about them, and perhaps it’s high time we dug out our own pairs once more.
Turns out there are plenty of top influencers who can’t get enough of the slightly oversized, low-slung silhouette of these ’00s jeans. Further proof that you shouldn’t give up on them—at least, not until you revisit them and draw a conclusion for yourself.
The key to making these jeans look the 2021 part lies in the styling. Now, you can push beyond the plain-T-shirt box—even if it is a look that continues to serve us, and Sylvie Mus, well. If you’re feeling bold, why not integrate some trend-led pieces to lift these jeans to cool new heights? Make Ellie from Slip Into Style your muse on that front.
If you’re curious about how to wear slouchy jeans now, we’ve found eight prime examples of said styling to inspire you. And should you find your wardrobe lacks any of the items needed to re-create these looks, we’ve shopped them out for you.
Style Notes: Ripped jeans made a big comeback on the denim scene earlier in the year, and the look still feels prevalent now. Dress yours up with a blazer and pretty jewellery like Ali did for a high/low outfit spin.
Style Notes: One of the most noteworthy (and unmissable) trends on the A/W 21 runways was saturated hues. Models wore them top-to-toe for maximum impact like Ellie did, but you can break them up with a pair of jeans to make them more palatable for everyday wear.
Style Notes: No one can deny the chic appeal of jeans and shirts, though. If it were up for a debate, we reckon this look would seal the outcome. Effortless, easy, and elevated—what more could you ask for?
Style Notes: Monikh Dale is one of our denim-outfit muses—somehow she always manages to make them look interesting. Follow her lead and use yours to neutralise statement outerwear and shoes this winter.
Style Notes: Who says your boyfriend jeans have to be blue. White and ecru tones can look just as sleek—if not more so—in the colder months, particularly when they’re paired with chunky knitwear.
Style Notes: Jeans have the power to give anything a cool overhaul. Just look at Yoyo Cao’s ensemble—the collared-blouse-and-knitted-vest pairing could look too twee, but the addition of her patchwork jeans gives the pairing an entirely different vibe.
Style Notes: Looser-fit denim might feel casual, but there’s no reason you can’t wear them for drinks and dinners out. A simple vest and heeled boots are all you need to complete the transition.
Style Notes: We’ve already established that the easiest way to make most outfits look more sophisticated is to throw a sharp blazer over the top. We also love how Sylvie Mus has matched the shade of her blazer to that of her jeans in what feels like her own stylish interpretation of the Canadian tuxedo.
Next Up, Autumn/Winter 2021 Trends: The Only Fashion Looks You Need to Know
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.