Despite the fact that I remember straight leg jeans from the 90’s and also despite the fact that they give off a serious mom jeans vibe, I am digging them for one reason, I’m so tired of squeezing my body into skinny jeans. When I look at straight leg jeans, I can actually hear my body let out a sigh of relief. Maybe it’s because I’ll be 47 soon or maybe it’s from months of living casually, but I don’t feel like squeezing my body into anything anymore.
FIVE WAYS TO STYLE STRAIGHT LEG JEANS
So hooray, straight leg jeans are a thing. Now, all we have to do is figure out how to style them. Sure, I guess we could look back to see how we styled them years ago, but that’s probably not the best plan. Want to see a photo fo me in straight leg jeans from the 90’s?
Yea, I’m not wearing my jeans like that again. Not unless my arms get that skinny again. And could my jeans be any higher on my waist? I am pretty sure I had mono in this photo.
Okay, let’s take a look at five ways to style straight leg jeans for this century using this pair from Everlane. And take a look at more pairs at the end of this post.
Outfit #1

Straight leg jeans work well with a variety of shoe styles, which I find surprising, I don’t know why. I guess it’s because so many jeans styles have limitations. In this outfit, I styled these jeans with a silk blouse from Joie, a navy blazer from J. Crew, and finished the look with red flats from Linea Paolo, a warm grey bag from Marc Jacobs, and silver threader earrings.
Outfit #2

For the casual day (which is like every day these days), I styled these straight leg jeans with a cozy ivory sweater from Free People with a pair of fun printed sneakers from Madewell, a brown circle bag from Sole Society, and statement earrings from Anthropologie.
Outfit #3

I styled this easy and elegant look with a tunic button-up shirt from Lyssé, a burgundy croc-embossed bag, linear earrings from Anthropologie, and gold heeled loafers from Kate Spade.
Outfit #4

In this cozy fall look, I styled these jeans with an olive sweater from ALLSAINTS, a pair of cognac boots from the comfort brand Clarks, a plaid scarf from Asos, gold hoops from Kendra Scott, and a brown crossbody.
Outfit #5

For a mid-casual look, I styled these jeans with a burgundy t-shirt, oatmeal-colored cozy cardigan from Nordstrom, taupe booties from Lucky Brand, and backpack from Sole Society.
Shop for Straight Leg Jeans
Shop for more straight leg jeans here.
As someone with giant calves I love straight leg jeans because I can’t fit into skinny jeans 🙂
Such a good point! As someone who also has giant calves, I concur!
Bridgette – I’m not 21 any longer either. So glad to see skinnies on the wane. Can you comment on how to decide on length for straight leg jeans? I’m 5’8” and regular length seem to be 27/28” (way above my ankle). Tall jeans end below my ankle – where to hem?!?
thanks so much!
Amen, sister. I want comfort without looking like I haven’t gotten out of my pajamas. Regarding your length, your ankle bone is usually a good general guide to follow. I hope that helps!
Being short-waisted makes high-waisted jeans a real challenge. All of these outfits are great but they need the front tuck to mitigate the frump factor. Front tuck plus high waist equals kiss of death to stylish proportions for us short torso women. What to do?
LOL! Yea, I know, it can be a real pain. I always feel for my short waist clients. Have you considered a half-tuck or a french tuck which would give you a little shape without completely tucking in or creating such delineation between your top and bottom halves? And I just looked through all the outfits again and only the first one really requires tucking so you do have some options. I hope that helps you!