3 Denim Trends My Mom Just Doesn't "Get" and 3 She Wants to Try
My mom and I have some 30-odd years between us. Although we may agree on a lot of things when we shop together (we're both loyal to Nordstrom, for instance, and always shop these brands), because of our generational gap, how we shop for things like jeans couldn't be more different. I, for one, banned skinny jeans from my closet for years while my mom, Joanne, has been reaching for them on repeat.
Recently, I was talking to her about ways to update her style post-60 and she mentioned that she was growing tired of only wearing skinny jeans when she wanted to wear denim. I have a feeling she's not the only one searching for another go-to jean style that's just as easy to wear as skinnies but feels more current, so I thought it would be fun to present some of the new denim trends I've personally been excited about to her and gauge her reactions to each of them. And that's how this story was born.
I called her up last week to brief her on all things denim in 2020 and dutifully jotted down her reactions to each of them, noting which jean styles she just doesn't understand and which ones she sounded especially excited about. Ahead, the three denim trends she wants to try most—and three she won't be any time soon.
Wearing: Straight-Leg Jeans
"Straight-leg jeans are exactly what I want to wear right now because they're tapered and straight like a skinny jean but don't cling like a legging. They feel like an updated version of the skinny jeans I usually reach for and I like that they're just as easy."
Skipping: Loose, Baggy Jeans
"I don't like the slouchy fit of these. It irks me when there's too much material and they bunch up around the ankle. I know that might be the look they're going for, but it just looks funny to me.”
Shop my straight-leg jean picks:
Wearing: Slim Wide-Leg Jeans
"I'm still graduating from skinnies, so for me, I'm not quite ready to try very voluminous wide-leg jeans. Instead, I'd rather go for something more structured and slim-fitting but that still has the trouser look of a true wide-leg pair."
Skipping: Flares
"I don't think I could be ready for a flare. It's too much. When I'm wearing jeans, I feel like I'm more casual and the flares feel too fancy for me."
Shop my slim wide-leg jean picks:
Wearing: White Jeans
"I love a crisp white jean, especially for the summer. I'm looking to add a pair to my closet now that are more of a straight fit."
Skipping: Full-Length Jeans
"The same reason I'm not drawn to those baggy-fit jeans is that I'm not a fan of the way they are so slouchy and pool around the ankle, so I much prefer a cropped or at-the-ankle length for my jeans."
Shop my white jean picks:
Next up, five sunglasses trends that are in for summer 2020 (plus five that are out).
Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.
-
Hailey Bieber Just Used the TikTok Styling Hack That Will Actually Go the Distance
I'm going to use it this weekend.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Jennifer Lopez Just Wore the $98 Jeans the Internet Loves
She must've read the reviews.
By Allyson Payer
-
Fashion People in Paris Will Wear These 4 Elevated Basics With Jeans in 2025
Easy-to-style looks.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
After 15 Years as a Fashion Writer, I Know These Free Style Tweaks Will Make a Big Impact
How to give your wardrobe a new lease on life.
By Emma Spedding
-
Sienna Miller Just Made Me Want to Wear the Jeans I Stopped Wearing Years Ago
If she wears them, they're still cool.
By Allyson Payer
-
Celebs in Their 50s Are Styling Jeans in an Anti-Casual Way, and I'm Here for It
Dressed-up denim.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
These Are the Buzzy Color Trends Everyone Will Wear With Jeans in 2025
Prepare your wardrobe.
By Natalie Cantell
-
Stylish Women in Paris, London, and NYC Prefer These Pant Trends Over Skinny Jeans
Very chic alternatives.
By Copelyn Bengel